Janus Baker, Author at Wakunaga of America

Heart Disease in Men & Simple Steps to Get Heart Smart

Posted on June 23, 2021May 19, 2022 by Janus Baker

Research shows that many men with low testosterone levels also have a higher risk of being diagnosed with cardiovascular disease. Coincidence? Not according to studies conducted at the University of Sheffield, U.K., linking low testosterone to an uptick in atherosclerosis, hypertension, heart failure, and heart attack. If you are at a higher risk of heart disease, ask your doctor to check your testosterone levels. Whether your risk of heart disease comes from low “T” levels, family history, or other root causes, there are simple steps men can take to improve their heart health. First let’s take a closer look at testosterone and how it can affect men’s health.

All About Testosterone

Testosterone production starts to decline around age 30.¹ A blood test can pinpoint your exact testosterone levels, and can tell you if your testosterone falls within normal range, or is above or below average. If your testosterone levels are too low, there are some things you can do to help, such as testosterone therapy. Testosterone is actually available as an injection, a patch, a gel, or a dissolvable tablet.

Conditions such as disorders of the testicles or problems with the pituitary gland may cause low testosterone levels in men. Lowered testosterone also occurs as a normal result of aging and doesn’t always mean that something is wrong with you. In years past, doctors frequently prescribed testosterone for men without medical conditions who had low testosterone as a result of normal aging. But these days, the FDA recommends that added testosterone therapy shouldn’t be used for low levels as a result of normal aging.

A recent study published in the journal “The Aging Male” found an association between low serum testosterone and heart problems.² Additionally, a study from the Intermountain Medical Center Heart Institute in Utah showed that testosterone therapy helped elderly men with low testosterone levels and pre-existing poor coronary artery conditions by reducing their risk of major cardiovascular events. The study showed that patients who had participated in testosterone therapy fared much better in heart-related events than non-testosterone therapy patients. Their research team studied just under 800 male patients between the ages of 58 and 78³

Ways to Prevent Heart Disease

Changing your eating habits is one area that can really help prevent heart disease. The diet that has proven the most effective is the Mediterranean diet, which means eating minimally processed, plant-based foods and including omega-3 fatty acids. This diet is so effective, that it’s been favorably compared to drug treatments in The American Journal of Medicine, for reducing high blood pressure and triglyceride levels.

It also helps to know your blood pressure. Having uncontrolled blood pressure can result in heart disease. High blood pressure has no symptoms, so it’s important to have your blood pressure checked regularly. Also talk to your healthcare provider about whether you should be tested for diabetes, since having diabetes raises your disk of heart disease.

Exercising regularly can also help to ward off heart disease. Physical activity can help you maintain a healthy weight and lower cholesterol and blood pressure. The Surgeon General recommends adults engage in moderate-intensity exercise for 2 hours and 30 minutes every week.

Don’t smoke! Smoking cigarettes greatly increases your risk for heart disease, so if you don’t smoke, don’t start. If you do smoke, quitting will lower your risk for heart disease. Your doctor can suggest ways to help you quit.

In addition to these heart smart tips, heart-smart supplements are key. Here are the top two supplements we recommend to give your arteries some extra protection.

Aged Garlic Extract (AGE): AGE may have the single biggest impact on heart health of any known dietary supplement. Research suggests that it supports healthy blood pressure and reduces oxidized LDL cholesterol levels, lowers homocysteine levels, and improves elasticity of blood vessel walls. A great supplement containing AGE that you can add to your daily routine is Kyolic Formula 100, which is designed to support and strengthen the cardiovascular system.

Coenzyme Q10: Coenzyme Q10 is a cofactor for producing energy to all the cells in the body. It also supports healthy circulation by inhibiting the formation of blood clots and acts as an antioxidant. Recent findings in the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry show that CoQ10 protects arteries by preventing the oxidation of LDL cholesterol. We recommend Kyolic Formula 110, which contains Coenzyme Q10 and AGE, designed to promote healthy heart function and cellular energy.

Exercise is another factor that can help rein in high blood pressure and other cardiovascular risk factors. Aerobic exercise—like walking, jogging, rowing, swimming, or biking—not only helps lower your blood pressure, it also increases blood flow throughout the entire body. Aerobic exercise is so effective that German researchers found it reduces both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in people that are resistant to medical treatment for their hypertension.

Take note gentlemen: be heart-smart and take control of your cardiovascular health! Learning about these risk factors can ultimately lower your risk of heart disease.

How to Stay Healthy While Traveling

Posted on June 22, 2021May 19, 2022 by Janus Baker

In addition to Covid concerns, travel can expose you to numerous other pathogens. It can also disrupt your sleep habits, diet, and even your microbiome. Fortunately, there’s help! Whether you are looking for tips to stay healthy while traveling, or just want to stay healthy in your day-to-day life, we have some recommendations and wellness essentials that can keep you in top form.

Why You Get Sick When You Travel

Traveling itself can mess with our immune system. From close, unsanitary quarters, to changes in your daily routine, travel can put your bodies through the ringer.

Air travel and humidity: While many people believe that recirculated, germy air is a major cause of illness after a plane ride, the real reason why flying can cause you to get sick is from a lack of humidity. High elevations cause the humidity level in the airplane cabin to drop. This decrease in humidity can cause your nose and throat to dry up, leaving your body’s natural defense mechanisms functioning less than optimally. To help counteract this phenomenon, pack some eye drops, moisturizer, and even nasal spray to combat in-flight dryness.

