Monthly Archives: November 2005

A New Lease on Life

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 In 1986, my doctors told me I would never walk again. At that time I was convinced they were correct. I had destroyed three discs in my back through a series of falls and accidents. L3-L4 were completely destroyed and the next two discs were badly herniated. The injury left me with arthritis, especially in my lower back. I was unable to get out of bed in the morning without a lot of pain. Trying to walk would leave me looking like a 90-year-old person—hunched over, barely getting around. That was the beginning of my physical decline.

In the winter months of 2001-2002, I spent the entire winter on medicine with one bout of flu after another until mid-March. The last time I saw the doctor, he said, “I’ve given you everything I have and you are still sick. What am I to do with you?” That was the last time for me and the flu or anything else thus far. I began taking the AIM products shortly thereafter, in particular AIM BarleyLife® and AIM Herbal Fiberblend®. 

I’ve also had my share of problems with hypoglycemia, having the shakes so bad at times I could barely get something sweet down me to ease the shaking before passing out. I’ve not had a single bout of this since starting on AIM BarleyLife®.
I also had muscle pain for years, as if I had the flu, only instead of joint pain it was muscle and nerves. Sometimes I couldn’t even massage areas because they were so painful. I now understand this to be fibromyalgia. I have no more problems with this any more. 

I can remember having intestinal pains on nearly a daily basis ever since childhood. Since taking AIM Herbal Fiberblend®, this trouble has become a thing of the past. 

I have gone from a daily lack of energy and constant pain to every day filled with vitality thanks to AIM’s Dynamic Duo (AIM BarleyLife® and AIM Herbal Fiberblend®). Today, I’m able to work on a daily basis, even doing construction work and whatever else I choose to do. I no longer have to fight with myself to get out of bed in the morning. Now I am able to just get right up, and I am feeling good and active all day long, normally from 5:00 a.m. ‘til 9 p.m. or so. 

Thank you for my new lease on life. 

—Terry Coffman, AIM Director

From skeptics to Chairman's Club

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shearerA little over 12 years ago, a friend approached Mary-Ann Shearer with a bottle of green powder. Not keen on the taste of green, Mary-Ann gave it to her teenage daughter who pronounced it “totally gross.” The bottle sat on the shelf until it was thrown out during a move five years later.

A few years after that, another good friend contacted Mary-Ann to share how she was thriving physically and financially with AIM and urged Mary-Ann to join the AIM family. The more the friend “nagged,” the more Mary-Ann put up her defenses. As an expert in nutrition and best-selling author of several books on health and nutrition, Mary-Ann felt she had to be very careful about anything she promoted, especially if she profited from the sale of the product. Her friend continued to send information Mary-Ann’s way, but it wasn’t until Mark ran into a longtime friend that things began to change.

One day, Mark saw a friend who had struggled physically and financially for many years. She looked great and was on her way to serve in Israel, supporting herself through her AIM business in South Africa. When Mark asked about her transformation, the friend attributed it to AIM products and the compensation plan. Mark was sold and pushed Mary-Ann to connect with the friend who had been sending them information all these years with a view to getting some of “that green stuff.”

“We signed up and ordered the product not only for ourselves, but for all our staff, our children, and the dog and cat!” Mary-Ann remembers, “My thinking was that, if I saw some real results in a wide range of people, I could really get behind the product.”
Longtime proponents of a natural, healthy diet, the Shearers didn’t expect to see much difference by adding AIM’s barley product to their regimen, but they did! They and several of their staff experienced symptoms of detoxification. Their dog, on the verge of being put down due to a painful back condition, recovered and continues to bounce around six years later.

“I was so impressed that I told everyone and sent out a news bulletin to our database. This resulted in our becoming Directors in our first month with AIM.”

Although not interested in building a business, the positive results of AIM products in people’s lives—both physically and financially—spurred the Shearers to become bolder in their promotion of AIM products and the business opportunity.
“One top AIM Member in South Africa told us we could make more with AIM than in our healthy food business,” recalls Mary-Ann. “We laughed at him and said that was not our goal. But he was right. Now, six years later, our AIM income is more than double our other income.”

