EPIDEMIC: VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY!

Publications support the theory that we have an epidemic of vitamin D deficiency. It’s estimated that nearly half of Americans have “insufficient” vitamin D levels (under 29 ng/ml) and 14 percent are deficient (under 19.6 ng/ml). On the other hand, Vitamin D blood levels of 50 ng/ml or higher have been found to protect against respiratory infections like influenza and corona-type viruses.

I know many people believe that “I get my Vitamin D from the sun” and I know Ido a well. But there are a few various factors limit adequate D absorption from sun exposure (age, skin tone, your BMI, geographic location, time of year, infection). Just because I’m in Florida and out in the sun every day, it doesn’t mean I don’t need to supplement with Vitamin D and D3/K2 in order to keep my vitamin D at a healthy level. Remember too, when we use sunscreen, we block out 98% of the Vitamin D we would normally absorb..

At your next physical, be sure and request your D3 lab marker. If you don’t request it, the doctor won’t do it!

Do you get enough fiber?

Believe it or not, fiber is a great way to lose weight, keep your gut in great working order and curtail hunger. Eating a lot of fruits and vegetables can help with that, but what if you don’t want to consume all of those calories or can’t handle the sugar from all of the fruit?

Well, I’ve found Fiberwise is a great way to get some extra fiber in my diet. It’s great to take about 30 minutes to an hour before dinner. It helps you not want to overeat. It has 14 grams of fiber in one serving! Good stuff for the digestive tract.


Facts about Coenzyme Q10 

CoQ10 is a nutrient that is naturally found in the body. As we age, our bodies produce less of this important nutrient plus our bodies break it down at a faster rate. It’s a very important nutrient. Check all that it does:

Cardiovascular Health: CoQ10 may improve heart function and reduce the risk of heart disease by acting as an antioxidant and supporting energy production in heart cells.

Antioxidant Activity: CoQ10 is a powerful antioxidant that can protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, which are unstable molecules that contribute to aging and disease.

Energy Production: CoQ10 is essential for the production of energy in the body’s cells. It may improve physical performance and reduce fatigue.

Muscle Function: CoQ10 may support muscle function and reduce muscle pain and weakness, particularly in individuals taking statin medications.

Neurological Health: Some studies suggest that CoQ10 may benefit individuals with certain neurological conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease and migraines.

Fertility: CoQ10 may improve fertility in women by enhancing the quality of eggs.

Other Potential Benefits: CoQ10 may have anti-aging effects, improve skin health, and regulate blood sugar levels.

You can find CoQ10 in beef, pork, chicken, fatty fish, eggs, spinach and broccoli but not in the amounts that we need, o supplementation is key.

Also know that if you are on a statin drug, that Rx stops your body’s natural production of CoQ10 so supplementing is critical.

Protein Shakes? How Much Protein Do You Need?

Caring for your health includes fueling your body with protein.
Protein isn’t just for athletes. It builds muscle, strengthens bones and boosts immunity. It keeps you satiated and keeps hunger at bay, so it’s an important tool in
weight loss.

Here are some general guidelines:

  • Under 50: Multiply your weight by 0.38 grams
  • Over 50? Multiply by 0.45 grams
  • For a 55-year-old at 150 lb., that’s 67.5 gram of protein daily, or about 22.5 g per meal.

It’s important to address your personal physical goals as well. You may want to drink a protein shake every day. A normal shake is two scoops, totaling 30 grams of protein; but if you don’t eat a lot during the day, you may want to use three scoops for a total of 45 grams of protein.

Typically, it is recommended a woman take 20 grams of protein in her shake UNLESS she’s trying to build muscle (which most of us need to do), and in that case, she could add 30 grams of protein to her shake.

Make certain to check your labels.I use a shake that has ZERO sugar. Stay away from convenient shakes like Ensure. Ensure only offers 9 grams of protein but has 10 grams of sugar, plus a blend of vegetable oils!

Knowledge is protein power.

Do you “Shake”?

Heart Health Month is in full swing!

What have you been doing to support your hardworking heart?

The Peak Performance Heart Health Pack and FiberWise make an incredible team for supporting your heart and your overall wellness. From healthy cholesterol support and antioxidant protection to gut-health support and toxin cleanup, these two exceptional products fuel your heart and body with the comprehensive nutrition and fiber power your body needs every day!*

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Olive Oil and Lower Dementia Rates 

A 28 year scientific study with over 92,000 participants found that those who consumed at least 7 grams of olive oil daily had a 28% lower risk of dementia-related death.

Interestingly enough, this statistic held true after adjusting for diet quality, genetics (including the APOE ε4 gene, which increases dementia risk), and lifestyle factors.

Why is olive oil so protective?

It’s packed with monounsaturated fats, polyphenols, and vitamin E, which have been shown to:

  • Protect brain cells from oxidative damage
  • Reduce neuroinflammation, (inflammation in the central nervous system), a key driver of cognitive decline
  • Support vascular health and maintain blood flow to the brain The study also found that replacing just 5 grams of margarine or mayonnaise with olive oil was associated with an 8–14% lower risk of dementia mortality. This highlights how eliminating harmful trans fats and switching to brain-supportive fats can make a measurable difference.