New allergens and germs: Exposure to new allergens and germs, not washing your hands enough, and coming into contact with large crowds can also make you sick on traveling. Airports, train stations, public transit, and popular tourist destinations can all increase the likelihood of coming down with something. Try to wash your hands regularly and for the proper length of time (about 20 seconds). It’s also smart to try and keep a bubble of personal space between you and the next person when in a large crowd.

Pre-vacation tiredness and stress: Travel is tiring, especially if you’re the type of person who stresses about packing and checking each thing off your to-do list prior to getting to your destination. Some effective time management can help reduce pre-travel stress and may even help you catch a few more zzz’s before you depart.

Alcoholic beverages: There’s nothing wrong with having a few drinks on vacation. After all, getting away from work and daily life is cause for celebration! But drinking more than you ordinarily would can increase the odds you will get sick upon returning home. Here’s why: Excessive drinking can inhibit your immune system, and that can make you more vulnerable to opportunistic pathogens. Consider spacing out your intake with a glass of water between each alcoholic beverage, and by refraining from drinking on a daily basis while on your trip.

Wellness Essentials and Healthy Travel Tips

Now that you know some of the main culprits that increase the odds of travel-related illness, here are some wellness essentials and healthy travel tips we recommend to stay in tip-top shape, before, during, and after vacation.

Take a daily probiotic: Your gut influences your immunity. In fact, about 70 percent of your immune system resides in your gut. This means that the relationship between your immune system and your gut is symbiotic. In other words, they’ve evolved together to eliminate harmful pathogens and make sure your body is protected.

Your gut microbiome acts as a gatekeeper and teaches key immune cells (like your T cells) to tell the difference between pathogens and your own tissue. When harmful pathogens mount an attack, these T cells swoop in to mediate the situation and destroy the infected cells. Because your gut health and immune health are tied together, it’s important to support your beneficial bacteria with not only probiotics, but also prebiotics, which act like food for your beneficial bacteria and helping them grow.

Stay hydrated: It’s easy to get dehydrated while traveling, so don’t forget to drink plenty of fluids. Start your day with a big glass of water and make sure to carry a water bottle with you at all times. It is recommended to get half your body weight in ounces of water per day.

Along with drinking water, incorporating a green drink into your travel schedule can also be beneficial. Green vegetables are essential for a strong immune system, better gut health, healthy detoxification, and more.¹ If you don’t like eating vegetables or simply have a hard time meeting your daily veggie quota, upping your intake of greens should be an essential part of your healthy game plan. Try finding a powdered green drink mix that comes in single-serve packets, making them easy to throw in your suitcase on your way to the airport.

Get in a walk: Exercise is great for the body, whether you’re home or traveling! If you can’t fit in time at a gym while you’re away from home, find other ways to move your body like walking instead of relying on a car and taking the stairs whenever possible.

Slow down: Packed itineraries leave very little room for self-care and rest—and that can leave you vulnerable to infection. Instead, it’s important to pace yourself and listen to your body when it is telling you it needs a break.

Watch what you eat: It’s easy to think, “I’m on vacation so I can drink and eat whatever I want!” But this can disrupt your digestive system and your overall health. Aim for at least one healthy meal per day, with lots of fresh, colorful fruits and vegetables to keep your immune system healthy and strong.

And if you’re traveling to a less-developed country, be sure to only consume foods that are prepared properly. Only eat foods that are thoroughly cooked and served steaming hot—and steer clear of raw vegetables and dairy products sold by independent street vendors. Also be aware that tap water may not be safe to drink in some countries, so bottles water is a safer bet.

Getting sick is a part of everyday life, and being on the road doesn’t exempt you from that fact. Fortunately, there are lots of things you can do, including the tips mentioned above, that can help to reduce your risk and keep you as healthy as possible while you travel and when you arrive back home.

Podcast: Dr. LaValle Joins Dr. Bob Martin on KTAR To Discuss Kyolic Omeg-AGE

Posted on June 17, 2021June 17, 2021 by Janus Baker

Dr. LaValle mentions how Kyolic Omeg-AGE makes it easy for consumers who want to be health conscious, but don’t know where to start. He also talks about the heart health benefits of Aged Garlic Extract, how it can help to “turn down” inflammatory processes in the body, lower inflammatory cytokines, lower blood pressure, and reduce coronary artery calcification. He also discusses the fish oil used in Omeg-AGE, and how it is sustainably sourced, certified by friends of the sea, and part of the world sustainability organization. He then touches on vitamins D and K, which are included in Kyolic Omeg-AGE, and mentions that people are getting immune benefits from vitamin D and K, which helps to keep the calcium in our bones. Omeg-AGE is mentioned at the 3:28 minute mark.

Click here to listen to this podcast.

About Dr. James LaValle

Jim LaValle, R.Ph., C.C.N, a nationally recognized clinical pharmacist, author, board-certified clinical nutritionist, and founder of Metabolic Code Enterprises, Inc. a web platform and practice solution enterprise, launching AIR Support and the Metabolic Code Assessment.

About The Dr. Bob Martin Show

The Dr. Bob Martin Show is the largest syndicated alternative health show in the US. The interactive programs focus on giving listeners health information that will encourage the motivation, confidence and conviction that they need to heal their own bodies of many ailments.

This article is for informational purposes only. This article is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice.

Super Greens Powders: Your Top Questions Answered

Posted on June 11, 2021May 19, 2022 by Janus Baker

That said, while green powders can supplement your overall nutrient intake and help fill the nutrition gap in what’s missing from your food, you shouldn’t use them as a total replacement. The best approach is to combine a daily dose of greens powder with a diet that is also rich in plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits. Why do you need a super greens powder in your life? Let’s take a look.