The Shearers’ two daughters, Melissa Klopper and Marie-Claire, are both AIM Directors. As young mothers, they have found AIM BarleyLife® essential for breastfeeding their babies and both the Shearer grandchildren, Stephen and Dylan, have been raised on AIM BarleyLife®.

Mark and Mary-Ann travel extensively giving talks and presentations around the world. They say they never leave home without the AIM Garden Trio® and AIMega™. Many of the other AIM products are also part of their nutritional profile.
The Shearers have come a long way, from entrenched skeptics to unabashed champions of AIM and the AIM products. Congratulations to AIM Chairman’s Club Members Mary-Ann and Mark Shearer.

AIM Herbal Release® for lymphatic health!

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Unsung hero

The unsung hero of our immune system, the lymphatic system, plays a crucial role in protecting the body from invaders such as pathogens, parasites, and toxins. AIM Herbal Release® was formulated to support this vital part of the immune system.
Sometimes we think of the lymphatic system as the cellular waste management system of the body. It enables the body to get rid of bacteria and viruses as well as acting as a filter to remove foreign substances and cell debris from the blood. Toxins that come from the environment or the toxic waste products resulting from normal cell metabolism are escorted out of the body by the lymphatic system. 

Herbal reinforcements

As with every body system, our lymphatic system needs nutritional support to continue to function effectively. In today’s highly toxic environment, our lymphatic system is taxed substantially as it works to rid the body of the many pathogens and toxins that bombard our bodies each day. AIM Herbal Release® helps our lymphatic system rise to the challenge by providing 11 herbs that support the many functions and nutritional needs of this vital system. 

Most important, many of the herbs help to cleanse the lymphatic system. For example, dandelion root and echinacea found in AIM Herbal Release® are classified as lymphatics—they cleanse the lymphatic system. Boldo helps to expel intestinal worms and provides gall bladder support. Sarsparilla has been known as a blood purifier, and is especially known for its ability to rid the body of endotoxins (toxins in bacteria) which are very damaging if not removed. Licorice root not only helps in the production of interferon, a protein that helps regulate the immune system, but supports the liver as well. 

When combined, the 11 herbs in AIM Herbal Release® boost your lymphatic system, which in turn boosts your immune system. With your lymphatic and immune system working at top capacity, you will enjoy greater vitality and greater resistance to the “bugs.”

The Healthy Cell Concept™: Promoting a Healthy Mental Attitude

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They say it’s not what happens to you that counts, it’s how it affects you. And modern research suggests this is even truer than we may have thought—our attitude can have a huge impact not only on our happiness but also on our health. As just one example, anxiety and stress are considered to be two of the key elements leading to coronary heart disease, the cause of death for more than 50 percent of all Americans. 

In this, the last element of the Healthy Cell Concept™, we’ll examine how our attitude affects us and how we can nurture an attitude that will make a meaningful contribution to our cell life. 

Is laughter really the best medicine? 

Researchers around the world are discovering that there is a connection between body and mind that is much stronger than anyone ever realized. The mind, it now seems, is capable of curing or preventing many of our pains and illnesses, and researchers are turning their attention to unleashing this incredible power. More and more, it is becoming apparent that the most important part of the Healthy Cell Concept™ may be a healthy mental attitude. 

A healthy mental attitude is a chosen set of thoughts and emotions that are energetic, vital, positive, and strong enough to result in outward or physical achievement.

 

Dr. Lee Berk and fellow researcher Dr. Stanley Tan of Loma Linda University in California have shown that laughter lowers epinephrine levels (which lower blood pressure), reduces cortisol levels (stress hormones), and boosts immune function by raising levels of infection-fighting T-cells, disease-fighting proteins called Gamma-interferon, and B-cells, which produce disease-destroying antibodies. Laughter also triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, and produces a general sense of well-being.* 

You don’t even need a good belly laugh to benefit from a positive attitude. According to another research study published in the June 1998 issue of the American Psychological Association’s (APA) Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, healthy first-year law students who endorsed optimistic beliefs prior to the beginning of the school year had higher levels and function of key immune cells in the middle of their first semester.** While there were no immune differences between optimists and pessimists prior to beginning law school, those students who began the semester optimistic had more helper T cells and higher natural killer cell cytotoxicity mid-semester than students who had been pessimistic. The changes in the immune system are attributable to two psychological characteristics of optimists: they experience events as less stressful, and they show less negative mood, such as anxiety and depression. 

