The holiday months, particularly December, are a time of relaxation and, in many cultures, a time to
observe some religious holidays. Quite often, these weeks are spent in the company of friends and
loved ones…and more often than not, involving social gatherings and parties where copious amounts of
food and even the occasional drink or two, or more…
Although this time of year is very enjoyable and anticipated for much of the year, it also poses a
common problem for many people. With all the continuous eating, snacking, and relatively frequent
enjoyment of alcoholic drinks, how can you avoid the inevitable weight gain that typically happens
to many of us around this time.
Fortunately, there are several tactics for keeping the extra pounds off without giving up the
enjoyment of delicious treats.
One of the best ways to avoid 'holiday weight gain' usually comes down to portion control. However,
for some people this is often easier said than done. That being the case, there are several more
detailed tips that can help you keep your festive food consumption at healthy levels.
Because the holidays are a time of parties and celebrations, you may be faced with a few invitations
to attend dinners with family and friends where snacks and finger foods are often available.
If you have a party to attend, try to have a small snack before you leave home. At first, this may
seem a little counter productive. However, if your appetite is already somewhat satisfied before you
arrive, it will be much easier to resist the temptation to overindulge on the snacks. Of course,
this strategy is contingent on having a healthy snack before you arrive. Celery, apples, bananas, or
even a few low-fat crackers should do the trick.
If you plan to bring your own dish to a dinner party, focus on something healthy and low in
calories. Dried fruit, cashew nuts, small pieces of beef jerky (or biltong), vegetable plates, and
salads are a great idea.
Salads are especially versatile, as there are hundreds of different ways to prepare them. Try adding
some holiday flair to your salad by tossing in some apples or fresh cranberries. Remember though,
despite the notion that 'this is a season of sharing', don't feel bad by having a decent-sized
portion of your own low-fat dish once you arrive!
The holiday months are inevitably a time of slightly elevated alcohol consumption for some people.
Whether it's glasses of wine, eggnog, brandy in the pudding, or champagne to ring in the new year,
avoiding alcohol altogether may be a difficult proposition.
Obviously, if you can completely eliminate alcohol from your holiday diet, you have taken a huge
step in keeping the pounds off.
Still, it is possible to enjoy your 'favorite tipple' in a health-conscious manner by sticking to a
few tips: First of all, avoid excess consumption at all costs. Aside from the obvious problems
associated with excessive drinking, beer and whiskey are loaded with calories.
Limiting yourself to a few drinks at a time will help prevent you taking in these excess calories.
Furthermore, drinking to excess interferes with your decision-making abilities, and may cause you to
eat more sweets or goodies than you normally would…not to mention making a few other regretful
decisions. Eliminating this two-fold threat of alcohol is of utmost importance.
Finally, even if you live in a region that experiences bitterly cold conditions at this time of
year, try to still get some exercise when you can. A quick walk around the block can often be enough
to burn off last night's dessert or one too many drinks. Being proactive is the key to keeping your
holiday weight gain to a minimum.
If you have overindulged a little during the festive season, it doesn't matter whether you've eaten
too much or had one too many alcoholic drinks (or both)…either way your body's biggest cleaning
organ - the liver - will be working overtime.
It's important to give your liver as much support as possible by nourishing it with the ingredients
and fuel it needs to function properly. One of these ingredients is milk thistle and we discuss this
in more detail in the Ingredient of the Month section of this issue.
The Flu Season - Big Pharma's Favorite Time of Year |  | 
The winter months are often a time of festive cheer. Unfortunately, they also bring an increase in
the number of illnesses brought on by an array of different reasons. One of the illnesses that we
are all familiar with is the influenza virus, also known as the flu.
The flu affects many millions of people each year, and can put a real damper on your holiday plans.
With the coughing, runny nose, fever, chills, and body aches, the flu is certainly something you
want to try avoid during the season. What's more alarming than just feeling miserable is the fact
that for some people, having the flu can be more costly than they may think. Let us explain…
It's no surprise that the flu season is one of the most lucrative times of the year for the big
pharmaceutical companies…also known as Big Pharma. If you've been following the Xtend-Life blog
you may have read about the scaremongering and swine flu paranoia created by the media in order to
help fill the pockets of Big Pharma.
