Monthly Archives: May 2005

AIM GlucoChrom™ for good health

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AIM GlucoChrom™, with its easily absorbable form of chromium and other synergistic ingredients, can play an important role in almost any health program.

Chromium supplementation is often used to help balance blood sugar levels, and is especially useful for managing glucose levels in diabetics. Chromium may also help to promote healthy triglyceride levels and maintain healthy blood levels of cholesterol and other lipids. It may even help to control sweet cravings and assist in weight loss. 

Chromium deficiency in the modern diet

Chromium is an essential trace mineral that is not made by the body and must be obtained from the diet. Food sources of chromium include: brewer’s yeast, wheat germ, broccoli, sugar and molasses, but when processed, many of these foods are stripped of their chromium content. Very few people consume brewer’s yeast since it sometimes causes abdominal distention (bloating). Black pepper contains small amounts of chromium, but is typically consumed in small quantities. 

A chromium deficiency may produce diabetic-like symptoms, such as high glucose levels and decreased insulin-binding. Most nutritionists recommend that adults may safely consume between 50 to 200 mcg of chromium per day, but few (less than 10 percent of healthy adults) obtain that goal. Aging and pregnant people, those who consume highly processed foods, and those who participate in strenuous exercise programs may require the maximum serving of chromium per day. 

The manner in which foods are grown and processed today has stripped many foods of their natural chromium content. Chromium is a natural element of the soil, but modern farming practices have resulted in chromium-deficient crops. Moreover, the processing of our foods has made the dietary availability of chromium scarce. 

“Because it is so difficult to meet the recommended daily allowance of chromium through food alone, dietary supplements are becoming an extremely popular source of chromium. Many people are discovering that, along with a healthy diet, chromium supplements are an effective means of ensuring they are getting enough of this essential mineral.” (www.chromiuminformation.org)  

Chromium’s strong nutritional support 

Chromium plays an important role in nutrition by breaking down the fats and carbohydrates in the foods we eat to produce glucose. In this way, scientists think that chromium becomes a cofactor to assist in regulating the production of insulin, helping it to transport glucose across the cell membranes. In short, chromium assists with glucose balance and helps to regulate the need for insulin production. Diabetics and those with insulin resistance find supplementation with chromium beneficial in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Those with weight-loss goals also find chromium helpful as a way to balance insulin levels and potentially offset “sweet cravings.” 

In addition to the metabolism of food, chromium also plays other important roles within the body. Chromium stimulates fatty acid and cholesterol synthesis, which are important for brain function and other body processes. Chromium is an activator of several enzymes which are needed to drive the numerous chemical reactions that we need to live. With chromium supplementation, triglyceride levels often improve. 

“In diabetic and overweight individuals, chromium supplements have been shown to reduce triglyceride levels by almost 20 percent, improve glucose tolerance and normalize insulin levels. Supplements of 400 mcg have helped overweight women lose about 50 percent more fat in three months compared to a placebo group.” (www.supplement.watch.com)  

When glucose and fats remain in the bloodstream at unhealthy levels, triglyceride and cholesterol levels increase. Diabetics and those prone to insulin resistance frequently show elevated triglyceride and cholesterol levels prior to full onset of disease. The successful management of triglyceride and blood lipid levels may be helpful in combating not only weight-loss and obesity, but cardiovascular disease and diabetes as well. 

AIM’s superior leaf-bound chromium 

Chromium can be a difficult mineral for the body to absorb, and many supplements offer synthetically produced chromium formulas such as chromium polynicotinate, chromium picolinate, and chromium chloride. However, scientists have long known that nutrients found in concentrated food sources (such as AIM’s) offer better absorption. 

With this knowledge, AIM discovered a way to grow green barley plants in water rather than soil. As the barley plant grows, chromium is added to the water. The chromium is absorbed into the cells of the plant where it becomes bound to the molecules of the barley grass, becoming a natural part of the plant matrix. When the barley plants contain the optimum amount of chromium, the plants are harvested, dried at temperatures low enough to preserve the enzymatic activity, and concentrated into a powder. 