Even hugs are good for you. Studies have shown that the amount of hemoglobin in the blood increases significantly when you are hugged, which means your blood is more readily able to deliver life-giving oxygen to your cells. 

But does all this mood lifting and immune-system boosting actually make a difference in your health? Perhaps the most compelling study was recently completed at Stanford University. Psychologist Dr. David Spiegal conducted research with 86 women suffering from terminal breast cancer, an affliction that kills 50,000 women in the U.S. each year. He took the women and divided them into two groups. Half received traditional treatment such as chemotherapy and radiation. The other half also received treatment but also participated in a therapeutic support group. The women in the therapy group lived twice as long as the women who simply received only the traditional medical treatment. 

Stemming the tide of negativity

A quick analysis reveals that we are living in the midst of an attitude crisis today. One only needs to watch the nightly news or pick up a daily newspaper to see that we take in large portions of negative information every day. What is most devastating about this exposure to negative information is that, very rarely, do we hear about anything over which we are able to exercise any control. The result is a slow, growing sense of hopelessness and cynicism about the world around us. 

Attitudes that can negatively impact our health include depression, cynicism, negativity, irritability, guilt, resentment, anxiety, pessimism, sadness, and worry. These “diseases of attitude” are often precursors to much more serious problems such as substance abuse, violence (both verbal and physical), hormonal and chemical imbalances, immune system deficiency diseases and the worst of all, suicide. 

So how do you counter this barrage of negativity? Fortunately, there are lots of things—both mental and physical—you can do to improve your attitude and your health. 

Change your mindset to improve your mood

When we see to it that our days and minds are filled with the right thoughts and activities, there will not be any room for the inappropriate to influence us. Here are some ideas that could help. 

  • Develop a strong sense of purpose for your life. Almost without fail, happy people feel that they have a specific contribution to make in the lives of others. Don’t just let your life move past you without thinking about where it is going: take control of your own future.
  • Develop meaningful relationships. In today’s hectic world, it is a constant challenge to make sure we put people and relationships first. And these relationships reap tangible rewards. Along with offering some of the most rewarding and fulfilling experiences in our lives, close relationships are also important for the health of every cell in our bodies. Loneliness is one of the easiest emotions to link with suppression of the immune system. Remember the women with breast cancer: by fostering strong relationships, they extended and lived fuller lives. Finally, consider this: men who marry and remain in a life-long relationship have longer life spans than single men or men who are married and then divorce.
  • Find opportunity in difficult situations. We all face difficulties throughout our lives. Many of us will face tragedy that defies any sense of logic or fairness. We can choose to either be defeated by life’s blows or learn from them, grow as a person, and move on to better things. Seek out others who have suffered and triumphed. In times of difficulty, they can make us see that life doesn’t have to defeat us if we don’t let it.
  • Study for a positive mental attitude. Rather than allowing your mind to be filled with all that is negative in life, search out the positive. Study books and tapes on how to live life to the fullest. Listen to people who make you laugh. Understand the words of those who have learned from adversity.
  • Do the best you can. Every day, we make deposits or take withdrawals from our bank account of self-esteem. When we give our best, we feel good about ourselves. When we compromise and take shortcuts, our self-esteem suffers.
  • Enjoy life’s small pleasures. Living in the moment, really being aware of our surroundings, has been shown to have value beyond just providing relaxation and enjoyment. It makes us more appreciative of the things we love yet take for granted, and helps us better cope with stress and difficulty in life.

