Mary Lou Retton Flips Over One Menopause Supplement

Brought to you and sponsored by Amberen

Who can forget Mary Lou Retton’s gymnastic performance at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, CA? Her breathtaking vaults. Her perfect 10s. The first American woman to win the all-around gold medal, she captured our hearts with her boundless exuberance and infectious smile.

                           Mary Lou Retton

I hadn’t followed Mary Lou’s career closely, but I came across her in a TV commercial the other day, talking openly about menopause. It got my attention that she wasn’t just talking about hot flashes and night sweats, but was describing a combination of symptoms—most of all low energy—that had left her constantly feeling sluggish. The worst part, she explained, was thinking that her signature vitality was a thing of the past. 

Mary Lou hadn’t just accepted the change. She’d tried solution after solution to no avail, until finally someone recommended a supplement called Amberen for multi-symptom relief. Unlike many menopause supplements Mary Lou had heard about, Amberen was different. It wasn’t an herb, nor did it contain soy or caffeine or gluten. She tried it, and it worked! After taking Amberen for 30 days, her energy returned. Her hot flashes subsided, and the quality of her sleep improved dramatically. She felt like her true self again, busy living life. The old Mary Lou was back.

 

CLINCHING THE CLINICAL TRIALS 

After hearing Mary Lou’s personal story I wanted to learn more. As the editor of a website trusted by women 45+, I only recommend health products like this that are backed by solid studies attesting to their effectiveness. Mary Lou’s testimonial was powerful, but I needed further proof. 

These important studies showed that women who used Amberen for 30 to 90 days experienced safe and effective relief for 12 menopause symptoms*, with no adverse side effects reported.** While many supplements only address 2 or 3 symptoms, Amberen treats the gamut! Look at these impressive outcomes for four symptoms that most often trouble women during menopause, and sometimes for a decade more.

91%   had reduced hot flashes*

78%   had reduced night sweats*

80%   had reduced mood swings*

87%   had less difficulty sleeping*

What’s more, 77% of the women in the clinical trials had more energy* so, like Mary Lou, they could resume their active lives.

Based on all the positive data, it’s not surprising that Amberen is the #1 selling menopause relief supplement in the United States. At this point, I had no hesitation about recommending it to my FabOverFifty friends. When the folks at Amberen offered me the chance to talk to Mary Lou about her menopause journey, I jumped at it.

TALKING WITH MARY LOU

It’s easy to understand why so many fans look up to Mary Lou, who is now 51. She’s humble, and she’s unafraid to be herself. “Was low energy really your worst symptom?” I asked her.

“Having a hot flash when I was speaking in public was hard,” she said. “It’s even more difficult worrying and waiting for it to happen. But yes, for me, dealing with low energy was hardest.”

“Because it impacted everything you did?”

“Everything! From work to affecting my relationship with my daughters. Just grocery shopping was hard. My energy was part of my identity and I felt like it was slipping away. I didn’t realize low energy was a menopause symptom until I discovered Amberen. And then it was a revelation because suddenly it was no longer this inevitable thing. It was something I could control.”

“And now?”

“Thanks to Amberen, my energy is back. It helped my moods, my night sweats, my headaches, all my symptoms. I’m currently at the end of a 90-day course, then I will take a month break and will start taking it again to manage my symptoms. My life now, in many ways, is better than when I was younger. Menopause doesn’t bother me anymore since I found Amberen.”*

>>Available at Costco.com & Your Local Warehouse. Click here to learn more.

UNDERSTANDING THE AMBEREN DIFFERENCE 

As we age, decreases in our estrogen levels make us susceptible to a range of symptoms, including “vasomotor disturbances,” which is a fancy way of saying hot flashes, night sweats, flushing and more. Likewise, we lose energy, as Mary Lou did.

These hormone imbalances occur because of a breakdown in communication between the brain’s hypothalamus (which controls hormone regulation) and our hormone-producing organs, such as our ovaries. Unlike other menopause supplements, Amberen’s unique formula of antioxidants, amino acids, minerals and vitamin E, works by supporting the hypothalamus to improve this communication. That way our ovaries know when to produce more estrogen and when not to. Put simply, Amberen helps relieve so many symptoms by helping to restore your hormonal balance. 

THANK YOU MARY LOU!

Before saying goodbye, Mary Lou asked me to convey a message to my readers.  

“I want to make a difference in women’s lives. I want my daughters to be aware of menopause, so they’ll be able to deal with it successfully. I want women to know that menopause can span over many years and doesn’t necessarily start with hot flashes, but can be a combination of symptoms that can change your life. That’s why it’s so important to look for clues that your body is sending and to get relief, especially in the early stages. I put my name behind Amberen because women deserve the relief this great product provides. I feel fab over fifty, thanks to Amberen. I’m proud of my age. We all should be!”

Available at Costco.com & Your Local Warehouse

_____________________________________

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

◊ Mary Lou Retton is a paid spokesperson for Amberen.

