How to Get Lean Muscle

There are many ways to build lean muscle that will make you look toned and athletic. The key is to keep up with whichever method fits you best. Fitness is not something that happens in x-amount of days. Instead, fitness is a lifestyle that is lived through diet, exercise, mindfulness and activity.
“I’m too busy” is a common excuse when it comes to fitness. Investing an hour a day to fitness three to six times a week will give you more physical and mental health benefits than you can imagine. If you really break it down, what’s four hours a week to spend on exercise? When you look at devoting just four hours a week to exercise, it really doesn’t seem that intimidating.
For those with busy lives who don’t know where to start with their fitness, we offer a course that is specifically for those on the go. Not only does it help you to get fit with exercise, but it offers healthy diet options so you can start working toward that lean muscle.

Running

One of the best exercises for building lean muscle is running, and it’s one of the most affordable. All you need is proper shoes and clothing and you’re good to go. While it may not be the easiest at first, as long as you keep pushing and aiming for goals, running will become easy, rewarding and fun. And the more you keep with it, the more you will see your body change. That’s because running burns more calories than most types of cardio. If you have a gym membership, skip the bike, eliptical or stairstepper and hit the treadmill for 30 minutes. On average, you burn 100 calories per mile, which makes tracking calories easy. Running is an aerobic exercise, which is an exercise that burns fat, a key component in getting that lean muscle you want.

Diet

Diet is just as important as exercise when it comes to losing fat and gaining muscle. Lean protein is the key to building lean muscle. Switch your diet from carb-heavy to lean-protein heavy and you will start seeing the changes in your body that you are aiming for. That’s not to say take carbohydrates out of your diet altogether, as they are important for energy. It is protein that helps rebuild muscle, so if it’s muscle that you’re looking to build, there should be more servings of protein in your diet than carbohydrates. A popular diet that many athletes and fitness enthusiasts use to look their best is the paleo diet. The diet (based on that of the Paleolithic humans) focuses on eating fish, grass-fed meats, eggs, vegetables, fruit, fungi, roots and nuts. With this course, you will learn more about the diet, as well as how it will help you get rid of fat and gain muscle.

Weight Training

Many people think that weight training is an exercise that will make them bulk up. That is actually not true. You will not bulk up unless you add supplements and extra calories in the form of protein in your diet. As long as you keep with your balanced diet, you will see lean muscle start to emerge. Strength training actually makes your body work harder to maintain muscle over fat. This, in turn, helps to boost metabolism and burn more fat and calories throughout the day. As we age, we lose lean muscle and need to replace the muscle loss or else it will turn to fat. Weightlifting is a great way to replace the muscle loss and prevent fat. With this course, you will learn the importance of strength training, as well as the tools to gain muscle and lose fat.

Yoga

Until you try yoga, you have no idea what an entire-body experience it really is. Yoga helps bring all your work — whether it’s running, biking, weightlifting, swimming — together. There are many health benefits you get from practicing yoga on a regular basis. Yoga is not only good for your body, but it reduces stress and depression, as well as helps you to sleep better. When it comes to body benefits, practicing yoga will strengthen muscles to help aches and pains, tone your body to get that lean muscle you’re looking for, improve flexibility, increase endurance (which will help with your cardio exercises), help your posture and more. A good yoga session leaves you feeling relaxed and replenished. If you’re interested in beginning yoga, don’t be intimidated. Yoga is a practice where nobody is perfect. You can always set goals for yourself and get better with your practice. This course we offer is yoga for everyone, which introduces yoga to beginners. In it, you learn sitting, standing and lying practices, as well as the importance of meditation. If you’ve got the hang of yoga and want to dive into the practice further, we also offer this course, which has more than 30 hours of techniques.

 Putting It All In Practice

Once you start a routine of diverse exercises and healthy eating, you will start seeing changes in your body over time. Losing fat and building lean muscle is not something that happens immediately, so we recommend keeping a journal of your progress and taking a photo of yourself at the beginning of each month to see how far you’ve come. It’s important to remember that in order to keep your lean muscle you’ve worked hard for, you need to create a healthy and positive lifestyle for yourself. It takes effort, but once you start seeing the changes in your body and in your mental health, you’ll want to keep going forward. The confidence that you get from maintaining a healthy and fit lifestyle is something that is worth all that hard work.

Source

Why a Recovery Shake?

We are often asked what the one thing is that a client can do to improve their results. Assuming you are already working out 2-4 days per week, it would be to drink a Recovery Shake immediately following your workout. It's what you do outside of the workout that gets you results, and this is the first step of the process.

So what makes up a Recovery Shake?

A Recovery Shake needs to contain whey protein (preferably a whey isolate, not a whey concentrate) and a quick absorbing form of carbohydrate to replenish depleted glycogen stores. The best sources of carbohydrate are fruit and crushes fruit purees.

So just how will a Recovery Shake benefit you?

Research has shown that individuals who drank a whey protein shake after a workout lost 9.2 pounds more than those who only dieted.
Provides nutrients to the muscles after exercise to begin the repair process. And these nutrients do not just come from the whey protein, carbohydrates are also an important part of the shake to help replenish glycogen stores in the muscles that have been depleted during the workout.
Helps to build muscle tissue, which will increase metabolism and burn more calories. 

 

  Can you drink a Recovery Shake after your workout in place of a meal?

This a common mistake many people make. After your workout you want to drink your Recovery Shake and then follow that up with a meal. The shake gives your body the nutrients it needs to start the recovery process, but a meal within and hour to an hour and a half later will give your body the fuel and calories it needs to function properly. The calories from your shake go in and replenish nutrients lost during the workout, resulting in free calories.