What is a super greens powder?

You want to add more greens into your diet, but don’t want to grab a bag of spinach, and can’t stand the taste of kale…so what should you do? The good news, a powdered green drink mix may be just what you need. Nutritionists and health agencies everywhere have long proclaimed the benefits of eating your vegetables daily – especially green ones. Yet, it’s a goal that very few of us meet. Despite recommendations to eat two to three cups of vegetables daily, only 1 in 10 adults actually consume that amount, which is unfortunate, because, calorie for calorie, vegetables provide optimal sources of nutrients among any food.

But don’t worry, super greens powders are here to help! What are they, you ask? Superfood greens powders are powdered blends of grasses, fruits, or veggies that provide a nutrient-dense, antioxidant-rich punch to support optimal health, including immunity, blood pressure health, and more. While the majority of your daily nutrients should come from whole, plant food sources, a green powder can fill in the gaps to help you stay healthy and on track.

When is the best time to have a green drink?

Powdered green drink mixes can be enjoyed at any time of day, and added to any cold liquid. Lots of folks like to take them in their morning smoothie. Some find it helpful to drink them during the afternoon, to get a boost of energy to help ward off the dreaded “afternoon slump.”

Aside from being a super-concentrated source of nutrients, the convenience factor is also a plus. A greens powder mix is an easy way to stay healthy while you’re traveling, on the go, or can’t easily access fresh greens and veggies. Pro tip: look for a powdered greens drink mix that comes in single-serve packets, so they stay fresh when you take them with you on the go. Why not make your life a bit easier!

What are the benefits of powered green drinks?

Greens are the health hotshots of the food world. They are low in calories and high in fiber, vitamins, and phytonutrients. Green vegetables are essential for a strong immune system, proper gut health, healthy detoxification, and more. Most importantly, greens help keep your body’s pH in balance, thanks to their alkalinizing properties. But greens go beyond what you’ll find at your local grocery store or farmer’s market. Think chlorella and kelp from the sea. Or barley and wheat grasses from the fields.

Whether you’re among those who are frightened by the sight of broccoli, or you simply have trouble meeting your daily quota due to a hectic schedule, upping your intake of a variety of greens should be an essential part of your health game plan. They can support an already healthy diet with a boost of extra vitamins and antioxidants.

But which green powder mixes are right for you?

Here are some green ingredients you should look for when choosing a high-quality powdered greens drink mix.

Wheatgrass: This juice bar staple is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and E, as well as iron, magnesium, calcium, and amino acids. Among its 17 amino acids, 8 are considered essential, meaning your body can’t produce them—they must come from your diet. Wheatgrass is a powerful source of glutathione, known as the “master” antioxidant. It’s little wonder that preliminary research has found that it reduces oxidative damage to cells. Other studies suggest that wheatgrass may support healthy cholesterol levels, aid in balancing blood sugar, counter an inappropriate inflammatory response, and induce the destruction of damaged or abnormal cells.1

Barley Grass: Along with vitamins A, C, E, beta-carotene, and B vitamins, barley grass is a rich source of potassium, calcium, iron, phosphorus, and magnesium. Barley grass also provides chlorophyll, amino acids, protein, fiber, and enzymes. Most importantly, barley grass is a source of superoxide dismutase (SOD), a critical enzyme that helps neutralize the harmful effects of free radicals.

Chlorella: These freshwater algae have survived on the earth for over two billion years. The secret to chlorella’s longevity is its fibrous outer wall. Although this defensive wall protects this single-cell alga, it also prevents the body’s ability to take advantage of chlorella’s detoxification benefits. Fortunately, scientists have found that breaking this wall releases chlorella’s natural ability to bind toxins and heavy metals through a process known as chelation. Chlorella also boasts a wealth of vitamins including vitamins B1, B2, B12, folic acid, C, and K. Plus, chlorella is a potent source of minerals, essential fatty acids, protein, and fiber.2

Spirulina: High in antioxidants, spirulina has been shown to inhibit the production of inflammatory signaling molecules. Spirulina is also rich in high-quality protein, B vitamins, iron, copper, magnesium, potassium, and manganese. Not only does this make spirulina an alkaline food, but its rich nutrient profile also gives this alga numerous health benefits as well. Research shows that spirulina supports healthy lipid levels, helps maintain blood sugar balance, benefits those with seasonal allergies, and improves muscle strength.3

Kelp: This common seaweed is rich in B vitamins, which play a critical role in cellular metabolism. Because it absorbs nutrients from its surrounding environment, kelp contains more than 15 amino acids and is also a great source of calcium, magnesium, copper, zinc, boron, and manganese. As a result, this mineral-rich seaweed helps maintain bone density and muscle health.4

Where are the best places to buy super greens powders?

If you are seeking out a good super greens powder green drink mix, you might want to start at your local health food store. They may even have samples you can try. You can purchase a powdered greens drink mix online also. Just be sure to read the ingredient label. Watch out for mixes that have added sugar or artificial flavors or colors. You don’t want to trade health benefits for extra calories or fruity flavored drinks.

Adding a nutrient-dense powdered green drink mix to water, juice, or your favorite smoothie, will help you meet your daily veggie intake, give you a boost of antioxidants, and support virtually every system in your body. Cheers!