*Individual results will vary. Mary Lou Retton’s testimonial is based on results after 30 days of use and after continuing to use Amberen for 90 days. Every woman’s experience with Amberen will be unique. Amberen’s 12 menopausal symptom relief benefits are supported by the results of two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, human clinical trials, involving 102 and 125 menopausal women, aged 42-60 years, with mild to moderate menopausal symptoms over the course of 90 days.

**No adverse side effects were observed during clinical studies. Caution: Amberen is not intended for use by pregnant or nursing women. Do not take if you have severe hypertension. If you are taking prescription medication or have any medical condition, consult your doctor before use. Discontinue use and consult your doctor if you have any adverse reaction.

≠IRI US MULO 52 wks 3.24.19 by UPC.

Persona Personalized Supplement Winners Give The Program “A”Assessments

Most of us absolutely require nutritional supplements as we age, for everything from sleep issues and brain fog to digestion and decreased energy. But, it’s downright bewildering and annoying to hear the constantly changing and contradictory reports about what’s beneficial, and what’s not!

Persona is a new online supplement service that makes it super simple to get personalized, doctor-approved vitamin recommendations (its Chief Medical Officer is Dr. Michael Roizen from the renowned Cleveland Clinic). Premium supplements are delivered right to your house in convenient daily packets with instructions when to take each one. And, they’re 30 percent less than other premium brands. Brilliant!

Two FOFs recently won three-month supplies of Persona personalized supplements: Michelle Price is 54 years old, from West Allis, WI. “I just turned 54 and I’m trying to be over all healthier. I have tried a variety of different vitamins and I’m looking for the right ones for me,” Michelle wrote when she entered the giveaway. 

Freya Paccione, from Brooklyn, NY, is about to turn 44. “Ever since I had a minor health scare last summer, I’ve been very interested in vitamin supplements but I’m a bit overwhelmed by all of the choices available. I would love for the process to be simplified and have exactly what I need to take every day,” Freya said. 

Learn what they thought about their Persona experiences. 

What did you think of the 5-minute assessment that helped Persona determine which vitamins you’d need? 

Freya “It was pretty thorough and I actually enjoyed filling it out.” 

Michelle “Easy and it took very little time.” 

Did you feel that the recommendations addressed your concerns? 

F “Absolutely! The recommendations were spot on and I’m very satisfied with them. I really appreciate that Persona also offers recommendations for additional vitamins/supplements that would be beneficial to me and I have the option to add them to my monthly pack without having to worry about any interactions.”

M “Very much so.”

How was the experience receiving the supplements?

F “Excellent!  I received my first shipment rather quickly (via FedEx) and I was so impressed with the packaging! I keep the box right on my kitchen counter so I’ll never forget to take my vitamins. The box is very compact and I love how it dispenses the packs!”

M They were delivered USPS directly to my door.” 

Did you get enough background info on the contents of the pack and how it would benefit you? 

F “Yes! I really appreciate the information, which is easy to understand. Everything comes inside a  professional-looking folder with my name on it.”

M “Yes, actually I was given more info than I expected.” 

Did you find the packs convenient? 

F “Very convenient! I’d been wanting to add more vitamins and supplements to my health regimen but I was overwhelmed by all of the choices on the market so I ended up settling for a basic women’s multivitamin but felt as if it wasn’t enough for my needs, which is why I’m so happy to have found Persona!” 

M Yes. I don’t have to put any thought into my vitamins now. All I have to do is grab my morning pack and begin my day and my evening pack at the end of the day.” 

Do you travel with the packets during the day or take them only at home? 

F “I mostly take them at home but there have been instances where I’d have to take a pack or two with me.”

M Yes, I take them to work with me.” 

If you had concerns about sleep, energy or digestion, are you feeling any different?  Those are things you typically feel pretty quickly.” 

F “OMG Yes!  I was surprised how quickly I felt improvements. I’m excited to experience even more improvements in the weeks to come!” 

M “I do feel my energy level has increased. I will relate more at my next assessment.”

20% Of Us Who Are Over 65 Will Get This Disease

Dear FOFriends: Bausch + Lomb has compensated FabOverFifty for this blog. I assure you that the content is factual and valuable, and all opinions are my own! – Geri Brin

If you’re at least 50 years old, please stop for a moment and do this:

Cover your right eye with your hand (if you wear glasses, you can keep them on), then make a fist with your left hand, and put it over your left eye. Notice how the central vision is cut off in your left eye? That’s what happens if you get advanced Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of vision loss in Americans age 50 and older, according to the National Eye Institute.

AMD will impact over 11.5 million Americans, and 9 million will experience moderate to advanced AMD, reported the American Medical Association. One in five people over the age of 65 will be diagnosed with AMD, according to the American Foundation for the Blind.