    Dementia rates are on the rise so these findings reinforce that what’s on our plates directly impact our brain health. Prioritizing extra virgin olive oil may be a simple yet powerful strategy for brain health!

Happy Valentines Day!

This is a day that is often filled with roses, cards and CHOCOLATE!

Believe it or not, dark chocolate is a heart-healthy choice (when not loaded up with sugar and saturated fat). Combine it with almonds and it gets even healthier because almonds can help reduce blood clots. When enjoyed in moderation, studies show that Dark Chocolate can be a heart healthy choice.

Dark Chocolate can help in:

  • Making platelets in the blood less sticky and able to create clots, which can cause heart attack or stroke.
  • Processing nitric oxide, which helps improve blood flow throughout the body, including the brain.
  • Lowering the risk of insulin resistance, which reduces the risk of diabetes.
  • Controlling chronic inflammation, which can lead to heart disease..

Keep in mind the higher the percentage of cocoa, the greater the amount of flavanols, but also the greater the bitter flavor. Just a bite or so a day is all you need to reap the cardiovascular benefits.

Clean, Bright, and Magical

Picture this: Snow gently falling outside your window as the aroma of freshly brewed Mountain Cabin Coffee fills your home. The holidays are nearly upon us, bringing with them the warmth of family gatherings, the joy of gift-giving, and yes, the seasonal challenges that come with winter. But fear not! We have curated the perfect collection of products to help you create those magical moments while keeping your home and loved ones healthy throughout the season.

Indulge in the Season’s Finest

Mountain Cabin Coffee: Your Daily Winter Ritual

There’s something magical about that first sip of coffee on a frosty morning. Mountain Cabin Coffee offers eight premium blends, so there’s something for every kind of palate. We use 100% Arabica beans, hand selected and small-batch roasted to ensure you can wake up every frosty morning with a fresh, flavorful cup of brew.

It’s the perfect companion to your array of wintery beverages, including warm apple cider and rich hot chocolate. Try blending it into your hot chocolate or enjoy it alongside the cinnamon-spiced cider. With a rich aroma and smooth flavor, Mountain Cabin Coffee can complement every sipe of your seasonal favorites.

Whether you’re an early riser catching the first snowfall or hosting a cozy afternoon gathering, there’s a warm drink to match every moment of your day.

Riverbend Ranch Black Label Beef: The Gift of Flavor

This year, elevate your holiday feast with something truly exceptional. For a limited time, four unique bundles are available to gift—Rancher’s Favorites, Family Feast, Ribeye Roundup, and the Cowboy. Whether for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any other occasion, you can’t go wrong with high-quality USDA Prime or High Choice beef from Riverbend Ranch!

R3 Cookbook

With all that high-quality USDA Prime and High Choice beef, you might need a few ideas of how to use it. The R3 Cookbook features more than 170 recipes, including breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and desserts. Whether you’re on the R3 Program or not, this cookbook can be the perfect addition to your kitchen, or the kitchen of a friend or family member!

And the R3 Cookbook isn’t just good for using our Riverbend Ranch Black Label Beef. Many different Wellness Company products are incorporated into the recipes, so you can make the most out of everything you select from Melaleuca.

Make your comfort food and stay healthy too with R3!

Making the Holidays Healthy

Your Winter Wellness Arsenal

Now that you have some excellent ways to indulge your taste buds during the holidays, there’s still more to do! As beautiful as the season is, winter brings its own set of challenges. The holidays can be a time of increased illness, especially if you live somewhere with cold winters. While the CDC reports flu peaks between December and January, you don’t have to let seasonal concerns dampen your holiday spirit. We’ve got your back with a powerful lineup of wellness supporters to keep your spirits bright!

Activate: Your Family’s Immune Guardian

Our newest addition, Activate Immune Complex for Kids, joins the trusted Activate family in time for the holiday season. Whether at school, at the playground, on the bus, or at friends’ homes, children are exposed to many germs each day.

And during the holidays, family gatherings and other get-togethers increase the chances for exposure—for them and for you! Maintaining an effective immune system is even more critical this time of year!*

Activate Immune Complex for Kids provides critical nutrients to maintaining that immune strength. It includes a powerful blend of vitamins A, C, D, and E, as well as beta-glucan and zinc powered by Oligo. These ingredients help promote the adaptive immune system response, and the best part is that it all comes in a delicious sugar-free formula smart chew that kids love!*

“I got this for my youngest son, and he loves it,” says Maria, a shopping club Member. “He said they taste much better than the ones we had found in conventual stores. If I could give it 10 stars I would. This is a fun way for your child to increase their immunity.”