Change your actions to improve your attitude

  • Get adequate sleep. Your bed is the repair shop for your immune system, and sleep is the mechanic.
  • Exercise. Studies have shown that exercise can help us deal more effectively with stress.
  • Try meditating. Anxiety causes your breathing to become shallow, while depression makes it heavy. By bringing a gentle focus to the breath, you can literally shift your emotional state. Meditation reduces the rate of oxygen consumption by 10 to 20 percent (compared to sleep’s 8 percent) and this induces a slowed-down, restful condition called hypometabolism which allows your immune system to recharge.
  • Eat right. Research shows that certain foods contain compounds that affect the nervous system and influence mood. Carbohydrates stimulate serotonin production—a lack of which can cause depression. Caffeine and sugar can have a negative effect on mood. Foods required for good mental health include plenty of fruit and vegetables and those containing essential fatty acids, such as sardines, tuna, salmon, pumpkin and walnuts. The combination of foods releases sugars slowly, in contrast to caffeine and chocolate, which give an immediate boost followed by a dip. A high-fiber diet can help, too. In fact, a new study by psychologists at Cardiff University shows that high-fiber eaters are less stressed and have a more positive mood. Those who regularly consumed a high-fiber diet were less emotionally distressed, had fewer cognitive difficulties, had a more positive mood, had less difficulty falling asleep and had lower depression scores.

The AIM products

All AIM products conform to the Healthy Cell Concept™, but some are specifically designed to boost our immune system, make us feel good and enhance our quality of life. 

  • AIM Cell Wellness Restorer™ contains DHEA, associated with enhancing the immune system. A soak in this bath will leave you both relaxed and rejuvenated.
  • AIM Composure® helps maintain a healthy attitude with a combination of relaxing herbs.
  • AIM GlucoChrom™ helps regulate the body’s blood sugar level to avoid the highs and lows of energy and mood.
  • AIM BarleyLife®, AIM Just Carrots®, AIM RediBeets® and AIM CranVerry® help meet the needs of a high-vegetable-and-fruit diet.
  • AIM Herbal Fiberblend® provides the dietary fiber recommended for a “positive mood” diet.
  • AIM RevitaFem® combines eight botanical ingredients that support physical and emotional balance during menopause.

Use your knowledge 

Armed with this information about how a healthy mental attitude can affect cell health, you’re well equipped to help yourself and others live a healthier, happier, and more fulfilling life. 

  • Next time you share a good laugh with a friend or co-worker, point out the health benefits of laughter that you’ve just read about. Use the breast cancer example to drive home the impact a healthy attitude can have on our bodies, and share with them the AIM products that can help achieve and maintain a positive attitude.
  • If someone you know is feeling blue, recommend a soothing soak in AIM Cell Wellness Restorer™ in place of a piece of chocolate that can add pounds and deepen their low mood.
  • When life gets crazy, make a conscious effort to switch your family to a “good mood” diet for a few weeks and see what happens.
  • Maintain balance in your own life so that others will see how content you are and ask you for your secrets.
  • If you know someone who lives alone, invite them out for a walk and a talk. You’ll both feel better, and you can pass along the other tips you’ve learned about leading a happier, healthier life.

*Referenced on www.holisticonline.com
**Referenced on www.apa.org

AIM BarleyLife® and AIM HerbalFiberblend®

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Foundation for Healthy Holidays

BarleylifeHey, have another piece of cheesecake.” “Have you tried my Grandma’s Delightfully Decadent Double-chocolate Fudge?” “Say, could you be a greeter for the five special performances of ‘The Nutcracker’ next week?”
During the holidays, temptations to eat forbidden goodies and demands for our time abound. The combination—stress and lack of rest coupled with poor nutrition—can often be unhealthy, especially since the holidays come just when cold and flu seasons are in full swing.

Dynamic Duo to the Rescue

What can we do to stay healthy during the holidays? Try turning to AIM’s Dynamic Duo, AIM BarleyLife® and AIM Herbal Fiberblend®. Beginning your day with AIM BarleyLife® will provide you with the full spectrum of nutrients you may not have the time or the inclination to eat during the hectic holiday season. Ending your day with AIM Herbal Fiberblend® can help invigorate a sluggish and overworked digestive system as well as eliminate the buildup of toxins that can occur from the abundance of rich or preservative-laden foods that seem to find their way into our systems during this time of year.