The Importance of Hydration and the Symptoms of Dehydration

Posted on June 8, 2021May 19, 2022 by Janus Baker

To make a long story short, water does more than just quench your thirst—proper hydration affects every part of the body, as well as your overall health. Moreover, drinking enough water keeps your body functioning the way they should. Let’s take a deeper dive into the importance of hydration, and also touch on some common symptoms of dehydration (such as dehydration headaches, which are anything but fun!).

Why Is Water So Important to Your Body?

Water is so important that up to 60 percent of the human adult body is composed of it. More specifically, the brain and heart are composed of 73 percent water, and the lungs are about 83 percent water. H2O makes up 64 percent of your skin, 79 percent of your muscles and kidneys, and even 31 percent of your bones! All that water plays a critical role in how the body works. For instance:

Water regulates your internal body temperature through sweat and respiration. For example, if you are exercising or are in a hot climate, your body produces sweat in order to stay cool. But if you don’t replace the water you’re giving off, your body temperature will quickly rise and you’ll lose important electrolytes.
It can help to boost your metabolism.¹ In order to activate your metabolism and boost your energy levels, it helps to drink the recommended amount of water (half your body weight in ounces per day).
Water assists in flushing out waste via perspiration, urination, and defecation.
It encourages healthy digestion. If you want to effectively digest your food, you should drink plenty of water before, during, and after your meal. Water helps your body to break down what you eat.
Water forms saliva, which is the first step in breaking down the food you eat. Saliva’s main component is water, along with mucus, enzymes, and electrolytes.
H2O also lubricates joints. In order to maintain a full range of motion, you need to keep your joints, muscles, and spinal cord lubricated—and water can help to accomplish this goal.

But what happens if you don’t get enough water?

All About Dehydration

Dehydration can occur if you expend more fluid than you take in and your body doesn’t have enough water and other fluids to carry out its normal functions. If you don’t replace those lost fluids, you will become dehydrated.

The most common cause of dehydration in young children is diarrhea and vomiting—a lot of fluids can be lost that way. On the other end of the spectrum, older adults typically have a lower volume of water in their bodies. They may also have certain health conditions or take medications that increase their risk of dehydration. But no matter your age, dehydration can happen to you, especially if you don’t drink enough water during hot weather or during or after a vigorous workout.

What are the signs and symptoms of dehydration? They could be anything from extreme thirst, dark-colored urine, fatigue, or dizziness, but one of the most common is what’s known as a dehydration headache.

What are some key signs that a headache might be due to dehydration? First of all, a dehydration headache is a secondary headache caused by not having enough fluid in the body. When the body is dehydrated, the brain can temporarily shrink from fluid loss.² This mechanism causes the brain to pull away from the skull, triggering pain and resulting in a dehydration headache. Once hydrated, the brain plumps up and returns to its normal state, relieving the headache.

Most dehydration in adults occurs because of an overly busy schedule or because of a lack of access to safe drinking water when exercising or traveling. Other causes can include fever and excessive sweating. In general, the higher the fever, the more dehydrated you become. And this compounds if you also have diarrhea and vomiting.

Top Hydration Tips

If you’ve let your hydration habits slip, now’s the perfect time to get back on track.

Hydrate when you wake up and before meals. If you don’t have a water bottle right in front of you, it’s easy to get lost in your tasks for the day and forget to hydrate. But if you make it a priority to hydrate in the morning and drink two glasses of water when you wake up, that will help kick-start the process and set you up for success for the rest of the day. In addition to having those two glasses of water when you wake up, also prioritize having a glass of water before every meal. As a bonus, drinking water not only helps you feel fuller, you’re also more likely to eat slower, and as a result, less.

Eat your water. Yes, you read that right. Fruits and veggies with a high water content can help you meet your daily hydration quota. When at the grocery store, try and fill your cart with fruits like cantaloupe, strawberries, and watermelon, and veggies like lettuce, cabbage, celery, and spinach. All of these foods contain about 90 percent water. Dairy products like milk, yogurt, and cottage cheese are also excellent sources of H2O.

Sick of water? Try a green drink. We get it, it can be tough drinking a flavorless liquid all day long. If you’re looking to try something new, consider adding a powdered green drink mix to your water (or juice or smoothie). Drinking your greens is a great way to increase both your hydration and your veggie intake! Look for a product that contains barley grass, wheatgrass, chlorella, and kelp. These land and sea greens provide a host of antioxidants and other nutrients that can have beneficial effects on cholesterol, blood pressure, and more.

Use a smartphone app to track your water intake. Make your phone work for you by downloading a well-rated hydration-tracking app like Water Reminder (free on Google Play). These apps let you track how much water you’re consuming in a day so you’ll know if you’re meeting or missing the mark.

So let’s raise a glass to all of water’s many health benefits! Aim to get your recommended amount of water per day by incorporating a few of the tips above. Your body will thank you.

How do we know Aged Garlic Extract is safe to take? Trust the Science.

Posted on May 19, 2021May 19, 2022 by Janus Baker

Is Aged Garlic Extract Safe?

The first thing to know is that the FDA does monitor the manufacture of dietary supplements. They have established a set of rules and standards that a manufacturer must follow in order to qualify for GMP certification (Good Manufacturing Process). These extensive quality control standards include everything from raw materials to ingredient potency and accuracy to production to packaging and distribution. Annual audits are performed to ensure the standards are followed. The FDA has the power to recall products at any time. So, the first thing you want to know is the company that makes the supplements that you are using is cGMP compliant. Wakunaga of America was one of the first companies to receive certification as a GMP facility back in the 1980s.