What happens if you skip a Recovery Shake?

By skipping your shake you put your body in a catabolic state, meaning muscle wasting. This catabolic state is the result of your body looking for nutrients to start the recovery process, but not having any available. So in order to get those nutrients your body breaks down muscle tissue to get what it needs. This is not a good thing as it results in your metabolism running slower which means less calories burned. And those less calories burned are not just during your workout it's less calories all day long. Research has shown that people who participate in strength training actually burn calories at an elevated rate for about 48 hours after their workout. The shake maximizes this effect.

So after your next workout reward yourself with a tasty Recovery Shake for working hard and sweating your hind end off for the past 45 minutes!

Source : Josh Proach

5 Things You Should Know If You Want To Get A Flat Stomach

The reason why you have excess belly fat on your body is due to the fact that the amount of calories that you are consuming is greater in number than the number of calories that you are burning. You have to turn this the other way round if you want to get a flat stomach. In other words, increase the number of calories burnt than have been consumed. Here are 5 top tips to help you get a flat belly.

 

1. Build Muscle.

Muscles burn more calories, even while they are at rest. Lifting weights or resistance training helps to build and tone muscle but it will not turn you into a bulky bodybuilder. Body builders use a very particular exercise regimen and usually take muscle enhancing supplements to get their bulky body shape. Your resistance training routine to get a flat stomach should focus on training the largest muscle groups of the body like the legs, back, and chest.

2. Eat Less, But Frequently.

According to nutrition experts, consuming around five smaller and healthy meals everyday is a lot more effective to burn calories. This is because, every time you eat, your digestive system will burn food and in the process calories will also be burnt.

3. Cardio Workout.

You do need to include some cardiovascular activity to increase your heart rate, condition your lungs and stay healthy. But if you spend hours on the treadmill or stationery bike at the same continual pace, it is not going help you get a flat stomach so that those abs muscles start to showing. To burn fat but to get the maximum results from your cardio exercises, use interval training where you alternate between high intensity exercise with low intensity recovery periods.

4. Eat Foods That Help You To Burn Fat.

There are certain foods that do help you to burn fat. Foods like spinach, cucumber, tomatoes, carrots, watermelon, berries and apples are high in water and fibre but low in calories. Cruciferous vegetables, like brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, turnips and watercress actually contain nutrients that help fight elements that cause the body to deposit fat in the stomach area..

5. Drink More Water.

When you want to get a flat stomach, what you drink is just as important as what you eat. Water has no preservatives, no sodium, and no calories. You can drink plenty of water without adding to your caloric intake. If you feel hungry, try drinking a glass of water first because the sensation of hunger and thirst are very similar. Drinking water can help you to feel fewer hunger pangs, so you'll eat less and that will help you to get a flat stomach more easily.

Do you want to learn more ways to lose weight and get fit? Are you confused about healthy eating? Do you want to know the best workout techniques to get the results you want?

Source By Jon Allo  / Ezine 

What is Isagenix?

AND WHAT IS NUTRITIONAL CLEANSING?

•  It is an all natural system of products that is organic where possible and doesn’t contain artificial flavours colours, fillers or sweeteners and uses the highest quality  ingredients.
• Nutritional cleansing is about bringing the body into balance by gently cleansing away toxins while feeding it high quality nutrients and minerals.
• It’s not a ‘’single organ” cleanse….. EVERY SINGLE CELL in your body, including your brain is cleansed without the nasty, ill effects that some detoxes result in.
• Our Nutritional Cleansing System is actually not a “weight-loss program’’. As your body moves into an optimal state of health, excess fat and fluid are released while preserving your precious lean muscle mass. In fact, the same program used to lose weight is used by elite Olympic Athletes like Jana Pittman and Natalie Cook that have very little body fat!
• The system is not a liquid or starvation diet, you continue to eat frequently and abundantly throughout the day and your body is rejuvenated and replenished with natural botanicals, trace minerals, enzymes and incredible nutrients that are all scientifically proven to allow the body to be the miracle it is.
• Ever wonder why you get that Yo-Yo effect with diets – lose weight then get it all back plus 10% more than you started with? It’s because they don’t address one of the main causes of weight accumulation – Toxicity. The body is protecting our organs from these toxins by creating more and more fat cells with which to coat the toxins and chemicals. Simple isn’t it? Get rid of the toxins and the body doesn’t need to create more and more fat cells.

Isagenix is for anyone that wants to look better, feel better and sleep better or just to de-stress. The ultimate goal is to get the mind and body in perfect balance through cleansing the body of toxins and providing it with all it needs nutritionally. The aim is to move the body from an acidic to an alkaline state and to reduce inflammation in the body. It’s fantastic to support gut and brain health and to boost the immune system by up to 500%.

To be ‘on a diet’ is depressing and boring. They are often hard to stick to and require a lot of motivation and effort. If something is too hard to maintain you won’t stick with it. The Isagenix system is not a diet or a quick fix, it is a lifestyle change. If a pack isn’t right for you for any reason, you may benefit by just using a couple of the products, be sure to contact us.

If you are on prescription medication you need to be monitored by your regular Doctor. Please see FAQ’s.

If the products are not suitable for you or for any other reason, there is a 30 day money back guarantee.

Isagenix does not intend to diagnose, cure or prevent disease. 

TRADITIONAL DIETING

The main reason why a lot of traditional diets fail is that many actually starve the body of what it needs nutritionally. The body needs nourishment to function properly.