“We all take our vision for granted on some level, until something happens,” said Dr. Michael Cooney, a New York City- based ophthalmologist and retina specialist who focuses on the treatment of eye diseases, particularly AMD and diabetic retinopathy. AMD affects more Americans than Alzheimer’s Disease, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. “Early-stage AMD often does not present any symptoms or changes in vision,” Dr. Cooney explained. “Something can be going wrong with an eye, and you won’t even know it because the other eye compensates, and your brain can fill in the blanks,” he cautioned.

This explains why experts like Dr. Cooney recommend a comprehensive dilated eye exam once a year for people over the age of 50, which will screen for a “whole host of vision-threatening problems, particularly AMD.” And what better time to request your annual eye exam than now, during AMD Awareness Month. During February, Bausch + Lomb, a Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc. company whose mission is to protect, enhance and restore people’s eyesight, encourages you to put your eyesight first and understand the risk factors of AMD, to help reduce the risk of progression. (more…)

Win An Invaluable Package Of Health Screening Tests from Life Line Screening

                        Carotid artery screening

When I heard that I could get screening tests to assess my risk for five big health issues—at a spectacular package price–I thought I had nothing to lose.  I was in my mid fifties, fit and had no reason to suspect anything was wrong. The results of one of the tests told me otherwise. You can read about my experience here. 

But first, enter to win the same package of screening tests, from Life Line Screening, which has provided preventive screening to millions since it began 25 years ago. The tests are completely painless, quick and invaluable because they can set your mind at ease or detect problems early.  

The package, valued at $149, includes: 

ᐅ Carotid Artery Screening for the buildup of fatty plaque, the leading cause of strokes.

ᐅ Peripheral Arterial Disease Screening for plaque buildup in the lower extremities. 

ᐅ Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening for an enlargement in the abdominal aorta that could lead to a rupture. 

ᐅ Atrial Fibrillation Screening to detect an irregular heartbeat, which increases the risk of stroke by five times.

ᐅ Osteoporosis Risk Screening to determine bone mass density.  

Five smart ladies and gents will win the complete package. Life Line Screening appointments are available throughout the year in 60 cities across the country, at convenient times for everyone. I can’t think of a more indispensable giveaway.  It may not be a new car, a trip to the French Riviera, or a kitchen makeover. But, it can help give you what none of those things can: A longer, healthier life.

ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

Be one of five lucky ladies and gents to receive a package of five Life Line Screenings. Just fill out the form below!

Winners will be notified directly.
See official rules here. Contest closes on August 16th, 2019 at midnight E.S.T.
By entering this giveaway you agree to receive emails from FabOverFifty.com .

Contest limited to residents of the continental United States.

 

The Must-Have Medical Test For Baby Boomers

This post is sponsored by Quest Diagnostics

It’s astounding that most of us who were born between 1945 and 1965 have heard about this disease, and some of us even know that baby boomers represent the majority (75%) of all those infected, but almost 60 percent of us have never been tested for it. Astounding, and not smart. Not smart at all!

The disease is Hepatitis C, which is caused by a blood-borne virus and primarily spread through contact with blood from an infected person. While some people only experience a short-term infection, the majority of those with the virus develop a chronic infection, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This can lead to permanent liver damage, as well as cirrhosis (scarring), liver cancer, and liver failure. Hep C-related cirrhosis is the leading cause of liver transplants. Almost 20,000 deaths were caused by the Hep C virus in 2014, and Hep C-related mortality the year before surpassed the total combined number of deaths from 60 other infectious diseases reported to the CDC, including pneumococcal disease and tuberculosis.

Over 3 million Americans are living with Hep C, which is often called “the silent epidemic” because most of those affected don’t even know it. It’s possible to be infected for decades without a single symptom. Unfortunately, your liver will be severely affected once symptoms of the chronic illness do appear. That’s scary!

If you’re one of the majority of boomers who doesn’t think you’re at risk for Hep C, think again. One in 30 boomers has it. Boomers, in fact are five times more likely to have the virus than the rest of the population.  Symptoms may include fever, stomach pain, jaundice, nausea and vomiting, fatigue, joint pain and loss of appetite. Take this short risk quiz to assess whether you’re at an increased risk for Hep C. And watch this video to see how a Hep C test saved Robin’s life.

Hep C rates peaked in the 1970s and 1980s, when you may have been exposed to contaminated blood during medical procedures, or even through body piercing–including ear piercing–and tattoos. It wasn’t until 1992 that blood was pre-screened and universal precautions were adopted for blood supplies. Since the disease can show no symptoms for decades, the CDC and The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommend a one-time screening for all boomers born between 1945 and 1965.  

Health officials estimate that this simple screening blood test of all boomers will prevent over 120,000 Hep C virus related deaths. Ninety five to 99 percent of people with the virus can even be cured with current treatments that are simple and that have mild and very manageable side effects.  Curing the infection is necessary to stop further damage to your liver. But you can’t cure what you don’t even know you have, so talk to your doctor ASAP about being screened for Hep C today.