Good Zymes: Your Holiday Feast Friend

Let’s be honest—holiday indulgence is nearly inevitable. And when you eat something that won’t sit well with your gut, Good Zymes steps in. Good Zymes is a multi-enzyme digestive aid that delivers 18 different enzymes to help your gut safely and naturally break down gluten, proteins, fiber, dairy, and more. This will help you process everything from Grandma’s famous stuffing to those irresistible gingersnap cookies. Just one capsule before meals helps you enjoy the festivities without worry.*

Activate Immune Complex for Kids provides critical nutrients to maintaining that immune strength. It includes a powerful blend of vitamins A, C, D, and E, as well as beta-glucan and zinc powered by Oligo. These ingredients help promote the adaptive immune system response, and the best part is that it all comes in a delicious sugar-free formula smart chew that kids love!*

“I got this for my youngest son, and he loves it,” says Maria, a shopping club Member. “He said they taste much better than the ones we had found in conventual stores. If I could give it 10 stars I would. This is a fun way for your child to increase their immunity.”

Good Zymes: Your Holiday Feast Friend

Let’s be honest—holiday indulgence is nearly inevitable. And when you eat something that won’t sit well with your gut, Good Zymes steps in. Good Zymes is a multi-enzyme digestive aid that delivers 18 different enzymes to help your gut safely and naturally break down gluten, proteins, fiber, dairy, and more. This will help you process everything from Grandma’s famous stuffing to those irresistible gingersnap cookies. Just one capsule before meals helps you enjoy the festivities without worry.*

“These work very well,” says shopping club Member Charlene. “The Good Zymes work for me with pancreas issues as well as others in my family with lactose and gluten issues. I have recommended them to lots of people since there is so much digestive issues with people now.”

A Clean Home Is a Happy Home

Spiced Apple Tough & Tender All-Purpose Cleaner

Transform your holiday cleaning routine into a sensory delight with our Spiced Apple Tough & Tender All-Purpose Cleaner and Sol-U-Mel 3-in-1 Cleaner. These limited-time offerings bring the warm, inviting scent of spiced apple to your cleaning routine—because who says maintaining a spotless home can’t feel festive? (And while you’re selecting these two great products, don’t forget to add Cranberry Spice Lemon Brite!)

Clear Defense: Your On-the-Go Protection

Getting together with family and friends means more shared moments, handshaking and hugging. And during the holiday season, that can also mean more chances to get sick. Keep Clear Defense Hand Sanitizer nearby as a quick way to help put the odds back in your favor! And with a combination of aloe vera, jojoba oil, and glycerin, it also keeps your hands moisturized!

But remember, although hand sanitizers are convenient and can inactivate the microbes on your hands, hand sanitizer doesn’t replace good old-fashioned handwashing! If your hands truly are dirty or greasy, use water and soap (like Sun Valley Mint & Herb Foaming Hand Soap, powered by Sol-U-Guard Botanical).

A Healthy Home Means Happy Holidays

Remember, the best gift you can give yourself and your loved ones is the gift of wellness. With all this preparation, it’s important that you don’t overlook one of the best ways to ensure you’re in peak condition for the holidays—taking your Peak Performance Pack! With the combined power of six core supplements, Peak Performance will help you maintain total-body health!

This holiday season, let the wellness Company help you craft a home that’s not just merry and bright, but clean, healthy, and truly memorable. Don’t let sniffles and stomachaches dampen your spirits.

From premium beef, coffee and chocolates to our immune-supporting supplements and holiday-inspired home cleaners, we’ve got everything you need to make this winter wonderful.

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

CAULIFLOWER RICE?

YES, cauliflower rice can be a healthy alternative to white rice.

Let’s face it, rice in general has no flavor it’s more of a texture, which makes cauliflower rice is a great choice for adding to your meal where you would normally want a rice. For example in a quick stir fry or in a dish like chicken cacciatore. Plus cauliflower rice is low in calories and carbohydrates, and can be a good source of fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins.Here are some things to know about this versatile side dish:

•Calories: One cup of cauliflower rice has 25 calories, compared to white rice or potatoes both of which can be high in calories

•Carbohydrates: Cauliflower rice can have up to 89% fewer carbohydrates than white rice per serving.

•Fiber: Cauliflower is a good source of fiber, which can help you feel full and eat fewer calories throughout the day.

•Antioxidants: Cauliflower rice is packed with antioxidants.

•Vitamins: Cauliflower rice contains riboflavin, vitamin B6, vitamin C, and potassium.

Youdon’t even have to rice. your own head of cauliflower as you can buy frozen cauliflower rice to make your meal prepping easy.
You can purchase cauliflower rice in almost any store in the frozen food section.

New Finding on Vitamin D Levels!

New research reveals that vitamin D may play a more significant role in overall health than previously understood. A comprehensive review of 99 randomized, controlled trials involving over 17,000 participants worldwide offers new insights into the potential benefits of vitamin D supplementation.

Key findings suggest that taking an average of 3,320 IU of vitamin D daily may lead to improvements in several health markers:

  • reduced blood pressure
  • lower overall cholesterol
  • decreased Hemoglobin A1C
  • improved fasting blood glucose and insulin levels

Many of you only take 2000 IU’s, and this suggests that may not be enough. Remember that D3/K2 is critical to help get the vitamin D out of the blood (which can lead to calcifications) and to the bones where it is needed!