AIM’s unique formula 

The AIM GlucoChrom™ powder is then encapsulated in a vegetarian capsule along with other herbal ingredients to enhance the body’s natural response to chromium. This synergistic blend includes: vanadium, bitter melon, and Gymnema sylvestre. These natural ingredients work together with chromium to support balanced glucose levels, promote fat loss, maintain healthy triglyceride and blood lipid levels. AIM’s herbal formula includes: 

Vanadium—an ultra-trace mineral found in very small amounts in grains and oats, radishes, and parsley. Vanadium is an essential micronutrient needed for cellular metabolism, and it may play a role in reducing cholesterol. Vanadium improves insulin sensitivity, and it also decreases hypersecretion of insulin. Hypersecretion, or the excessive secretion of insulin from the pancreas, sometimes occurs as the result of a poor diet and it can be associated with the metabolic changes associated with aging. 

Bitter melon—this tropical fruit has been used for ages in folklore as a remedy for diabetes, and has gained recognition in recent years for its polypeptide properties. Bitter melon may help to lower blood glucose levels by increasing the activity of hexokinase and glucokinase, the enzymes in the body that convert glucose into glycogen, which is stored in the liver and used by the body later for energy. 

Gymnema sylvestre—this woody climbing plant native to the tropical forests of central and southern India is known to stimulate insulin secretion while lowering cholesterol and triglyceride levels. G. sylvestre is favored for long-term use as a supplement for blood-sugar stabilization. G. sylvestre has been known to lower fasting blood glucose levels and it has been studied for improving the health of the pancreas by regenerating beta cells. 

AIM GlucoChrom™ provides a natural way to support healthy glucose and triglyceride levels. It is recommended to take 1 capsule with meals twice per day. As always, those with serious health conditions, diabetics, and those who are pregnant or nursing should consult with a healthcare practitioner before adding anything new to the diet.

The Healthy Cell Concept – Cell Exercise

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Cell food is our first line of defense in the Healthy Cell Concept™ (see the May-June issue of Partners). The next important step we can take toward good health involves cell exercise, which we’ll explore here. 

Cell Exercise is seeing that your cells get exercise; that is, that you exercise! 

Why bother with exercise?

It seems that every passing month research gives us more reason to exercise. Studies show that regular exercise leads to better physical and mental health and an overall improved lifestyle. 

Exercise helps us physically

When we exercise routinely, our bodies work more efficiently and we use less energy to get better results. This pertains not only to physical movement—we can walk further, shop longer, play with the kids more energetically—but also to fighting disease. When we are in shape, we better use our energy when fighting disease or stress, or in the healing process. This can result in faster recovery, less stress, and a more powerful immune system.
Additionally, regular exercise1: 

  • Reduces the risk of dying prematurely and from heart disease, and of developing diabetes, high blood pressure, and colon cancer,
  • Helps reduce blood pressure in people who already have high blood pressure,
  • Reduces feelings of depression and anxiety; promotes psychological well-being,Helps control weight,
  • Helps build and maintain healthy muscles, bones, and joints,
  • Helps older adults become stronger and better able to move about without falling.

You don’t have to become an exercise ‘fanatic’ to obtain these results. People who are usually inactive can improve their health and well-being by becoming even moderately active on a regular basis, and physical activity need not be strenuous to achieve health benefits. A brisk walk, some gardening, or choosing to take the stairs rather than the elevator could be all that it takes to contribute toward your better health. 

For those interested in preventing bone loss and osteoporosis, experts recommend exercising at least three times per week. In a report published in The Physician and Sportsmedicine (vol. 26, 1998), sports therapists recommend resistance training (machines) plus weight-bearing exercise (brisk walking) in a progressive strength training regimen that develops over six months, and continues during the life span. “Muscle strengthening and walking improve support and stability to reduce falls and fractures. For individuals of all ages, exercise should be the keystone of osteoporosis prevention and treatment.” 

Muscle pulling on bone builds bone, so weight-bearing exercise builds denser, stronger bones. In addition to weight-lifting and walking, some of the best exercises for building bone are: jogging, hiking, stair-climbing, step aerobics, dancing, racquet sports, and other activities that require the muscles to work against gravity. For those who prefer it, there are group sports, workouts at a health club, or exercising on equipment at home. 

Exercise also helps us mentally

We often hear about athletes who win through brain power, not strength—in other words, mental sharpness enhances athletics. What we don’t consider as often is the opposite: that exercise enhances mental acuteness. Exercising releases hormones, neurotransmitters (which help the brain communicate within itself), and other substances that help the body relax. 

There is growing evidence that regular physical activity helps to ward off mental declines as people age. A five-year Canadian study suggested that exercise may cut the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and less devastating mental losses by as much as 40 percent, particularly among women. Further, the report stated that those who exercised vigorously at least three times per week and were considered highly active, had the lowest risk of Alzheimer’s, but even those receiving light or moderate exercise significantly cut their risks for Alzheimer’s and mental decline (Archives of Neurology, vol. 53, 2001). 