Some diets and detoxes are so extreme, the body needs protein and if it does not aquire that through good nutrition it will start to break down muscle tissue. You think it’s fat and fluid loss that you see on the scales and it might be but it also might be the breakdown of your muscles. Lean muscle mass is so important for your metabolism and burning calories.

The Isagenix systems flood your body with all it needs nutritionally and at the same time assists it in removing the toxins and impurities that make us sick, tired and fat. All the products are 100% natural and all sourced from  the highest quality ingredients. The products are all food. Superfoods in fact.

How much protein per day??

Remember that not all proteins are created equal. For example, vegetable based proteins are known as incomplete proteins as they dont contain all of the amino acids, animal based proteins are known as complete proteins as they contain all of the amino acids. What you absorb is also very important, a chicken breast or piece of steak is 35% bio available, an egg is 65% bio available and whey protein is 90-95% bio available, which makes it the most superior form for our bodies.

Isagenix uses 'Happy cows' which means they have been pasture fed on natural diets with no chemicals used on the grass, there's no hormones, streriods or antibiotics used on them and they are only milked when in season. The milk is then cross membraned, cold extracted which ensures that the vital nutrients are not destroyed, as can happen with isolated protein products.

Below is a good guideline.  Remember the threshold of protein per meal or in one sitting is 35-40 grams. Anything beyond that is a waste.  The key is to trickle protein into your body throughout the day.  The body will break it down and use it throughout the day.  

Once you find out what your goal grams of protein per day are, then factor in your IsaLean or IsaLean Pro shakes, then design your prepared meals with protein, like turkey, chicken, fish or bison, around the remaining protein requirements.

Person, Situation & Goals

1 Kilo = 2.2 pounds

Average healthy sedentary adult (male or female) that does NOT work out or have any related goals. This is just what I consider to be a good minimum daily protein intake for general health/function- 0.5-0.7 grams of protein per kilo of body weight.

Average healthy adult (male or female) that IS doing some form of exercise regularly or IS trying to improve their body (lose fat, build muscle, etc.). This is the minimum I’d recommend in this case- 0.8-1 grams of protein per kilo of body weight.

Average healthy adult FEMALE whose primary goal is building muscle, getting “toned,” maintaining muscle while losing fat, increasing strength or improving performance- 1-1.2 grams of protein per kilo of body weight.

Average healthy adult MALE whose primary goal is building muscle, getting “toned,” maintaining muscle while losing fat, increasing strength or improving performance- 1-1.7 grams of protein per kilo of body weight.

EXAMPLE--- For 1.7 grams of protein per kilo-

You take your weight, divide it by 2.2, then times that by 1.7= grams of protein per day-

200 lbs divided by 2.2 = 90.9 then times that by 1.7 = 154 grams of protein per day

Pure protein vs manufactured protein

Which whey protein is right for you? With Isagenix, the answer is easy: New Zealand whey. See our “Which Whey Protein is Right for You?”  by clicking here

If the old saying, “you are what you eat,” is right, you will rethink consuming products from grain-fed cows. A new study shows that cows fed high-grain diets have a higher incidence of metabolic disorders related to the build-up of several toxic and inflammatory compounds as well as changes in amino acid profiles in their digestive fluids compared to cows on low-grain diets. Having these metabolic complications (and the need for antibiotic use) negatively affects the quality of dairy products produced, including the whey protein found in milk.

In the study, cows were fed diets consisting of 0-, 15-, 30-, or 45-percent barley grain. Scientists used a combination of measuring techniques to identify 93 metabolites in digestive fluid samples taken from the cows. What they found was shocking. The cows that were fed the high-grain diets (>30 percent) had significantly increased amounts of toxic and inflammatory compounds in their digestive fluids including:

• Putrescine—a foul-smelling organic chemical compound that is produced in the breakdown of amino acids in living and dead organisms. It is responsible for the odor produced during flesh decomposition and contributes to “bad breath.” It is toxic in large amounts.
• Methylamine—organic compound with a strong odor similar to fish that is used to make agricultural chemicals such as herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides.
• Ethanolamine—a toxic, flammable, corrosive liquid used in the production of detergents, polishes, and pharmaceuticals.

The anatomy of a cow was built to live off a diet of grass and shrubbery. However, due to high market demands, farmers have turned to grains such as corn for feed because of convenience and money. It is a lot more economically sound to confine cows to feedlots and feed them grain, which can be digested faster allowing them to “fatten up” quickly. In the eyes of a businessman, this is advantageous; however, science is showing that high-grain diets promote the development of disease and illness because cows are not built to digest grains.

The several perturbed amino acid profiles in the digestive fluids of cows fed high-grain diets included phenylalanine, ornthithine, lysine, leucine, arginine, valine, and phenylacetylglycine. While microbial protein in the rumen (main digestive organ of cows) is an excellent source of high-quality protein, it is not sufficient enough to meet the requirements for high levels of milk production. If amino acids are disrupted in the rumen, their ability to be absorbed is severely reduced.

Unfortunately, it is not just high-grain diets that are of concern here. Byproduct “feedstuffs” are used as cheap fillers in feed for cows and include poultry feather pellets, animal fat, potato waste, soy cakes, poultry carcass, and meat processing waste.

Dairy cows have been turned into machines with the goal of pumping out large amounts of milk at the expense of their health, and consequently, the quality of dairy products. You can trust that Isagenix is not one to choose convenience over quality. Isagenix uses an undenatured whey protein blend sourced exclusively from grass-fed dairy cows raised on the pristine pastures of New Zealand. The “Cheerful Cow Certified” label on IsaLean, IsaLean Pro, and IsaPro shakes is a reminder of the unbeatable quality you receive from Isagenix.