With many of our readers living in the northern hemisphere, this time of year tends to be very cold
with dry air helping germs and microbial nasties to move around more freely. The cold weather tends
to keep people indoors and in closer proximities to one another than in summer, ultimately
increasing the risk of transmitting and infecting each other with the flu.
Despite all of this and what the media might tell you, getting a flu vaccination is not essential.
In fact, just look at the following reasons why you should think twice about the flu vaccine:
Flu vaccinations are generally ineffective and totally ineffective against new strains of the
influenza virus. In 2004, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that the
year's flu vaccine had "no or low effectiveness" against influenza or influenza-like illness. As
immune suppressors, these vaccines may actually put you at a greater risk of infection…and not just
from the flu virus. Influenza type A or B is only responsible for about 20% of all illnesses that
resemble the flu. The rest are actually caused by over 200 different viruses meaning that the flu
vaccine just will not work. Flu vaccines are a cocktail of chemicals and toxins. Almost all flu
shots and vaccines contain Thimerosal, a mercury disinfectant / preservative. Those vaccines that
don't contain Thimerosal, still contain loads of other toxic ingredients…what's more scary is that
Big Pharma still heavily promotes the flu vaccine to children and pregnant women.
Back in 1980, only 15% of the elderly in the US got the flu vaccine. Now, this rate has skyrocketed
to an unbelievable 65 percent! Some people say that this is because the elderly are at more risk of
getting the flu, however some studies have noted that part of the claimed "effectiveness" of flu
shots is due to the fact that the people taking them are already in good health in the first place.
You cannot beat the best vaccination of all time…a healthy immune system. But how do you get an
immune system that's in tip-top condition?
Well, Caramia Hartley, Xtend-Life's Health and Customer Service Specialist, says that people should
consider a good supplement protocol such as Total Balance, Omega 3 /DHA Fish Oil, and Digesten-K and
maybe Viral-Protec (as a booster) for their excellent immunity supporting properties.
She also recommends the following 6 points to help boost the immune system.
Caramia's 6 Tips for a Stronger Healthier Immune System: - Eating plenty of raw, preferably organic fruits and vegetables. Juicing is a great way to add dense nutrients.
- Cutting out refined simple sugars and carbs that suppress the immune system. Excessive
sugar increases insulin levels, which is one of the fastest ways to get sick and to age prematurely.
- Optimizing Your Vitamin D levels through exposure to sunshine to boost the body's T cells which seek and destroy invading bacteria and viruses.
- Exercising regularly.Exercise improves the circulation of immune cells that neutralize pathogens throughout your body.
- Relaxing! Stress especially for prolonged periods, suppresses immunity.
- Sensible hygiene using ordinary soap and water not anti bacterial soaps with dubious health benefits.
Remember no flu vaccination will prevent you from getting the sniffles and sneezes, only a strong
immune system brought on by living a healthy lifestyle.
|
INGREDIENT OF THE MONTH |
Silymarin (pronounced 'silly-mah-rin') | | 
The ingredient of the month for this issue of Xtend-Your-Life may sound, well…silly, but actually
it's a vital active component for a popular ingredient called milk thistle.
Milk thistle is native to the Mediterranean region but is now found throughout the world and is
usually found growing in dry, sunny areas. Milk thistle gets its name from the milky white sap that
comes from its wide vein-riddled leaves when they are crushed. The flowers are red purple making the
plant easily identifiable.
Milk thistle's scientific name is Silybum marianum…yes, we get it too, sillybum - good one! Moving
quickly along…the milk thistle ingredient that experts believe is responsible for the plant's
beneficial properties is called silymarin…a flavonoid found in the seeds of the plant's fruit.
Milk thistle research has produced promising evidence that these plants may be beneficial in
diminishing the effects or occurrence of a number of diseases. For instance, some studies claim that
milk thistle may have properties that may help lower cholesterol levels and increase cardiovascular
health.