Visit KnowAboutHepC.com for more information about this potentially fatal disease.

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Win A 3-Month Supply Of ellura And End Painful UTIs

This is a “sponsored post.” ellura compensated FOF with an advertising sponsorship to write it. Regardless, we only recommend products or services that we believe will be helpful for our readers. All insights and expressed opinions are our own.

You’re at your wit’s end trying to prevent painful UTIs from coming back over and over and over again. You’ve tried inexpensive cranberry products, D-mannose and Vitamin C, but nothing worked. And you don’t want to step onto the antibiotic merry-go-round.

Enter ellura, a proven, non-antibiotic alternative for preventing UTIs that’s been getting rave reviews, like these:  

THE REAL DEAL

ellura is the real deal! I was getting UTIs every three weeks for years. I have tried every cranberry supplement out there and had zero success. My doctor then recommended ellura for me and my life has now been forever changed.” – T. Carr

SO RELIEVED AND HAPPY

“This stuff works and is AMAZING! After years of 2 and 3 UTIs per year, I have not had one since starting this supplement. I am thrilled beyond words.” –-Lydia

LIFE CHANGING.  GET IT.

“If you suffer from chronic UTIs get this. I went to a British urologist because I suffered from chronic UTIs and was tired of taking antibiotics all the time and all the other doctors had no clue. She recommended ellura and told me if I took it and I had no kidney issues, I probably wouldn’t need to come see her again. She was right. Once I started taking ellura daily I have been UTI free and have not been to a doctor for it since.”— Luna

Learn more about how ellura works from urologist Dr. Sophie Fletcher, whose own mother started to take this life-changing supplement nine years ago and hasn’t had a UTI since! And enter the giveaway pronto.

 

ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

THIS GIVEAWAY HAS ENDED

Now you can be one of three lucky ladies from the FabOverFifty community to receive a GRATIS THREE-MONTH SUPPLY of the once-daily supplement.

Just fill out the form below!

Winners will be notified directly.

3 FOFS will win a three-month supply of ellura. (See official rules here). Contest closes Thursday, July 11, 2019 at midnight E.S.T.

By entering this giveaway you agree to receive emails from FabOverFifty and ellura.

Contest limited to residents of the continental United States.

The Daily Routine Susan Is Never Going To Stop

When Susan Tolliver’s doctor told her she had Type 2 diabetes, she figured it was time to “stop spending all that money on Dr. Pepper and Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and start spending it on something that’s good for me,” said the 66-year-old Texan. “My body was starting to feel so run down from eating too much sugar and not getting the nutrition it needs. My poor diet also was putting me at risk for developing other medical conditions like osteoporosis and heart disease.”

Susan liked a blurb she had read from her health insurance carrier about a company that would recommend personalized, doctor-approved nutritional supplements based on her health, daily habits and goals, and the medications she was taking. “They’d also deliver them to my door, so I decided that instead of wasting my energy and my calories on food I didn’t need to eat I’d focus on what would make me feel better,” Susan reasoned.

TAKE YOUR 5-MINUTE ASSESSMENT AND GET YOUR PERSONA RECOMMENDATIONS TODAY!

SMART, SIMPLE & CONVENIENT

On January 23, Susan filled out the five-minute questionnaire on www.personanutrition.com, received her supplement recommendations from a highly trained nutritionist and backed by four doctors, and placed the order. She thinks it’s “a treat” that her daily supplements are divided into morning and evening packets, which makes them easy to take. And, she can tuck a packet into her handbag if she’s planning to be out late. When Susan has a question, she’s delighted to be able to reach a nutritionist in minutes. “It’s also simple to add or cancel a supplement anytime I want,” she said.

Susan’s been taking a multivitamin and spirulina in the morning; in the evening she takes her second dosage of the multivitamin, ubiquinol, turmeric, Omega 3, garlic and a supplement for blood sugar balance. Ubiquinol replenishes an important enzyme that’s being depleted by the statin Susan’s doctor prescribed for her high cholesterol. The blood sugar balance supplement helps regulate her diabetes. Her multivitamins are split in the morning and night packs so that she can absorb more nutrients at a time. “I used to be hungry an hour after I ate, which was a sign of diabetes, “the doctor told me.  A week after I started taking the supplement for my blood sugar, I didn’t feel that hungry anymore,” Susan said.

TAKE YOUR 5-MINUTE ASSESSMENT AND GET YOUR PERSONA RECOMMENDATIONS TODAY!

Susan wakes at 6 am weekdays, walks her dog, goes to work as a Geographic Information Service Manager at an oil and gas company, gets off at 7 pm, returns home, walks her dog again, cooks and eats dinner, and goes to bed. “If someone tells me I should start working out, I say, ‘When?’ ” she said.  Susan had consistently put on weight since her son was born 35 years ago. “I remember thinking it was nutty when the doctors told me after I gave birth that I’d be gaining a pound a year. But I’ve probably gained 35 pounds. I look in the mirror and say, ‘Lordy, look at the 35 pounds on me!’”