 Source Rob H / CFL
 

How Athletes Can Build a Stronger Immune System

Whether training for a race or competitive sport, one of the worst challenges that athletes can face is sickness or injury. But athletes come with the added risk of a compromised immune system because of frequent and extreme trainings.
A strong immune system depends on a healthy, balanced diet rich in nutrients, but it’s not always easy to achieve. For athletes, who are often looking for ways of pushing themselves to the limits, a little extra support is needed. This is where Isagenix can help—with four steps using convenient nutrient-dense products that provide various ingredients that nourish the immune system.
Step 1: Push protein whey up
Protein may not be the first nutrient people think of in regards to the immune system, but it’s the most critical. Like other systems in the body, the immune system depends on adequate intake of protein and amino acids for optimal functioning.
Whey protein, in particular—a foundation for several of Isagenix protein options—can better help the body maintain optimal protein status because of its rich content of essential amino acids. Whey protein also helps in other ways, as in supporting muscle maintenance and growth, as well as in stimulating the immune system directly to encourage an optimal response (1-3).
Step 2: Think zinc, echinacea and colostrum
Extreme bouts of training are when the immune system is at highest risk. Fortunately, studies have found that there are a few ingredients that can target the immune system in key ways to give it a boost in nourishment.

• Athletes should consider zinc their best friend for staying healthy. The mineral has a critical role in proper function and development of immune cells, such as T-cells. Any deficiency of zinc comes with unnecessary risk of a compromised immune system (4, 5).
• Echinacea, a flowering plant whose roots and leaves have been used for centuries by Native Americans for their medicinal qualities, is also shown in randomized controlled studies to have beneficial effects on the immune system (6).
• Colostrum, the first form of milk produced by a cow after giving birth, contains a range of immune-protecting substances. These include immunoglobulins, proline-rich polypeptides, and lactoferrin that can help protect the immune systems of athletes after long trainings (7, 8).

All these ingredients are available in the form of a spray like Isamune® Plus with Zinc. The product makes for a convenient way to bolster defense daily, before and after exercise.
Step 3: Get the sunshine vitamin all year round
For athletes who often train outside in the sunshine, obtaining enough vitamin D is not a problem normally. But during winter months, levels can drop significantly. The decline can mean problems since the body depends on the hormone-like vitamin for proper immune system response (9, 10).
Getting adequate amounts of vitamin D from diet can be a challenge since so little foods contain enough, but any low status is easily corrected through supplementation. A convenient way to get a daily dose of 2000 IU is available with Ageless Essentials™ Daily Pack and it comes along with another vitamin closely associated with immune status, vitamin C.
Step 4: Sleep it off with melatonin
Perhaps one of the most influential lifestyle habits to support an athlete’s immune system is getting adequate sleep every night. Research has shown that even just one week of insufficient sleep alters the activity of some 700 genes including genes involved in the immune system response (11).
When getting proper shut-eye is a problem, choosing a good supplement like Isagenix Sleep Support and Renewal Spray is the solution. It provides melatonin and other calming compounds such as tart cherry and valerian root in a unique peppermint spray formula that’s fast acting and convenient.
Keeping the immune system strong should be a daily pursuit and one made easier with the nourishment provided in products like those of Isagenix.

References

1. Dawson BM, Axford S. Nutrition as a part of healthy aging and reducing cardiovascular risk: improving functionality in later life using quality protein, with optimized timing and distribution. Semin Thromb Hemost 2014;40(06):695-703.
2. Freeman SL, Fisher L, et al. Dairy proteins and the response to pneumovax in senior citizens: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2010;1190:97-103.
3. Badr G, Ebaid H, Mohany M, et al. Modulation of immune cell proliferation and chemotaxis towards CC chemokine ligand (CCL)-21 and CXC chemokine ligand (CXCL)-12 in undenatured whey protein-treated mice. J Nutr Biochem 2012;23(12):1640-6.
4. Hemila H. Zinc lozenges may shorten the duration of colds: a systematic review. Open Respir Med J 2011(5):51-58.
5. Prasad AS, Beck FWJ, Bao B, et al. Zinc supplementation decreases incidence of infections in the elderly: effect of zinc on generation of cytokines and oxidative stress. Am J Clin Nutr 2007;85(3):837-44.
6. Kim HR, Oh SK, Lim W, et al. Immune enhancing effects of echinacea purpurea root extract by reducing regulatory T cell number and function. Nat Prod Commun 2014;9(4):511-4.
7. Shing CM, et al. Effects of bovine colostrum supplementation on immune variables in highly trained cyclists. J Appl Physiol 2007;102: 1113-1122.
8. Crooks CV, et al. The effect of bovine colostrum supplementation on salivary igA in distance runners. Inter J Sport Nutr and Exercise Metabolism 2006;16:47-64.
9. Aranow C. Vitamin d and the immune system. J Investig Med. 2011;59(6):881–886.
10. Walllace, TC, McBurney M, Fulgoni VL. Multivitamin/mineral supplement contribution to micronutrient intakes in the United States, 2007-2010. J Am Coll Nutr 2014;33(2):94-102.
11. Möller-Levet CS, Archer SN, Bucca G, et al. Effects of insufficient sleep on circadian rhythmicity and expression amplitude of the human blood transcriptome. PNAS 2013 Feb 25

The Basics of Detoxification

Whether out for a run, grilling your favorite meats on a hot summer day, or spring cleaning the house, our bodies are exposed to millions of chemicals considered “toxins”. These toxins in our environment (exotoxins) and that our bodies produce (endotoxins) have the ability to disrupt the essential biological structures needed for the body to function such as DNA, cellular membranes, and protein.