Other research suggests that people with diabetes can benefit from milk thistle as well, as it is
believed that the plant may help reduce insulin resistance in people with type-2 diabetes.
Preliminary research is also being done into the efficacy of milk thistle in helping with the
treatments of several variants of cancer, including prostate cancer, cervical cancer, and breast
cancer.
Silymarin is also used for loss of appetite and gallbladder complaints. There is even evidence
suggesting that silymarin might have anti-fibrotic, anti-proliferative and immunomodulating
effects…they may be tongue-twisters, but these are all very good by the way. Preliminary evidence
also indicates that silymarin constituents might protect against kidney damage.
However, the primary organ that benefits from the silymarin found in milk thistle is the liver. At
present, a great deal of research has been conducted concerning milk thistle and liver disorders
with a number of encouraging results.
Many other ongoing studies seem to support the notion that milk thistle can go a long way in
treating or preventing liver problems.
For example, silymarin is strongly believed to be a sort of 'protector' of the liver, helping to
ward off or reverse the effects of diseases like liver cirrhosis. In addition to guarding the liver,
silymarin even helps the liver regenerate itself after any mild form of damage.
One very promising aspect of research into milk thistle's benefits deals with a condition known as
toxin-induced liver damage. This complication is typically brought about when patients are exposed
to harmful chemical vapors for substantial periods of time.
Studies have suggested that milk thistle may not only prevent the onset of this disease, but may
actually reverse its effects.
Milk thistle is also a very robust anti-inflammatory, which has led many scientists to suggest that
silymarin may go a long way in helping with the treatment of hepatitis. In addition, some patients
with gallbladder disorders have responded positively to milk thistle, as the gallbladder is closely
associated with the liver.
There is strong evidence to show that adding a steady course of milk thistle extracts to your diet
can go a long way in promoting the health of your liver and preventing a number of degenerative
diseases.
To ensure you're getting an optimal amount of silymarin from milk thistle, you can find this
excellent ingredient in various supplements from Xtend-Life, including the Total Balance and
Neuro-Natura range, as well as Male Rejuvenator and Diabet-Eze.
|
CUSTOMER COMMENT OF THE MONTH | | |
I have had a 13-year-long intestinal bad bacterial overgrowth, which made eating carbohydrates of
any type next to impossible--the results would be severe joint pain and head pain.
I was already taking massive doses of PRO-biotics, which did create a baseline of safety, but
nothing more.
I've been taking Digesten-K now for over 2 months--6 capsules per day, 2 after each meal. I can now
eat fruit, grains, and even some sugar-- all foods that I could not eat at all before Digesten-K.
I don't think that the Digesten-K eradicated 100% of the bad bacteria but it seems to have enabled
the good bacteria to proliferate and compete with the bad. The bad is not completely gone, but its
power is vastly diminished.
Also, whereas before Digesten-K, my bathroom visits used to be LONG, my bowel movements now are fast
and super-easy, which is a delight.
I will not be without Digesten-K again, at least until the scientists come up with a way to
eradicate BAD biofilm intestinal bacteria.
Bernice, USA |
CUSTOMER QUESTION OF THE MONTH | | 
I am adamant about de-aging my skin, but I usually use oil-free products as I am still prone to
slight breakouts.
My [facial] skin looks dry - fine dry lines - but as I said, still breaks out with a pimple or two,
and I even get a few whiteheads. Are your 50+ anti-aging facial skin products good even for a
situation like mine?
from Lorraine  Hello Lorraine,
That is great to hear that you have an interest in an anti-aging approach for your skin! It is not
uncommon for Women in your age group to experience acne.
The products themselves are suitable for all skin types and are free from aggravating chemicals like
paragons and fragrances that certainly can exacerbate skin issues like those that you experience.
Furthermore, the products are fine to use on acne-prone skin as they are non-comedogenic and absorb
straight into the skin's cells 7 layers deep.
Our skincare range has been formulated to address underlying factors that prematurely age the skin.
We use key ingredients like Phytessence Wakame, Nano Lipobelle H EQ10 and Xtend TK to target causal
factors linked to aging skin.