In addition, The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have enforcement programs to protect consumers from false and misleading claims about the safety and benefits of products marketed as dietary supplements. Both agencies have authority over the marketing of these products. Check the labels and the promotional materials of the products you are using. Are they making outlandish claims to cure cancer or other miraculous results? Then they are violating the laws. Report them to the FTC.

The best way to answer the question “Is Aged Garlic Extract safe?” is with scientific studies. But even here it is a good idea to look closely at what the product or brand is claiming. There have been extensive studies done on most of the primary nutrients used in dietary supplements, like Vitamin C, Vitamin D, and the fish oil used in omega-3 supplements. If your supplement states that they are clinically studied, or tested, or documented, it may be referring to general studies done on one or more of the ingredients that are contained in the product. If you want to go to the next level of verification, check to see if the supplement has studies on its exact formulation. Are the studies of the highest standard — double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, and peer-reviewed? Even when studies are funded by the company that produces the product, if they have been published in peer-reviewed journals, the results are not prejudiced to the product, they are honest assessments of whatever the study set out to discover about how a nutrient performs or a combination of nutrients.

Read more about our rigorous quality control standards.

The Science Behind Aged Garlic Extract

Speaking of science, there are over 870 peer-reviewed published scientific articles on Aged Garlic Extract to back up the safety and efficacy of this unique nutrient. Here are examples of clinical studies that show Kyolic AGE’s efficacy in supporting heart health, gut health, and even gingivitis.

Learn more about the science behind our Aged Garlic Extract.

In this study,¹ Dr. Karin Reid of the National Institute of Integrative medicine in Melbourne, Australia has discovered that a daily dose of Kyolic Aged Garlic Extract not only reduces blood pressure, it also improves the bacterial balance in the gut.
This study,² which was published in the International Journal of Cardiovascular Research, shows that a daily dose of Kyolic Formula 108 Total Heart Health reduced coronary artery calcification (CAC) by an impressive 65%. A related study also found that Kyolic Formula 108 didn’t just prevent calcium buildup, it also influenced two typed of fat involved in heart disease: brown fat and white fat.
This double-blind, placebo-controlled study,³ which was conducted at the Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, looked at the impact CoQ10 had on a group of firefighters at moderate risk of heart disease. At the end of the study, the UCLA researchers found that the firefighters taking the AGE/CoQ10 supplement has significantly fewer coronary artery calcium deposits in their arteries and lower C reactive protein levels than those taking the placebo. These actions translated to a lower risk of future cardiovascular issues.
Yet another study,⁴ which was published in the Journal of Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine, reported that supplementing with Kyolic Aged Garlic Extract effectively reduced blood pressure in people with hypertension, while also improving arterial stiffness and gut microbiota.
Finally, according to this Israeli study⁵ conducted at the Hebrew University-Hadassah School of Dental Medicine, taking a daily dose of Kyolic Aged Garlic Extract can effectively reduce gum inflammation and bleeding in those with the disease.

FAQ’s about AGE safety

Are there any side effects?

Our Aged Garlic Extract is safe to take and is generally well tolerated unless you are allergic or sensitive to garlic or any compounds in garlic.

How long until I see improvement?

As with any dietary supplement, results vary from individual to individual. We generally recommend taking the product for one to three months before evaluating.

Can you take this while pregnant?

The safety of our AGE has been confirmed in preclinical studies in each trimester of pregnancy. Although AGE has been successfully recommended for 60 years as an over-the-counter (OTC) for pregnant women in Japan, we always recommend that you consult with your healthcare provider before use.

Looking for more information about Aged Garlic Extract? We answer all of your pressing questions in our Ultimate Guide to Aged Garlic Extract.

Women’s Heart Health Plus Tips for Better Blood Flow

Posted on May 18, 2021May 19, 2022 by Janus Baker

That equals approximately one woman every minute!¹ High blood pressure, high LDL cholesterol, and smoking are key risk factors for heart disease, and about half of all men and women in the U.S. have at least one of these three risk factors.²

The most common cause of heart disease is the narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries, which are the blood vessels that supply blood to the heart itself. Technically known as coronary artery disease, this narrowing happens slowly over time. But there are two types of heart disease that affect more women than men. The first is coronary microvascular disease, which is a condition that affects the heart’s tiny arteries. Surprisingly, the second is “broken heart” syndrome. This is ia real condition that is triggered by extreme emotional stress which leads to severe heart muscle failure.

There are also certain factors that can play a bigger role in the development of heart disease in women. One of these is diabetes. Women with diabetes are more likely to develop heart disease than men with diabetes.³ Also, because diabetes can change the way people feel pain, a woman is at greater risk of having a silent, or symptom-free, heart attack. Menopause can also play a role. Low levels of estrogen after menopause pose a significant risk of compromising smaller blood vessels.⁴ In addition, experiencing either high blood pressure or preeclampsia during pregnancy can increase the mother’s long-term risk of cardiovascular disease later in life.⁵ That said, we are here to provide some helpful tips to support heart health, including how to achieve better blood flow.

Wait…Women’s Hearts Are Different than Men’s?

Did you know that women’s hearts are smaller than men’s? It’s true! A woman’s heart actually weighs two ounces less than a man’s.⁶ To make up for this, a women’s heart rate is generally faster. Men average at about 70 beats per minute (bpm) while women average about 78 bpm. This causes the female heart to work just a little harder over the course of her lifetime. Women also have narrower arteries and their heart valves are usually a bit more flexible and relaxed.

Heart-Healthy Tips for Women

So how can you support your heart health? Let’s take a look.