AIM BarleyLife® for energy and resilience

The holidays can be challenging. Somehow, in an already hectic world, the pace of life picks up. Whenever our pace changes, our routines lose structure and important habits tend to slip. We may begin to skip breakfast, eat fast food more regularly, or reach for what is handy versus what is healthy. For a short time, our bodies can handle a diversion from excellent nutrition. However, since the holidays tend to begin in late October and continue through the end of the year, the wear on our bodies can be tremendous. It is good at such times to safeguard a few very key elements of your healthy lifestyle.
First, each morning, before the holiday frenzy captures your attention, begin your day with AIM BarleyLife®. AIM BarleyLife® will provide you with the antioxidants, such as lutonarin and SOD (Superoxide dimutase) to counteract those free radicals that tend to run rampant when our bodies are challenged by stress, foods we aren’t used to, and less rest than normal. The proteins, vitamins, and minerals in AIM BarleyLife® provide the energy you need to meet holiday demands. You may find it challenging to consume all the recommended fruits and vegetables. AIM BarleyLife® supplies two to three times more nutrients per serving than those found in a typical serving of green vegetables. With proper nourishment on board, you will not only experience greater energy, your body will be better able to fight off winter colds and flus. The more challenging your schedule is, the more you need your AIM BarleyLife®. So start each day with AIM BarleyLife®.

AIM Herbal Fiberblend® for regularity and vitality

The holidays deliver a one-two punch to our digestive systems. First, we tend to eat rich foods, fast foods, and unusual foods in quantities which may come as a shock to our bodies. Our digestive systems can go into a tailspin as a result. Second, we tend to be on-the-go more, often taking trips to visit family or for special vacations. Traveling tends to have a negative effect on our digestive systems for many reasons. We seldom drink all the water we need when traveling. We also change our sleeping and activity patterns which affects the efficiency of our digestive system, resulting in sluggish digestion and elimination. Simply put, holidays and constipation seem to go together. Here’s help—AIM Herbal Fiberblend®!
Ending each day with AIM Herbal Fiberblend® during the holidays will give your digestive system the extra boost it needs to function properly. Why do we recommend taking AIM Herbal Fiberblend® at the end of the day? Just before bedtime, life has calmed just a little, and you have the time to follow this simple routine. If you try to fit it into the middle of your day, it will often be forgotten in the holiday rush. It is also best to let AIM Herbal Fiberblend® work while you sleep. Since nothing new is coming into your system, the herbs and fiber can do their work without interruption, allowing for greater efficacy.
The two sources of fiber, soluble and insoluble, will help your system work through the unique demands the holidays place on your digestive system. AIM Herbal Fiberblend® will provide the fiber you need to keep your colon working smoothly. A clean colon allows you to absorb nutrients more readily, enhancing your energy level and increasing your sense of well-being. Nourishing your digestive system with AIM Herbal Fiberblend® will allow it to relax and respond more easily to the unique challenges of the season.For a healthy holiday season begin and end your day with AIM BarleyLife® and AIM Herbal Fiberblend®.

Cascara sagrada for colon tone and regularity

Cascara sagrada is considered one of the safest laxatives that can be used to tone the colon. Clinical trials have proven its value as a thorough and gentle colon cleanser. It is also noted for its effectiveness in detoxification.
Combined with conventional measures to soften the stool, such as adding plenty of fiber to your diet, drinking sufficient water, and exercising, cascara sagrada is an excellent choice for relief from occasional constipation. It can also be useful in preventing the pain and pressure associated with hemorrhoids. Since cascara sagrada causes both quicker and gentler bowel movements, hemorrhoids are less likely to develop with its use.

Two AIM sources for cascara sagrada

AIM Herbal Fiberblend® includes cascara sagrada in its formulation. The combination of fiber, herbs, and the cascara sagrada provides for excellent colon care with AIM Herbal Fiberblend®.
In Canada, AIM Cascara Sagrada™ is available as a “stand alone” product, that is, each capsule contains 500 mg of cascara sagrada. For acute constipation, AIM Cascara Sagrada™ can get things moving again gently and effectively. Please note: if after 8 to 10 days of use, constipation persists, you may wish to consult a health care practitioner.