Repeated exposure to various toxins can contribute to adverse health effects in the short-term such as headaches, nausea, and fatigue; and in the long-term can contribute to weight gain and chronic health outcomes.

Detoxification is essential for ridding the body of toxins and preventing their “health robbing” effects. Although all cells have the ability to detoxify toxins, the most important organ for detoxification is the liver–known as the body’s filter and purification system.

Fat Cells House Toxins
Toxins enter the liver as either water- or fat-soluble molecules.  Water-soluble toxins are rather easily metabolized and excreted into the urine. In contrast, fat-soluble toxins can be stored in fat cells where they are protected from the body’s detoxification systems.

Excess fat stores, especially organ-bathing visceral fat, are linked to several diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic dysfunction. The addition of toxin exposure to an overweight or obese individual may only serve to increase these risks (1).

Three Phases of Detoxification
There are three phases of detoxification (2). In the first step, the toxin is metabolized by phase I detoxifying enzymes resulting in an intermediary metabolite. Although there are several phase I enzymes, the most abundant and important are the cytochrome P-450s (P-450s).

During detoxification, P-450s perform two functions: 1) they make toxins more water-soluble, and 2) they convert the toxin into a molecule usually less toxic and, therefore, less reactive towards our DNA, proteins, etc. (Interestingly, sometimes this reaction converts a less toxic molecule into a more toxic molecule, which is where phase II detoxification steps in.) The result is a more water-soluble, less toxic molecule easily transported into the blood, through our kidneys, and out into the urine for elimination.

After undergoing phase I detoxification many toxins are then subject to phase II detoxification. At its most basic level, phase II enzymes place a water-soluble small molecule onto the toxin.

One of the most important phase II detoxifying enzymes is known as glutathione (GSH) transferase. As the name implies, the GSH transferases transfer a GSH molecule onto the toxin. Like phase I detoxification, this step also serves to make the toxin water-soluble and less toxic to the body.
Besides GSH, the body uses several other molecules to bind to the toxin and increase its solubility including sulfates, amino acids, and glucuronic acid.

The use of these water-soluble small molecules makes sense considering that our cells have a surplus of these molecules inside or outside the cell. However, if we’re exposed to excessive amounts of toxins they could rapidly deplete our GSH levels resulting in too little GSH to do what it does best, which is to protect against free radicals and detoxify toxins.

Finally, phase III of detoxification involves the elimination of toxins from cells. In this step, the products of phase I and II reactions are transported out of cells and into the bloodstream for elimination.
Proper Nutrition Essential for Detoxification
To ensure optimal functioning of our detoxification systems it is essential to have an adequate dietary intake of vitamins (B vitamins, vitamins C, and E), minerals (selenium, zinc, copper), and other bioactive nutrients such as coenzyme Q10 and polyphenols.

These nutrients bolster our detoxification defenses either through their roles in phases I, II or III of detoxification or by providing antioxidant support (3). Nutritional support is essential in the detoxification process because some toxins are produced as the result of free radicals.

Additionally, nutritional support is needed to counteract the oxidative damage caused by toxins.
Plant botanicals including ashwagandha, aloe vera, and turmeric (Cleanse for Life), milk thistle (Product B), resveratrol, and other antioxidant vitamins and botanicals (Ageless Essential Daily Pak) have all been shown to improve detoxification.

Beyond these micronutrients, the detoxification system also needs an adequate source of the amino acid cysteine, the sulfur-containing amino acid essential for GSH production. Luckily, cysteine is abundant in whey protein found in IsaLean Shakes,Bars, and Soups.

Calorie Restriction and Intermittent Fasting Stimulate Detoxification
Although not yet extensively examined in humans, subjecting animals to calorie restriction (CR) or intermittent fasting (IF) has also been shown to increase efficiency of detoxification pathways. The precise mechanisms responsible for the benefits of CR or IF on detoxification are unclear, but it’s thought that these two cleansing protocols “turn on” genes that increase synthesis of our detoxification enzymes within the phase I, II or III pathways.

Additionally, the reduction of fat mass—the primary target for toxin storage—stimulates the release of toxins into the circulation. Once in the bloodstream toxins are more easily metabolized and excreted from the body. When the body has the additional nutritional support of amino acids, vitamins, polyphenols, and other bioactive ingredients, the detoxification enzymes can perform at peak function.

The Isagenix system ingeniously incorporates both intermittent fasting on Cleanse Days and calorie restriction on Shake Days to help you burn fat and stimulate the release of fat-stored toxins. The polyphenol-rich nutrients and plant extracts found in Cleanse For Life provide plant-based antioxidants (4-7) that support the detoxification enzymes responsible for toxin elimination. Also, the whey protein in IsaLean Shake supplies essential amino acids such as cysteine that can boost GSH production (8,9) and facilitate toxin removal.