Besides cutting out the soda and Peanut Butter Cups, Susan didn’t change anything else in her lifestyle. Her latest blood test results showed she’s now a borderline diabetic, and she’s lost three pounds. “It was time to make a decision to stop eating junk food. Did I want to keep feeling mushy and have diabetes destroy my blood vessels, my eyesight, and more?” Susan considers the money she spends on her Persona supplements an investment in herself. “I felt so much better by the end of the first round of supplements, there’s no way I’m going to stop,’’ says Susan. “Each month I just feel better and better and more energetic. That can’t be just from losing three pounds!”

to take your 5-minute assessment and get your Persona recommendations today!

Plus, an additional 50% off your first order

A No-Nonsense Guide To Nutrients For Women

It’s hard enough keeping my mind–and my mouth–away from warm homemade biscuits slathered in butter and almond croissants. I’m not the least bit motivated to dig up the Nutrition Facts on everything I do eat every single day to see if I’m getting the nutrients my body needs to keep me healthy. I’m pretty certain I’m not. I can go for days without whole grains or vegetables passing my lips, even though I know they’re good for me. Healthy fish? Cooking it smells up the house for days, so I don’t. I once loved almonds, which are filled with massive amounts of nutrients, but I always consumed a mountain of those crunchy little things in one sitting, so now I stay away from them.  

Scarily, my inadequate diet raises my risk for developing certain medical conditions as I age, from soft bones to inflamed intestines and heart disease!

Personalized, Doctor-Approved Vitamin Recommendations in Minutes

I know I should take nutritional supplements to help compensate for my sorry diet, but investigating which ones I need, and in what amounts, would be another head-spinning exercise.  When an online supplement service called Persona contacted me, I was intrigued by its promise that I could get “personalized, doctor-approved vitamin recommendations” simply by completing  a five-minute questionnaire about my health, lifestyle and the medications I’m taking. I filled it out right away, anxious to learn which supplements Persona would advise me to take.  

          ubiquinol

My Persona appraisal included a recommendation for ubiquinol, a supplement that I unequivocally need because I’m on statins to reduce my blood cholesterol and prevent heart disease. When I chatted online with a Persona nutritionist, she explained that some prescription drugs can harm one body function at the very same time they’re helping another. Taking statins has dramatically improved my lipid numbers, but they’re also depleting a critical enzyme that helps protect my body’s cells from oxidative stress, which can lead to diabetes, high blood pressure, even heart disease. Persona recommended ubiquinol because it will replenish that vital enzyme.  Without it, I could wind up with heart disease anyway. Sounds crazy to someone like me, who wasn’t a gifted biology or chemistry student, but it’s true!

My doctor hadn’t told me about ubiquinol because not every medical doctor is well educated on supplements.

  Angie Kuhn, MS, RDN

Whether you’re currently taking supplements or haven’t started because you’re confused by the constantly changing reports about what’s beneficial, I urge you to consider the recommendations of Angie Kuhn, Persona’s director of nutrition support and research. I decided to interview Angie once I learned more about Persona and started taking the supplements it recommended.

Angie discussed the common signals our bodies will send us if they’re not getting the essential nutrients and other things they need to help keep us in tip-top shape as we age.


Take your 5-minute assessment and get your Persona recommendations today!

MENOPAUSAL SYMPTOMS

Let’s say you’re a 51-year-old woman who has never taken a single supplement in your entire life and have the standard American (anything-but perfect) diet. You’ve started to experience symptoms of menopause: You’re not sleeping well, you’ve gained weight and you’re getting dreadful hot flashes. The Persona questionnaire will ask you a number of questions related to these symptoms.

“These are signs that your hormones are imbalanced and you could use a supplement to help regulate your symptoms,” Angie said. “Persona’s Menopause Support supplement is a blend of three different root extracts that can help with many symptoms of menopause. It includes EstroG-100, which has been clinically proven to relieve hot flashes, help manage mood and energy swings, alleviate night sweats, promote restful sleep, and even improve vaginal dryness,” Angie told me.  And it doesn’t affect your weight.

BONES

Any woman would be wise to have a bone density test by the time she enters menopause because estrogen loss can seriously affect her bones. Other risk factors include smoking, drinking, and calcium and vitamin D deficiency. If you’re like I am and don’t eat enough foods like fatty fish, beef liver, cheese, egg yolks and orange juice, you probably need a vitamin D supplement. And, if your diet isn’t providing the recommended 1,000-1,200 mg of calcium every day, you’ll want to take a calcium supplement.