Brain researchers have long speculated on a link between movement and learning, and are beginning to believe that exercise not only shapes up muscles and expands the lungs, but also buffs up the cerebellum, an important part of the brain. It appears that exercise increases the levels of neurotrophins, proteins that stimulate the growth of new nerve cells in the part of the brain that deals with learning and memory. 

When more complex movements are undertaken, be it jazzercise, crossover dribbles, or ballet, the brain produces a greater number of connections between its neurons. 

Applying cell exercise to your life and business

Now that we’ve looked at the concept of Cell Exercise, perhaps you feel the need to start or expand an exercise program of your own. But, how do you begin? Here are a few simple things to keep in mind: 

Find activities that you enjoy. Taking up an activity only because ‘it is good for you’ probably won’t result in a long-term commitment. 

Make the exercise convenient. If you have to drive across town, or spend a half hour getting ready, you will be less likely to make exercising a regular thing. This is why walking or biking are good; all you do is walk out the door and go!
Vary your activities and how you do them. Walk one night, and bicycle the other. Or weight-train one evening, and do the stair-stepper the next. Vary your routine so nothing gets boring. Take different routes on your walks, or set markers and see how long it takes you to reach them. 

Keep track of your progress. Improvement is a great motivation, so keep track of your success. Did you walk one more mile this time, or stay on the bike five minutes longer, or did you feel better? Develop a system for keeping track.
Lighten up! Not your weight, your attitude. Studies show that even ‘light’ exercise is beneficial. So, lighten up, and enjoy what you do! Exercise is a good time to set your mind free of the day’s cares, and just have fun. 

Don’t give up! Remember, it may have taken years of inactivity to get into the shape you’re currently in, but don’t give up! Nearly everyone who sticks with it, will see eventual improvement. 

Make exercise a part of your day. Why not ditch your car and walk? Or park further away than you usually do, and enjoy the journey. Take the stairs rather than the elevator. A set time for a workout is great, but take the time for exercise whenever the opportunity presents itself. It may add more pleasure to your day!

1Office of the U.S. Surgeon General: “Physical Activity and Health” report.

The Healthy Cell Concept – Cell Food

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Cell Food– first line of defense in
the Healthy Cell Concept™

The Healthy Cell Concept

As we get busy on our own personal road to wellness, it may be easy to forget the basic principles that can provide the most important steps toward improving our daily health.

At The AIM Companies™, we call these daily basics the Healthy Cell Concept™. Cell food, cell exercise, cell environment, cell protection, and a healthy mental attitude are all a part of the Healthy Cell Concept™. By taking just a few simple steps toward following these basic concepts, we can develop healthy habits that will be with us for a lifetime. For you, or someone that you know, the results may be improved health—and a more enjoyable lifestyle!

In this issue of Partners, we will look at our first step in the Healthy Cell Concept™ by discussing Cell Food. (Stay with us as we cover the remaining steps in future issues of Partners!)

Cell Food—you are what you eat!

Cell food is what we eat. Our bodies take this food, digest it, capture its nutrients, and transport these nutrients to our cells. What we eat becomes the cell structure of our bodies, and the cell structure determines our physical—healthy and unhealthy—nature. This is why we should be aware of what we eat. If we eat unhealthy foods, we generate unhealthy and toxic cells, which means that our bodies become unhealthy and toxic. In other words, our bodies cannot maintain health if we cram junk food into them!

What does it take to have healthy cells?

Our cells need certain nutrients, such as: protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals, water, and enzymes. Proteins, carbohydrates, and fats are known as macronutrients because we need a generous supply (“macro” means “large”) to stay healthy. Enzymes, vitamins, and minerals (as well as amino acids) are called micronutrients because they are needed in smaller quantities. The Healthy Cell Concept™ does not mandate which foods to eat, but rather offers fundamental elements that you should consider when making healthy food choices.

Proteins

These are essential to maintaining the structure and function of all life—and are vital for the growth, repair, and maintenance of muscles, blood, internal organs, skin, hair, and nails. Most people think of only meat when they think of protein. Although meat is an excellent source of protein, its consumption can become problematic. Eating too much meat may result in too many purines, which leads to too much uric acid, which can result in gout and kidney stones. Meat also contains too much fat, which lead to problems associated with fat consumption: obesity, diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, and possibly even cancer. Alternate (healthier) sources of protein may include chickpeas and other legumes, as well as whole wheat grains, nuts, seeds, and eggs. For meat-lovers, it is generally recommended to eat 2 to 3 serving per week, achieving 10 to 15 percent of the total diet from meat or other animal sources of protein. Studies show that vegetarians easily get enough protein.