References:
1.    Holtcamp W. Obesogens: an environmental link to obesity. Environ Health Perspect 2012;120:a62-a68.
2.    Liska DJ. The detoxification enzyme systems. Altern Med Rev 1998;3:187-98.
3.    Yang YM, Noh K, Han CY, Kim SG. Transactivation of genes encoding for phase II enzymes and phase III transporters by phytochemical antioxidants. Molecules 2010;15:6332-48.
4.    Vinson JA, Al KH, Andreoli L. Effect of Aloe vera preparations on the human bioavailability of vitamins C and E. Phytomedicine 2005;12:760-5.
5.    Kim BH, Hong SS, Kwon SW et al. Diarctigenin, a lignan constituent from Arctium lappa, down-regulated zymosan-induced transcription of inflammatory genes through suppression of DNA binding ability of nuclear factor-kappaB in macrophages. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2008;327:393-401.
6.    Ahmad MK, Mahdi AA, Shukla KK et al. Withania somnifera improves semen quality by regulating reproductive hormone levels and oxidative stress in seminal plasma of infertile males. Fertil Steril 2010;94:989-96.
7.    Krikorian R, Shidler MD, Nash TA et al. Blueberry supplementation improves memory in older adults. J Agric Food Chem 2010;58:3996-4000.
8.    Bounous G, Gold P. The biological activity of undenatured dietary whey proteins: role of glutathione. Clin Invest Med 1991;14:296-309.
9.    Sekhar RV, Patel SG, Guthikonda AP et al. Deficient synthesis of glutathione underlies oxidative stress in aging and can be corrected by dietary cysteine and glycine supplementation. Am J Clin Nutr 2011;94:847-53.

What Protein to you use to make sure you get the best you ?

For more information and to Buy IsaPro WHEY Protein go to: Link

 Getting to the gym and putting in a high-intensity workout can be challenging. So when you set aside the time to hit the gym and work yourself to exhaustion, don’t you want to make it count?
According to a new study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition, what you eat before exercise can influence two vital hormones for muscle growth and recovery—testosterone and cortisol—and determine whether or not your workout pays off (1).
Researchers looked at the effects of supplementing with whey protein, soy protein, or carbohydrate in resistance-trained men. For two weeks at a time, the subjects ingested each of the fuel sources before performing a heavy bout of weight lifting. After completing each of the two-week protocols, the researchers compared the effects on testosterone and cortisol levels.
Exercise naturally can lead to higher levels of testosterone. But when compared to whey, soy protein supplementation resulted in significantly decreased levels of testosterone production for 30 minutes immediately following training. Soy protein even resulted in lower testosterone levels than when subjects supplemented with carbohydrate. This blunting of testosterone could lead to reduced gains in muscle and strength, meaning your hard work at the gym is a waste.
Additionally, whey protein supplementation resulted in significantly lower levels of cortisol for 30 minutes immediately following training. Whey’s effects probably had to do with its action on inducing a better insulin response. Although elevated cortisol levels following exercise are normal, a quicker insulin response and a decrease in circulating levels of cortisol can help lead to faster and more efficient recovery.
 Testosterone and Cortisol for Optimal Performance
What does higher testosterone and lower cortisol following resistance training mean? More muscle building and faster recovery!
As one of the main anabolic hormones, testosterone plays a major role in both men and women in body composition. Research has shown that declining levels of testosterone are correlated with an increase in Body Mass Index (BMI) and fat mass (2). This is due to the role testosterone plays in increasing muscle mass and strength, as well as boosting bone density and strength.
Cortisol plays a wide range of roles in the body, but as a stress hormone, being highly elevated for longer periods of time could be damaging to health. In regards to exercise, cortisol naturally increases after physical activity and researchers continue to try to determine how much of a cortisol response can be considered neutral and not damaging to the body (3).
Beyond Hormones: Why Whey Wins
Whey’s superior effect over soy when combined with resistance exercise has a lot to do with amino acids. Even though both proteins are considered “complete” proteins, meaning they contain all essential amino acids, whey has a higher amount of branched chain amino acids (BCAAs). These include leucine, isoleucine, and valine, which are considered the most effective moderators of muscle growth and make whey an almost undisputed choice for attaining gains in muscle size and strength (4).
Why spend the time and dedication going to the gym and putting in the hard work if your protein source isn’t going to work just as hard for you? Don’t choose a protein that may even work against gains and recovery. Be sure to choose whey over soy.

Sources

1. Kraemer WJ, Solomon-Hill G, Volk BM et al. The effects of soy and whey protein supplementation on acute hormonal reponses to resistance exercise in men. J Am Coll Nutr2013;32:66-74.
2. Vermeulen A. Ageing, hormones, body composition, metabolic effects. World J Urol 2002;20:23-7.
3. Gerber M, Brand S, Lindwall M et al. Concerns regarding hair cortisol as a biomarker of chronic stress in exercise and sport science. J Sports Sci Med 2012;11:571-81.
4. Phillips SM. The science of muscle hypertrophy: making dietary protein count. Proc Nutr Soc2011;70:100-3.

Processed Food: What Makes Isagenix Different

A food revolution is starting across America. It’s one where consumers are no longer purchasing any kind of food-like stuff that comes in a box, a bag, or a wrapper in an act of defiance against the culture created by the food industry; with its seemingly endless products that drive us to overeat, gain weight, and from which we derive little nutrition.

Replacing these hyper-palatable, overly processed foods is a new food trend epitomized in a few words from the acclaimed food writer Michael Pollan, “Eat food, not too much, mostly plants” (1). In his books, this is taken to mean whole-type, or minimally processed “real food”, containing only recognizably few ingredients. And it means cooking more at home, plus choosing to prepare meals made up mostly of fruits and vegetables.

From the outset, it’s easy to find value in the movement. The huge increase in the diversity of processed foods in the supermarket in the last half-century has been anything but helpful for people’s waistlines. The general formula food companies used in creating these has not been nutrition. In fact, the very definition of “processed” in this regard has been to remove all that doesn’t taste that great or that is satisfying—namely protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals, polyphenols—and leave only sugar, salt, and fat.

The goal of laying sugar, fat, and salt on top of each other is to arrive at what other writers including Michael Moss and David Kessler have called the “bliss point” or the “you can’t eat just one” phenomenon (2). In perspective, an epidemic of obesity rising in an environment where food companies have been focused entirely on hijacking the brains and taste buds of people to eat limitless amounts of their products is not surprising.