“A woman’s calcium needs generally go up as she gets older, but women need other nutrients, like vitamin K2,  to help ensure that the calcium gets to their bones, instead of building up in blood vessels and kidneys,” Angie explained. Green leafy vegetables, such as kale, spinach, turnip greens, collards, Swiss chard, mustard greens, parsley, romaine, and green leaf lettuce supply vitamin K, as do brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage. I don’t know about you, but none of these are part of my regular lopsided diet.

Decreased grip strength, height loss, cramps, muscle aches, bone pain and lower overall fitness are signs of weakening bones.

JOINTS AND LIGAMENTS

Sore joints and ligaments are common as we age, especially if you’re not as active as you should be. I often become so engrossed in my interviewing and writing during the day that I’ll be sitting at my computer for hours on end. And when I get up, my entire body feels stiff, tight and sore until I start moving around.

The production of collagen, the primary structural protein in cartilage that gives it strength and toughness, slows down after we turn 30. Persona’s UC-II supplement is derived from chicken sternum cartilage and consists of Type II collagen to help support healthy joints and promote flexibility. Studies also have shown that prolonged use of collagen can increase the elasticity of our skin.   

HAIR AND NAILS

Hair and nails are made of structural proteins known as keratin, which is why protein deficiency can be one of the main causes of thinning hair and brittle, splitting nails. If your diet doesn’t include foods packed with proteins such as fish, chicken, red meat, eggs or dairy, you may want to try Persona’s exclusive Hair, Skin & Nails Formula, Angie said. Besides protein, it contains collagen and horsetail plant extract, an herb that has been shown to support hair and nail health.

Take your 5-minute assessment and get your Persona recommendations today!

THE GUT,  PART 1

We know pretty quickly when our digestive system is out of whack, because we experience gas, bloating, constipation, or indigestion, among other symptoms. “Perhaps you’re moving less than you used to, drinking less water, and exposed to numerous environmental stressors that are throwing off the balance of good and bad bacteria in your gut. Probiotics can aid your overall wellness and immunity by helping to stabilize your gut flora (that’s the complex community of microorganisms that live in our digestive tracts),” Angie explained.   

There’s a mind-boggling range of probiotics on the market. Persona recently added one called Culturelle with LGG, reportedly the world’s most studied probiotic strain since 1990, when it was first used in dietary supplements. Studied in hundreds of clinical trials, LGG has been shown to help get the gut flora back in balance and assist in immunity and digestive health.  “Probiotics also have been linked to brain health, so if you’re fatigued and not thinking as clearly as you used to, it could be linked to your gut health,” Angie said.

THE GUT, PART II

As we get older, our ability to digest certain nutrients might decrease. “If you’re no longer able to absorb the sugar (lactose) in milk, for example, your body can’t create lactase, the enzyme it needs to break down the sugar. Or you might not be able to digest certain types of vegetables and beans,” Angie explained. You’ll also experience gas, bloating and constipation. Digestive enzymes can help give your system what it needs to properly absorb foods.

GENERAL MALAISE

If you’re fatigued and lack energy, you might not be eating enough animal products, which could give you a vitamin B12 deficiency. “An energy drink isn’t going to solve the problem, so you’ll want a B12 supplement. We recommend B12 for vegans and vegetarians, who should also take iron supplements because it’s common for them to be anemic,” Angie said.

THYROID

The thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate the body’s metabolic rate as well as heart and digestive function, muscle control, brain development, mood and bone maintenance. Its correct functioning depends on having a good supply of nutrients such as zinc and iodine from the diet. “If your thyroid isn’t working properly you might gain weight, feel fatigued, become sensitive to cold and see your hair thinning, and you may just need a boost of these nutrients,” Angie said. Persona offers a Thyroid Support supplement with selenium, zinc, iodine and ashwagandha.  “It’s important to see your doctor if you’re experiencing these symptoms,” she stressed.

Take your 5-minute assessment and get your Persona recommendations today!

EYES

Perhaps you can’t see as well as you did, have trouble driving at night because you can’t make out the road signs, or have been diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Supplements with the nutrients lutein and zeaxanthin can help reduce the risk or improve a range of vision-related problems, Angie said. “Americans also get an average of 11 hours of computer screen time each day, which exposes us to a lot of blue light. Lutein and zeaxanthin can help lessen the harmful effects of this light over time,” she added.

INFLAMMATION

Acute inflammation, the body’s response to injury, works to heal wounds such as cuts. That’s good inflammation.  Chronic inflammation isn’t so good. It might happen when the immune system is trying to defend itself against a serious infection like Crohn’s Disease, but failing.  Or it can occur when the immune system senses that something isn’t right, such as the buildup of plaque in the lining of an artery, but can’t fix it and might even make the situation worse.

Symptoms of chronic inflammation include joint pain, skin rashes like psoriasis, low energy and poor digestion. If your body is sending you signals like these, get a blood workup and assess with your doctor whether you should change what you’re eating and how you’re exercising so you minimize inflammation. Probioticsturmeric, resveratrol and fish oil supplements are known to help fight inflammation.