Our products penetrate 7 layers deep into your skin to encourage regrowth of collagen, elastin and
new skin cells, while also targeting nasties that prematurely age the skin, such as inhibiting free
radical damage and the breakdown of hyaluronic acid.
As a place to start, I can recommend our Foaming Facial Cleanser, Age Defense Active Day Cream and
Restorative Night Cream. This program is definitely complemented by our Cleansing and Hydrating
Masks too for both deeper cleansing and hydration support.
Of course acne is not solely all about skin, this condition can also relate to the state of your
internal health. So you need to ensure that you adopt a quality and anti-inflammatory diet in
combination with regular daily consumption of pure fluids (i.e.: water, vegetable blending), and
plenty of exercise daily to oxygenate the skin.
Furthermore ensuring you receive correct nutrient support is also important. Therefore, you may also
want to consider our Total Balance Unisex Premium (or Standard), and our Omega 3/DHA Premium soft
gels.
Total Balance Unisex Premium is a full comprehensive body balancing formula that can provide general
internal health assistance and may help improve skin health and other important health benefits.
Omega 3/DHA Premium can further boost general internal health, as fish oil can be very good for the
health of skin. This product also features astaxanthin and lycopene for further strengthening of
skin.
I hope this helps and do come back to us if you would like any further information.
by Sarah | A WORD FROM WARREN | Warren Matthews
Chairman of Xtend-Life | | 
Just a couple of things that I would like to say this month! The first is to thank all our loyal
customers who have supported us through 2011. This is truly appreciated. For everyone who have
celebrations at this time of year, we hope these will be enjoyable. We wish everyone all the best
for the remaining days of 2011 and a happy and prosperous 2012. This has been a very interesting
year in many ways. It has also been quite a difficult year for us as we have had to contend with two
major earthquakes. This has prevented us moving into our new administration building and damaged our
factory which fortunately we were able to repair. A positive outcome of this has been that we have
now designed a new state of the art factory, warehouse and office complex and we hope construction
will begin in January and be completed by Sept next year. It will be as earthquake proof as it is
possible to build. Early this year we were fortunate enough to have John Cooper join us as our new
General Manager. John's contribution in improving our systems has been invaluable with excellent
communications between various departments and managers and prioritization of projects. We really do
have a team who work for the overall benefit of the business which means first and foremost ensuring
that we can provide the best possible products and service to you. Next year we will start giving
you information about the Xtend-Life people who help make this happen. Oh…because reference is made
in this newsletter about the flu…I couldn't let it pass without saying that I truly believe that no
one should get the flu. Maybe I am just pure lucky, or maybe it is the supplements I take or the
principles that I follow as suggested by Caramia…but, I never get it. Hopefully you won't either.
|
WHAT TO EXPECT IN THE NEXT ISSUE | | | Discussing & Debating Vitamin D: January usually marks the middle of winter for our readers in the
northern hemisphere. In addition to the cold weather, many people also experience a drastic
reduction in the amount of sunlight that struggles to shine through during these chilly months. With
some people being overly-worried about UV-rays from the sun, they may have avoided getting enough
healthy exposure during the warm summer months. Now that it's winter, these people may be at an
increased risk of vitamin D deficiency. We discuss and settle the debate about the amount of vitamin
D you should be getting and most importantly, how you can get healthy doses of it. Revenge of the Resolutions: The new year has a tendency of getting people to realize their current
health (and often weight) situation and either resolve to maintain it or in most cases, improve it.
Although this intention is good, some people feel too pressurized to stick to drastic changes in
their everyday lives, especially when it comes to diets and exercise. We'll explain what you can do
ensure that your health improves by simply making a few subtle changes to your everyday routine. INCLUDING REGULARS SUCH AS: -
Ingredient of the Month
-
Customer Comment of the Month
-
Customer Question of the Month
|  | Xtend-Life Natural Products Intl Ltd
4 Settlers Crescent, Ferrymead,
Christchurch 8023, New Zealand NZ
Phone (64) 3 384 2116
USA & Canada Phone Toll Free
1-888-487-9304
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