But not all processed foods are the same in their design to encourage overindulgence. There’s a point where even the simple advice of shunning all processed food can go too far. To borrow a phrase, there’s risk of throwing out the processed baby with the salt-sugar-fat bathwater. Also, while the general idea of adhering to a diet comprising of mostly whole foods is praiseworthy, it’s well known that 90 percent of people who try them can’t stay on them for long.

Wherein processed foods are formulated with express intent to improve and satisfy nutritional requirements and appetite is a major difference. Bringing some perspective is a recent review in theAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition that makes the case for several processed foods being useful in enhancing nutrition in foods and making them available for more people, as well as reducing food waste (3). These include canned fruits, vegetables, and protein-foods like beans, meats, yogurts, trail mixes, and meal-replacement shakes and bars. It’s unfair to place these types of foods in the same category of potato chips, ice cream, pizza, and soft drinks.

Here’s where Isagenix is completely different from most people’s perception of processed food. As opposed to formulating foods where protein, micronutrients, and fiber are removed for the purpose of accentuating salt, sugar, and fat, Isagenix does exactly the opposite. The company focuses on putting back the protein, micronutrients, fiber, as well as other bioactive components of food from fruits, vegetables, and herbs—and of the highest quality, as determined through rigorous testing—in food in a way that is also convenient and tastes delicious.

The company’s meal replacements shakes, bars, and soups as well as snacks, are formulated for nutrient density, portion control, and appetite satisfaction. The company also invests heavily in clinical research for substantiation of their use within systems for healthy weight management, lean muscle gains, and nutritional support. For this alone, Isagenix deserves to be set apart in its own category for advancing the definition of nutrition and health through food technology in improving people’s health.

References

Pollan M. In Defense of Food (1st ed.). New York: Penguin Books. 2009.
Moss M. The Extraordinary Science of Addictive Junk Food. The New York Times. 2013 Feb 13. Available at: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/24/magazine/the-extraordinary-science-of-junk-food.html
‘0wWeaver CM, Dwyer J, Fulgoni VL, King JC, Leveille G, MacDonald R, Ordovas J, Schnakenberg D. Processed foods: contributions to nutrition. Am J Clin Nutr. 2014 Apr 23;99(6):1525-1542. [Epub ahead of print]