A FINAL NOTE ABOUT MULTIVITAMINS

“Many people think they just need a standard one-a-day multiple vitamin, but the nutrients in many of those aren’t very bioavailable. This means that not enough of their nutrients are absorbed by the body’s circulatory system to be actively effective,” Angie said. “Persona has developed its own multivitamin with bioavailable nutrients, many of which are hard to find in other multivitamins, such as methylated folate,” she added.  A form of vitamin B, folate is responsible for cell division, the conversion of carbohydrates into energy, and the formation of DNA and other genetic material, which makes it pretty important. But many women actually can’t absorb folate properly, so a common multivitamin with standard folic acid (a synthetic form of folate) won’t work for them.  Methylated folate, the natural, active form of folate, will work. It is especially important for the growth and development of fetuses.

“As a Registered Dietitian I firmly believe in getting your nutrients through whole foods, but it is often difficult to do that every day, unless you’re eating 10 different fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lots of green leafy vegetables and healthy fats. Multivitamins with highly bioavailable nutrients and other supplements based on lifestyle factors, age and medications provide reassurance you’re getting what you need,” Angie concluded.

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At Last, You Can Stop UTIs Before They Start

This is a “sponsored post.” ellura compensated FOF with an advertising sponsorship to write it. Regardless, we only recommend products or services that we believe will be helpful for our readers. All insights and expressed opinions are our own.

Nan was endlessly miserable when she vacationed in Japan with her daughter Sophie in 2010. Urinary tract infections had been tormenting her for years, and the itching and burning returned full force on the trip.  “I couldn’t enjoy even one peaceful hour,” Nan remembered.  “I finally had to confess to Sophie what was going on.”

Sophie is Dr. Sophie Fletcher, a urologist who deals with UTIs all the time, but her mom had never confided in her about her own. “She divulged that she’s been on and off antibiotics for years,” Sophie said.  Although Sophie also would have prescribed antibiotic treatment back then, she was determined to find a different way to deal with Nan’s recurrent UTIs. Antibiotic resistance was a bigger and bigger medical problem every year, Sophie explained, and she wanted to take her mother off the drug merry go round.

“Antibiotics are wonderful, and we can’t survive without them, but they are not long-term options to reduce UTIs in women like my mother who suffer from recurrent infections,” Dr. Fletcher said.  Rates of antibiotic resistance are rising dramatically all over the world, and the Centers for Disease Control recommends that physicians make it a top priority to reduce antibiotic use whenever possible, she added.  “Judiciously prescribing antibiotics will prevent further resistance to them. Besides developing resistance, patients on daily antibiotics can develop long-term, irreversible side effects.”

EXTRACTING THE TRUTH ABOUT CRANBERRIES

Dr. Fletcher’s quest led her to a research team at Rutgers University that had discovered a chemical compound in cranberry extract which prevents UTI-causing bacteria from attaching to the bladder. “Women from generation to generation have been telling their daughters cranberry juice would protect them from urinary tract infections, assuming the acidity in the juice would kill the bacteria,” Dr. Fletcher said. Turns out an antioxidant phytonutrient –-proanthocyanidins (PAC)–does the trick. Researchers also determined the body requires 36 mg of PAC to consistently protect the urinary tract and bladder walls from bacteria leading to UTIs. “Even if you munched on dried cranberries and guzzled most brands of cranberry juice cocktail all day long, you still wouldn’t get the amount you need,” Dr. Fletcher emphasized.

Fortunately, scientists developed a proprietary process to extract high levels of the potent
ingredient from the pure juice concentrate of cranberries. It’s available in a once daily, medical-grade supplement, called ellura that has 36 mg of PAC in every capsule, the minimum amount proven to prevent bacteria from adhering to the bladder and developing into a UTI. ellura currently offers a powerful punch – 36 mg PAC and maximum bacterial anti-adhesion activity.

Dr. Fletcher ordered ellura for her mom nine years ago, who hasn’t had a UTI since.

Most supplements on the market contain less than 5 mg of PAC and most don’t include the PAC ingredient on their labels, just the milligrams of cranberry extract, which is irrelevant,” Dr. Fletcher said. The source of the 36 mg of PAC is also important; most supplements are made from the berry itself or from leftover seeds and stems, while ellura’s PAC is extracted from the pure juice concentrate to ensure its effectiveness. What’s more, many supplements are made with sugar and other ingredients that aren’t ideal for sensitive bladders or for diabetics. ellura has virtually no sugar.

ellura totally prevents UTIs in about 80 percent of Dr. Fletcher’s patients and significantly reduces UTIs in the remaining 20 percent. ellura is a proven solution and has the clinical data to confirm it.  Left untreated, UTIs can move up to the kidneys and cause infection, and hospitalization, especially in the older population. Take Dr. Fletcher’s advice: “It’s really, really important to see your doctor if you have symptoms, take a urine test to confirm the diagnosis, and be treated with the appropriate antibiotic. Then the ellura is a must to prevent these UTIs from coming back.”