Schedule that annual checkup. First things first, it is important to get annual checkups from your medical provider to assess your heart-health risk. This includes becoming knowledgeable about key health numbers like your blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Know the classic heart attack symptoms. Heart attack symptoms for women can sometimes present differently than men. The most common heart attack symptom though, is the same for either gender—some type of chest pain, pressure, or discomfort that lasts more than a few minutes, or comes and goes. But women may also have other symptoms of a heart attack like back pain, shoulder pain, a feeling of fullness in the stomach, or nausea.

Get enough sleep. Most people are familiar with the consequences of sleep deprivation—heavy eyelids, short attention span, and excessive yawning. But there are more consequences of poor sleep than people realize, particularly for increasing your risk of heart disease.⁷ Poor sleep duration or poor sleep quality has also been linked to high blood pressure.⁸ People who sleep six hours or less per night may have steeper increases in blood pressure. Why, you may ask? Well, it’s thought that sleep helps your body control the hormones needed to regulate stress and metabolism. Over time, a lack of sleep could potentially cause swings in these hormones, leading to elevated blood pressure and other risk factors for heart disease.

Tame stress. Chronic stress is another area of concern for women. It can lead to factors that increase the risk of heart disease, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, inactivity, and overeating. To help cope with ongoing stress, try talking to someone you trust, such as a friend, family member, or doctor. It also may help to practice meditation for at least 10 minutes a day and engage in a bit of deep breathing when life seems overwhelming.

Practice a heart-healthy diet. Changing your eating habits can be tough, but it can definitely improve your heart health. One quick tip is to watch your portion size. How much you eat is just as important as what you eat. Portions served in restaurants are often more than what anyone needs. Try using a small plate or bowl to help control your portions. Eat larger amounts of low-calorie, nutrient-dense foods like fruits and veggies—and eat smaller amounts of food high in calories, sugar, and sodium. Eating oily fish like salmon, sardines, and tuna can also help foster better cardiovascular health by improving blood circulation.⁹

It helps to know proper serving sizes, too. For example, one serving of pasta is about one-third to one-half cup, or about the size of a hockey puck. And a serving of fish or meat should be about the size of a deck of cards. Besides monitoring portion sizes, try to limit the amount of unhealthy fat you consume. Limiting this is important in further reducing your blood cholesterol and lowering your risk of coronary artery disease. High blood cholesterol can contribute to a buildup of plaque in your arteries—and that can increase your risk of heart attack or stroke.

Lastly, limit your salt intake. Eating too much salt can lead to high blood pressure, which is an important risk factor for heart disease. The American Heart Association recommends that healthy adults consume no more than 2,300 mg of sodium a day (about a teaspoon of salt).

Improve blood flow. The circulation of your blood is one of the most important functions of the body and plays a major role in your overall health. Not surprisingly, the main component of this function involves the body’s most significant organ—the heart. Many people may underestimate the importance of proper circulation, making lifestyle choices like smoking or not exercising that significantly impede this function. Having good circulation is important because it carries blood and oxygen throughout the body, allowing your lungs, heart, and muscles to function properly and efficiently.

How can you improve your circulation? One way is to get some type of cardio in every day, if only for 20 to 30 minutes. This can be as simple as briskly walking around the block after dinner. Yoga is another option and it’s a low-impact workout that is easy to modify for beginners. As you bend, stretch, and twist, the movements used in yoga can help compress and decompress your veins, which may improve circulation.

And don’t forget to stay hydrated! Drinking plenty of water helps things flow efficiently through the body and also flushes out toxins. Aim to drink half your body weight in ounces each day.

Try a supplement. Have you heard of aged garlic extract (AGE)? It’s one of the most heavily researched herbal medicines and is among the most commonly used supplements in people with heart disease. It’s especially helpful for those looking to avoid the use of statin drugs. In numerous clinical trials, AGE has consistently provided favorable effects on heart health.¹⁰ What’s more, Kyolic AGE is produced through a proprietary aging process that eliminates garlic odor and harsh side effects. A heart-healthy dose is 1,200 mg daily.

We also encourage you to take a look at this study centering on AGE and how it can support heart health, this study, which confirms the blood pressure and gut health benefits of AGE, and this study, which shows that taking a combination of AGE and CoQ10 can also help to support heart health and lessen plaque formation.

Taking these small steps now can improve your heart health, blood pressure, and circulation. It might even help prevent a cardiovascular event in the future.

Afternoon Slump: How to Kick it Without Coffee

Posted on May 14, 2021May 19, 2022 by Janus Baker

What is the “afternoon slump?”

There is no denying the afternoon slump…even the most motivated people can find themselves feeling tired by midday. The “afternoon slump” describes the sleepy and sluggish feeling that comes on in the afternoon, usually around 2 or 3 pm…and it can seriously impact your ability to get things done. There are a few different reasons people experience an afternoon slump, like dehydration, high levels of stress, poor eating habits (i.e. eating too many carbs that day), or it can also be an underlying metabolic disorder like pre-diabetes or insulin resistance. You probably know when you’re experiencing an afternoon slump, because you may feel fatigued and lethargic, yawn frequently, be a bit moody, crave carbs, and even have slight changes in vision.

How do you avoid an afternoon slump?

While there can be several potential causes for an afternoon slump, here are some actions you can take that can help prevent you from becoming tired and groggy in the afternoon. Our first tip is to spend a few minutes outside. Exposure to bright light, like sunlight, can increase feelings of wakefulness. Step outside and take a few deep breathes. Another tip is to take a quick nap after lunch if you are able – it can just be for 15-20 minutes. This short rest period can help to reduce sleepiness and make you more alert and responsive.