Carbohydrates

These foods come from plants and are the main source of energy for all body functions. They are best energy source we have; they keep the digestive system fit and clean, and provide nutrients for the brain and nervous systems. Simple carbohydrates are simple sugars and are found in carbonated soft drinks, most desserts, candy, jelly and jam. The refined sugars and white flours that make up fast (processed) foods and white breads are also in this category. Eating too much of these foods weakens the immune system, meaning that we cannot fight off disease as effectively as we should be able to. Complex carbohydrates (think of these as starch and fiber), on the other hand, include such foods as: whole grains, brown rice, barley, oatmeal, beans, raw vegetables and raw fruits with their natural fibers still intact (unprocessed). North Americans typically consume 11 gr of fiber per day, which is far short of the recommended 25 to 40 gr per day for adults.

Fats

Although many North Americans try to eat a no-fat diet, essential fats are important to our cells. Healthy fats, known as essential fatty acids (EFAs), come from such sources as: flaxseed oil, olive oil, sunflower seed oil, sesame seed oil, grains, seeds, and dark greens. These healthy fats help to maintain the structural components of our cells. They restore energy, help us digest our foods, transport nutrients throughout the cells, and contribute toward healthy hormone balance. EFAs are typically polyunsaturated or monounsaturated. Flaxseed oil in particular is a polyunsaturated oil that is rich in omega-3 content, and it appears to decrease the risk of heart disease. Unhealthy fats (saturated and trans fats) remain troublesome in the modern North American diet. Meats contain high amounts of saturated fats, and over consumption can contribute toward heart disease. Many fats are hidden in our modern foods. For example, cakes, cookies, snack items, and fast foods are loaded with saturated fat as well as trans fats. Trans fat, comes from fat that has been hydrogenated (processed). Trans fats can increase the health risk for heart disease and raise blood cholesterol levels. It is best to avoid trans fats and saturated fats, and choose the healthier polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats, if you can.

Enzymes

Most people don’t think about enzymes, but they are critical for proper digestion and metabolic action. Enzymes are the sparks that initiate or speed up the essential chemical reactions required by the body’s organs, tissues, and cells—we need enzymes to live! If we do not replenish our supply of enzymes, we run the risk of ill health. Cooked, processed, and microwaved foods are virtually depleted of enzymes. By contrast, raw whole foods such as fruits and vegetables are loaded with enzymes. The more enzymes you get, the healthier you are, and the more raw foods you eat, the more enzymes you get! This gives good reason to include plenty of raw fruits and vegetables in your daily diet.

Vitamins and Minerals

Vitamins and minerals are noncaloric, organic nutrients that are vital for life. Vitamins are integral helpers in digestion and in virtually all cellular functions. Vitamins also act as coenzymes—that is, they help enzymes do their jobs by activating them. B vitamins in particular play important roles as coenzymes. Minerals are naturally occurring elements that perform structural and catalytic roles in the body. Minerals are not destroyed by cooking, unlike vitamins. There have been volumes written on vitamins and minerals, their importance, what they do, how to get them and in what amounts. Vitamins and minerals obtained from whole food sources are easily absorbed by the body. This is yet another reason to consume plenty of raw foods, such as whole fruits and vegetables.

What steps can I take for healthy cells?
The AIM whole food concentrates are an easy way to add the power of raw foods to your diet. With the AIM products, you’ll receive a balanced proportion of all nutrients for Cell Food that supports and builds healthy cells. Consider nourishing and replenishing with:
AIM BarleyLife® for protein, vitamins, minerals, chlorophyll, and important antioxidants—with amino acids and live enzymes.
AIM Herbal Fiberblend® for daily cleansing and added daily fiber to detoxify.
AIMega™ for (healthy) essential fatty acids with a balanced ratio of (omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9) EFAs.
AIM PrepZymes® for added enzymes.
AIM CellSparc 360® for energy-creating coenzymes.
AIM Garden Trio® (barley, carrots and beets) for essential vitamins, antioxidants, and health-protecting minerals.
AIM CranVerry® with important flavonoids for added immune protection. New vegetarian capsules coming soon (not available in Canada).