Let Nan’s experience with UTIs help you to take control of yours…. with ellura.

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DR. FLETCHER’S ABCs OF UTIs

UTIs and Their Causes

A UTI is an infection in any part of the urinary system, which includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. Most infections involve the bladder and the urethra, which is the lower urinary tract. UTIs typically occur when “bad” bacteria, which normally live in the intestines, enter the urinary tract through the urethra, begin to multiply in the bladder, then take hold and grow into a full-blown infection. About 80 to 90 percent of UTIs are caused by E. coli bacteria. Approximately 50 percent to 60 percent of women will develop a UTI in their lifetimes.

The Symptoms of UTIs

Symptoms come on very fast. First and foremost, you’ll feel distinct burning with urination, and pain, so you’ll know when you have it. You’ll also feel a constant pressure to urinate, but once you get to the restroom, little urine comes out. This is known as urinary frequency. Low back pain is the next most common symptom.


The Different Types of UTIs

Uncomplicated UTIs  occur in patients with normal urinary tracts, both structurally and physiologically. Once a formal culture comes back positive from the laboratory, a doctor will treat this type of UTI with an antibiotic. Most women will get one or two uncomplicated UTIs in their lifetimes. It could come from just sitting on the beach for hours in a wet bathing suit, which creates a warm, moist environment that makes it easier for bacteria to enter the bladder.

Uncomplicated recurrent UTIs are the same as uncomplicated UTIs, but occur three or more times during the year. This can be very disruptive, like it was for my mother on vacation. A physician usually gives a patient with recurrent UTIs a standing prescription for antibiotics so she can dash to the pharmacy when she feels the symptoms coming on. This is called self start therapy.

Woman with uncomplicated recurrent UTIs are sick and tired of repeated episodes of pain, trips to the doctor and taking time off from work. They’re always anxious about when their next UTI is going to strike, and they worry about what’s causing their infections. Patients frequently ask: ‘Why is this happening to me?’ We’ll always do a thorough work up with tests to make completely certain there’s nothing abnormal in a patient’s urinary tract. Unfortunately, many women are just prone to UTIs.

Uncomplicated recurrent UTIs only after sex are common, especially with sexually active women.  Small amounts of the most common bacteria associated with UTIs already live in the vaginal area and can get pushed into the bladder with sexual intercourse. I recently saw a patient over 50 years old who gets a horrible UTI every time she has sex with her second husband. She’s at a point in her life where her immune system could be changing for some reason, and she isn’t able to fight off the bacteria entering her vagina like she did with her first husband when she was in her 20s and 30s.

I recommended ellura to this woman, and when she came back to see me she asked if I’d send ellura brochures to her primary care doctor so other woman with recurrent UTIs wouldn’t have to struggle like she did.

Uncomplicated recurrent  UTIs in postmenopausal women might stem from a thinning of the tissue that lines the vagina and the outside of the bladder, declining cell turnover, and diminished glandular secretions as a woman ages and loses estrogen.  These conditions can make the vagina less hospitable to “good “bacteria while creating a perfect breeding ground for the
“bad” E. coli bacteria which are more likely to invade the urinary tract and bladder.  

Complicated recurrent UTIs are associated with either anatomic abnormalities of the bladder or the kidneys and will only end when the abnormality  is corrected with surgery.

Steps to Reduce The Risk of UTIs

Void normally and don’t hold your urine for long periods of time. Always use the restroom at normal three to four hour intervals.

Stay well hydrated so you can urinate sufficiently. Some people are worried that if they drink too much water they won’t be able to get to a restroom in time, but hydrating properly helps to physically flush the bladder. Good electron microscopy studies have revealed that there are constant levels of some bacteria in the urine that move in and out of the female bladder.  Those bacteria levels cannot grow once the next wave of urination comes along and you pee them all out.

Avoid sitting in a warm, moist environment for long periods of time, such as on the beach in a wet bathing suit and in a sauna.

Always wipe from front to back when you void, which moves the bacteria from the urethra back to the rectum, not the other way around. This is really important.  You can’t wipe away all the bacteria because they’re microscopic, and you can’t sterilize yourself, but you can keep the stool, which contains e coli bacteria, towards the back as much as possible.

Urinate right after sex if you’re prone to getting UTIs from intercourse. Thus will help flush the bacteria out of the bladder.

Topical (vaginal) estrogen and probiotics for postmenopausal women can help thicken the vaginal lining, increase blood flow and normalize vaginal pH so the vagina is hospitable once again to “good” bacteria, which can help block  the “bad” bacteria from adhering to it. Lactobacillus probiotics often are recommended to help prevent UTIs, but there’s no scientific evidence to support the best dosage, the best way to take them, or their efficacy.