This next tip is a bit odd…chew gum! Yes, we’re serious. The simple act of chewing gum can increase alertness, improve work performance, and broaden your attention.¹

Another thing you can try is to get in some exercise (preferably outside). Exercise is one of the simplest things you can do to feel more alert. If you have the time, take a brief walk or head to the gym for a light workout. If your schedule does not allow for this quick gym time, try standing up and stretching your arms toward the ceiling, bend, and move for a few minutes, which can help to release the tension of sitting at a desk and staring at a screen all day.

One last tip to help you feel less groggy in the afternoon is to not eat a carb-laden lunch. Opt for a meal with protein, fruits, veggies, whole grains, and fiber, with minimal saturated fat.

Think green with no caffeine

Certain foods and drinks can also help ward off an afternoon slump. But instead of reaching for another cup of coffee or energy drink (or a candy bar – don’t chase that sugar high, it never lasts), we recommend trying a powdered green drink mix instead, which can provide a natural boost of energy by charging your metabolism. Stay away from those with added sugar and artificial flavors. Green drinks don’t need to taste like chocolate. Find one with a natural light taste, similar to green tea. Look for ones containing barley grass, wheatgrass, and other natural green nutrients.

Barley grass contains vitamins A, C, E, beta-carotene, and B vitamins, and is also a rich source of potassium, calcium, iron, and magnesium. Barley grass is a natural detoxifier that protects the liver. It also supports healthy blood pressure, enhances immunity, improves digestion, has blood glucose supporting effects, and can even help to lessen fatigue.

Juice-bar favorite wheatgrass, on the other hand, is a great source of vitamins A, C, and E as well as iron, magnesium, and amino acids. Wheatgrass is a powerful source of glutathione, known as the “master” antioxidant. Other studies suggest that wheatgrass may also support healthy cholesterol levels, and aid in balancing blood sugar.

Freshwater algae a.k.a. chlorella, has survived on earth for over two billion years. The secret to chlorella’s longevity is its fibrous outer wall. Although this defensive wall protects these single-cell algae, it also prevents the body’s ability to take advantage of chlorella’s detoxification benefits. Fortunately, scientists have found that breaking this wall releases chlorella’s natural ability to bind toxins and heavy metals through a process called chelation. Chlorella also boasts a wealth of vitamins including vitamins B1, B12, folic acid, C, and K. Plus, chlorella is a great source of minerals, essential fatty acids, protein, and fiber. Interestingly, a 2014 study showed that people who ingested chlorella each day for four weeks saw an increase in their peak oxygen intake, showing that chlorella might help increase aerobic endurance capacity.²

Why do I lack energy in the afternoon?

The Circadian Rhythm plays a part in your afternoon slump. Also known as our ‘biological clock,’ our Circadian Rhythm is basically the compilation of body processes that control when we wake up and when we go to bed (or at least feel energized and sleepy). Lightness and darkness signal to a part of the brain that it is either time to wake up or go to sleep, triggering our production of certain hormones and other bodily changes that either rev us up or quiet us down. Our body produces the stress hormone cortisol when it’s time to wake up, and melatonin when it’s time to go to sleep. Our body temperature also warms up to wake us up and cools to make us feel sleepy. Our exact individual rhythms can vary, but most of us feel a strong shift and urge to wake up after sunrise and go to bed after sunset. It’s pretty common to think that our Circadian Rhythm only kicks in to make us tired after the sun goes down, but we actually also experience a natural dip in the afternoon. This mid-afternoon slump that leaves you sitting at your desk sleepy and a little lethargic is completely normal. Besides this, getting too little sleep on a regular basis can also contribute to an afternoon slump.

Dehydration can also play a role. Fluids are vital for our energy levels. Even mild dehydration can leave you feeling tired, sluggish, and maybe a little moody. This can be an issue particularly for people who work desk jobs since we often lean on coffee and tea to get us through the day…pushing water to the side. Running errands, picking up and dropping off the kids; it is easy to forget to keep drinking water all day. Try to get in the habit of drinking half your body weight in ounces of water per day (a 120lb person can have up to 60 oz of water a day).

What causes an afternoon crash?

Besides the role your Circadian Rhythm plays in your afternoon crash, diet is also an important element, and can really affect your energy levels throughout the day. Something else that can cause an afternoon slump is a dip in blood sugar levels, which is tied to what you eat during the day. Foods that are made up mostly of sugar and carbs will fill you up, but leave you feeling shaky and tired later. After we eat too many “empty carbs” – foods that are high in sugar but low in protein – our blood sugar levels spike; when they plummet a few hours later, we experience a crash in our energy levels. So if you’re eating a bowl of fries or pasta and feeling tired around 3 pm, your meal could be the culprit.

It’s important to remember that the afternoon slump is a completely natural thing. Just try not to let it catch up with you too often. By keeping some of the steps listed above in mind, you can help to make your afternoon slump less severe, and prevent those sleepy, sluggish feelings from slowing down your day.

Bone Health and the Vitamin D – K Connection

Posted on May 11, 2021May 19, 2022 by Janus Baker

According to the Osteoporosis Foundation, one in two women and one in four men will break a bone in their lifetime due to osteoporosis. For women, the incidence is greater than that of a heart attack, stroke, and breast cancer combined.¹

But before you reach for that glass of calcium-rich milk, let’s delve a little deeper into the world of bones—what they are, how they change over time, and which nutrients may help provide support.