Why Doctors Recommend Isagenix

Paul: My name is Dr. Paul Anderson. I am a Canadian medical doctor and a nutritional formulator of the IsaDelights Chocolates. One of my favorite products is the IsaLean Shakes. These are delicious, low calorie and nutritionally complete meals, full of the vitamins, minerals, amino acids that you need. It supports nutritional cleansing. One of the things that make the IsaLean Shakes different than a lot of other meal replacement shakes is the form of whey they’re using. They use the highest grade of whey. It’s from happy New Zealand cows. They exceed the USDA organic regulations. The cows are pasture-fed, they don’t get hormones or antibiotics. Now they’re using a new proprietary technology that’s making the whey protein even better than before, and there’s less lactose so it’s easier on digestion. They add enzymes that make it easier to digest, but also it’s better for the body and absorption.
Nicole: My name is Dr. Nicole Kafka. I am a colorectal surgeon in New York City. One of the wonderful things about Cleanse for Life and the cleansing program is that it does not zap your energy. On a cleanse day, most people, including me, feel more energy at the end of the day than they had when they started. Even doing two days in a row can improve that feeling further, and you’re not hungry when you finish. In fact, your appetite may even be decreased for several days afterwards.
Carlos: Hello everybody. I’m Dr. Carlos Perez Cortes. This is a very extraordinary product that balances the body. It’s a nutritional enriched rejuvenated drink that restores and protects the body from stress and helps increase your ability to perform mentally and physically. It enhances the cognitive capacity. It contains over 100 specially-stored active ingredients in a [inaudible 00:02:23] from around the world and no other product, believe me, competes with this exclusive combination of quality ingredients that are tested for maximum potency and purity. It also contains [adapting] that energize cells, adapting your body to any form of stress. It also contains our advanced super-charged blend of trasiantic minerals which support the body vital functions. Over 200 powerful nutrients help rejuvenate the body. A focus on the brewing [causes] enhances the benefits of antioxidants and at the beginning had to support mental and physical performance.
Cheryl: My name is Dr. Cheryl Hart. I have been a gynaecologist for 30 years. On every cleanse day, you’ll want to include low-calories snacks. This is a perfect balance of proteins, carbohydrates and healthy fats to help fulfil your body’s nutritional needs. They contain quality proteins that help reduce your cravings. They come in two delicious flavors, natural chocolate and French vanilla.
Mark: IsaPro is the essential part of Isagenix product line. This is a superb supplement for people who have a high-demand lifestyle, whether it be a professional athlete, an amateur athlete or a busy high stressed individual, and even for people that just want to ensure that they have the best protein available for their body. The building blocks of our muscles and our muscle system are amino acids and the proteins that go along with them. So what happens is, IsaPro allows the body to build lean muscle mass. It contains the highest quality whey protein concentrate available. It uses a new and proprietary processing technology for the whey protein that’s contained within it. It actually has a higher amino acid profile and lower lactose levels. It gets down to something as detailed as even the way that the cattle are processed. It’s been shown that because of the rest that the actual amino acid content and the protein available elevates in cows that are rested. Most commercial cattle never have that.
So what happens is, they use a New Zealand dairy group, whose standards actually exceed USDA organic regulations. The cows are pasture fed and not treated with hormones or antibiotics. Many cattle are fed grain, and grain contain chemicals, and things that can be absorbed by the cow, and it can become harmful when consumed. So the whey that is contained in this product, is sourced through New Zealand because it is the highest quality that exists. It contains ionic Alphalfa and it contains an advanced super charged blend of chase minerals that supports the body vital functions. It helps with stubborn weight loss plateaus, it curbs hunger and just one scoop of IsaPro contains 18 grams of nutritious lean building whey protein. It’s also ideal for athletes who really want to increase and build their lean body mass, and they can do it in a way that’s hormone and antibiotic free. I truly believe if every athlete on the planet knew the superior quality of this whey protein, they would all be on it.
Nicole: The oatmeal berry slim cakes are wonderful, wonderful healthy snack. They are good for your heart, your gut, and everything in between. They are low in calories. They are nutritionally packed. They contain five grams of fiber, which is one-fifth to one-sixth of the total fiber that we need in our diets today, which is something that almost none of us achieve otherwise. That fiber comes from whole grain oats, oat bran, amulet and flaxseed, wonderful sources which is also sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to be good for your heart and your bowel function. They contain blueberries and cranberries. They are sweetened with natural agave which has a low natural glycemic index, what that means is that they keep your blood level and your insulin levels steady. This is great for your metabolism. It’s great for your weight. It makes you feel better. You don’t get those sudden spikes of energy and then just falls of energy that comes with sugar. They’re cholesterol and preservative free. There are no transfats and they are a delicious, delicious snack. It tastes great.
Cheryl: Essentials for Women, this product is a powerful multi-vitamin formula that activates and supports advanced health for women, especially during aging. Premium vitamins, minerals, and fido nutrients create the foundation for the optimal health. Bone nourishing minerals for lasting bone strength also contains specialized herbs that reduce discomfort from monthly cycles and life transitions, often eliminating the need for hormones. This product also contains minerals for stronger hair and nails.
Mark: The other wonderful product that exists for men is Essentials for Men. This is an especially designed blend of premium nutrients that sustain and support the best possible health for men. Comprehensive B vitamins support stamina, energy, endurance, and mental concentration. Adaptogens included in the product support all-around health, endurance, and reduced symptoms of stress. Saw palmetto is also a key ingredient because it also promotes a healthy prostate.
Nicole: Natural Accelerator naturally enhances the body’s fat burning ability, but it does that without making you feel wired or speedy. It contains carefully selected natural thermogenic ingredients, that mean they help your body up its metabolism and burn fat. Those ingredients include cayenne, green tea, cinnamon and ginseng, and they help your body easily release unwanted pounds. This product does not contain any ephedrine or ma huana or any other stimulant that makes you feel wired and it’s completely caffeine free. These thermogenic herbs help your body to lose weight naturally and in a healthy way. It provides what are called lipotropics nutrients, which support you liver’s ability to metabolize fat quickly, and it contains a rich supply of the vitamin niacin. This helps to reduce your appetite and keep your metabolism chugging along. Finally, this contains royal jelly extract, a great source of natural B vitamins.
Announcer: I’m glad to see that Isogenix has an antioxidant formula. This antioxidant formula is very, very important because it contains a full spectrum of antioxidants that help protect from damaging free radicals. Denholm Harmon, back in the 1950s, came up with the theory of aging, which was associated with free radicals. He, at that time realized that by taking antioxidants you might be able to prolong this aging process. Isagenix provides one of the strongest antioxidants that is available on the market. It protects you from free radical damage and may reduce the risk of certain forms of cancers. Antioxidants promote wellness and protects against illness as well. It tends to reverse accelerated aging and boosts energy.
Nicole: IsaFlush is a collection of herbs and minerals which help the gut to work better. It effectively and safely encourages regularity and helps to soothe intestinal discomfort. It includes magnesium, which supports improved water absorption. It helps with improved digestion and reduces intestinal discomfort, and it supports heart and lung health. IsaFlush helps to support a balanced digestive system which improves your ability to withstand stresses, physical, emotional, and environmental, and keeps you in balance. It helps you to remain regular, which is important for the body to eliminate waste, maintain water balance, lessen fatigue, and support cardiovascular health.
Paul: One of my favorite Isagenix products is Want More Energy.

 It’s a natural energy drink. It’s loaded with vitamins and nutrients that replenish the body. The thing I like about it is low calorie. It only has 35 calories, but it helps increase your mental and physical performance. One of the best ways I know to use this product is about a half hour before exercise, combine it with IsoDelight. It has tremendous good results. You can also use it on cleanse days. It really helps you get through those long cleanse days.
On non-cleanse days, to support you when you start to get some cravings, and I can see why it isn’t a knockout. One of the best apects about it is that it doesn’t contain caffeine, ma huang, epinephrine. There’s no artificial sweeteners or coloring. It’s caffeine-free. It provides a natural energy boost and it’s just a great product that I love to use personally, and I recommend it to you.


Content by Steve Deane
These statements relating to Isagenix, have not been evaluated by the FDA. Isagenix products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. An unpublished 2008 university study showed a statistically significant weight loss of 7 lbs during the first 9 days of the Cleansing and Fat Burning System. This Web site is owned and operated by an Isagenix Independent Associate and is not endorsed by Isagenix International, LLC. Any opinions on this Web site are that of the Isagenix Independent Associate and should not be construed as a representation of the opinions of Isagenix International, LLC. Information provided on this Web site and on all publications, packaging, and labels is for general purposes only and designed to help you make informed decisions about your health. It is not intended to substitute advice from your physician or health-care professional. Read the full Isagenix disclaimer