What Are Bones?

You rely on bones and joints to support your body and help you navigate the world. But what are your bones actually made of? Bones are made up of a framework of a protein called collagen, along with a mineral called calcium phosphate that makes the framework hard and strong. They are built to withstand great stress from activities like walking, running, and jumping. What you might not know, however, is that your body removes old bone and replaces it with new bone. This means that your bones are constantly changing.

When you are young, bone is replaced much more quickly than it is lost. This is the time when you are building stronger, denser bones. Around age 30, you reach your peak bone mass. After reaching this peak mass, your body replaces about as much bone as it loses for a while. But around age 40, this process slows down and less bone is replaced. Over time, this causes the bones to become thinner and weaker, increasing the risk of osteoporosis. If bone thinning makes your bone density drop below normal, you have what is called osteopenia. And if bone thinning becomes more severe, you’ll be diagnosed with osteoporosis.

Unfortunately, being female puts you at a greater risk of developing osteoporosis and broken bones. One reason is that women tend to have smaller, thinner bones than men. Another reason is that estrogen, a hormone that protects bones, drop significantly after a women reaches menopause. And this can lead to bone loss.

Ethnicity also plays a role in your risk. Here are some quick stats on how osteoporosis affects different races:²

Caucasian women. Twenty percent of Caucasian women age 50 and older are estimated to have osteoporosis; what’s more, between the ages of 20 and 80, Caucasian women lose 1/3 of their bone-mineral density in their hip.

Asian American women. About 20 percent of Asian-American women age 50 or older are estimated to have osteoporosis. About 90 percent of Asian Americans adults are lactose intolerant, which can make it difficult to get enough calcium.

African American women. Five percent of African American women older than 50 are estimated to have osteoporosis;one reason for this is that about 70 percent of African Americans are lactose intolerant. This can make it difficult to get enough calcium.

Latina women. Ten percent of Latina women have osteoporosis, and half of all Latina women older than 50 have low bone mass. This means their bones are getting weaker but they don’t yet have osteoporosis.

Other Factors that Affect Bone Health

There are a number of factors that can affect bone health beyond gender and race. For example:

The amount of calcium in your diet. A diet low in calcium contributes to diminished bone density, early bone loss, and an increased risk of fractures.
A sedentary lifestyle. People who are physically inactive have a higher risk of osteoporosis than folks who are more active.
Tobacco and alcohol use. Some research suggests that tobacco use contributes to weak bones.³ Also, regularly having more than one alcoholic beverage per day for women and more than two for men may increase the risk of osteoporosis.
You are at risk if you are extremely thin (with a BMI index of 19 or less) or have a small body frame because you may have less bone mass to draw from as you age.

How to Build Stronger Bones

Several simple steps can help prevent or slow down bone loss. One thing you can do is to include plenty of calcium in your diet. For women ages 19 to 50 and men ages 51 to 70, the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) is 1,000 milligrams of calcium per day. The recommendation increases to 1,200 mg a day for women age 51 and older and for men age 71 and older. Good sources include dairy products, almonds, broccoli, kale, canned salmon with bones, sardines, and tofu. Try to include physical activity in your daily routine too. Weight-bearing exercises like jogging, walking, dancing, and climbing stairs can help you to build strong bones.

In addition to boosting your calcium intake, adding a few other key nutrients can also help. For instance, vitamin D is an essential nutrient for optimal bone health. This is because calcium and vitamin D work together to protect your bones—calcium helps build and maintain healthy bones while vitamin D helps your bones effectively absorb the calcium. So even if you’re getting enough calcium, it could be going to waste if you’re deficient in vitamin D.

Vitamin K is another bone-building nutrient that you mainly get comes from the foods in your diet. This vitamin comes in two forms—vitamin K1, which comes from plants, and vitamin K2, which is found in dairy, eggs, fermented foods, meat, and poultry. Studies show that vitamin K increases bone mineral density in people with osteoporosis and reduces fracture rates.⁴

The D-K Connection

Now that you’re up to speed on both of these critical nutrients, let’s talk about the synergistic relationship between them. Turns out, vitamins D and K work together to make sure calcium is correctly distributed in your body.

One of the main functions of vitamin D is to maintain adequate levels of calcium in the blood. There are two ways that vitamin D can achieve this. First, it improves the absorption of calcium from the foods you eat.⁵ Second, vitamin D maintains healthy calcium blood levels even when you don’t consume enough of the mineral by drawing on the body’s main calcium supply—your bones.⁶ If this happens often enough or over a long period of time, it can lead to osteoporosis.

While vitamin D ensures you have healthy levels in your blood and promotes the absorption of calcium in bones, it doesn’t fully control where the calcium in your body ends up. That is where vitamin K comes into play. Vitamin K regulates calcium by activating something called osteocalcin, which is a protein that promotes the accumulation of calcium in your bones and teeth.⁷Vitamin K also activates what’s called the matrix GLA protein, which is a protein that prevents calcium from accumulating in soft tissues like your arteries or kidneys.⁸

Suffice to say, these two vitamins work as a team and provide more bone benefits in the presence of the other than alone. That’s why it’s so important include foods rich in calcium and vitamin K in your daily diet and getting 10 to 15 minutes of unexposed sun exposure every day. You can also ensure healthy levels by taking supplements.

Bottom line? You’re never too old or too young to take care of your bones! Adopting good lifestyle habits and getting healthy amounts of these key nutrients can help protect your bones throughout life and decrease your chances of getting osteoporosis.