What Does the Medical Community Say About These Ingredients
L-Arginine - "Champions of a dietary supplement called Arginine claim that this naturally occurring amino acid may be the answer to an ailing heart. It appears that for some people with mild hypertension / high blood pressure, arginine alone can restore normal blood pressure.
Reducing high blood pressure Several recent studies confirming arginine's anti-hypertensive effect have piqued public curiosity about this supplement. For example, in a 1998 Italian study, daily oral doses significantly reduced systolic blood pressure in patients with borderline High Blood Pressure.
Lowering cholesterol Arginine also appears to benefit individuals with high cholesterol. In 1997, Stanford researchers showed that in people with elevated cholesterol, arginine reduced the tendency of blood platelets to clump, potentially lessening the risk of heart attacks and strokes. An earlier study at Sinai Hospital in Baltimore found that two weeks of arginine therapy reduced total and LDL ("bad") cholesterol but had no effect on HDL ("good") cholesterol in healthy elderly volunteers.
Relieving angina A 1998 Mayo Clinic study found that patients with early heart disease who took arginine supplements for six months had better blood flow to the heart and less angina compared with a placebo group. And Polish scientists showed that arginine increased the exercise capacity of patients with angina who had had a heart attack."
-Robert Fried, Ph.D., and Woodson C. Merrell, M.D., The Arginine Solution (Warner Books, 1999)
"Preliminary evidence suggests that the supplement (Arginine) may also boost immunity, reverse impotence, and forestall many of the complications of diabetes. For example, it is known that the immune system can kill infectious microbes, from Salmonella to Chlamydia, by emitting a puff of nitric oxide.
Several studies have now shown that arginine supplements can activate the immune system and spur wound healing after surgery or trauma.
In addition, impaired nitric oxide production has been identified as a factor in impotence, and arginine has been reported to restore erectile function in some men.
Finally, arginine blood levels are often reduced in diabetes, and some evidence suggests that arginine can slow the progression of atherosclerosis in those with the disease. It should not, however, be taken by people with diabetic retinopathy."
-Wholehealthmd.com
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L- Citrulline - "Since Citrulline is a precursor to Arginine, it allows for increased and sustained Nitric Oxide production in the endothelium for support of circulatory function." -aminoacidbotanicalandsupplementsource.net
The biological gas nitric oxide (NO) lowers high blood pressure, improves blood flow and blood vessel diameter, and is derived from the amino acid L-arginine. When nitric oxide is formed through an enzymatic reaction in the body, an even more useful amino acid is formed: L-citrulline. The body can recycle L-citrulline back into L-arginine, which can then be converted back into nitric oxide--and more NO is a yes for the body.
Though L-citrulline is an amino acid, it is not found in the proteins we consume, but it is produced in notable amounts by the liver and intestines from other amino acids. L-citrulline is credited not only with enhancing blood flow, but also for improving erectile function and reducing symptoms of sickle cell anemia.
-http://www.healthwell.com/delicious-online/d_backs/Jan_02/supps2.cfm
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Policosanol - "Policosanol has been shown to normalize cholesterol as well or better than cholesterol-lowering drugs, without side effects such as liver dysfunction and muscle atrophy (Mas et al. 1999). Efficacy and safety have been proven in numerous clinical trials, and it has been used by millions of people in other countries.
Policosanol has undergone as many clinical trials as most drugs. In studies on people with high cholesterol at high risk of heart disease, policosanol lowered LDL cholesterol 20% in 6 to 12 weeks at 10 mg/day. Total cholesterol was reduced 15%, and HDL increased 7%-28%.In a randomized, double-blind study published in the International Journal of Clinical Pharmacological Research, doctors investigated the efficacy and tolerability of policosanol at doses of 20 mg a day compared with 40 mg a day. Patients with high cholesterol had been on a cholesterol-lowering diet, but failed to achieve desired results. The patients were instructed to continue the cholesterol-lowering diet and were allocated to receive either placebo, policosanol 20 mg/day, or 40 mg/day.After 24 weeks, policosanol at 20 and 40 mg/day lowered LDL-cholesterol by 27.4% and 28.1%, while total cholesterol was reduced by 15.6% and 17.3% respectively. Most impressive was the finding that beneficial HDL-cholesterol was increased by 17.6% in the 20mg/day and 17% in the 40 mg/day policosanol groups. There were no significant changes in the placebo group.
Another action of policosanol is to reduce the proliferation of cells. Healthy arteries are lined with a smooth layer of cells so that blood can race through with no resistance. One of the features of diseased arteries is that this layer becomes thick and overgrown with cells.
As the artery narrows, blood flow slows down or is blocked completely. Policosanol was tested for its ability to stop the proliferation of these cells. According to the results, policosanol’s ability to stop cell overgrowth “is in agreement with the antiproliferative effects reported for other lipid-lowering drugs, such as most of the statins.”
Policosanol holds its own against statin drugs. LDL and total cholesterol lowering is similar, with policosanol performing better on elevating HDL. In a side-by-side comparison study from Chile, for example, 10 mg of policosanol reduced LDL 24% compared with 22% for lovastatin (Mevacor) at 20 mg, and 15% for simvastatin (Zocor) at 10 mg. This is similar to findings in other studies. Policosanol is free of these side effects.
-Life Extension Foundation
"Policosanol significantly lowers cholesterol levels, reduces platelet aggregation (blood clots), and inhibits the development of the atherosclerotic lesions. It has also been found to reduce high blood pressure."
-Int Journ Pharm Res (1999)
Gerontology (2001)
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L- Carnitine - "Supplemental L-carnitine may have cardioprotective activity in addition to beneficially affecting cardiac function. It may have a triglyceride lowering effect in some as well as help to elevate HDL - cholesterol levels." " Favorable results have been reported for many years with regard to the use of L-carnitine in the treatment of various forms of cardiovascular disease.
The walking capacity of patients with intermittent claudication was significantly improved in one double blind cross over study of patients receiving oral L-carnitine."
-PDR (Physicians Desk Reference) for Nutritional Supplements"
Carnitine is one of the most critical cell fuels. Thus, it is not surprising that many clinical studies have documented the great value of carnitine supplementation in improving the performance of the heart. Carnitine also benefits the electrical cells of the heart, and its supplementation has been shown to help normalize different forms of irregular heartbeat."
"Supports bio energy production in the heart muscle cells to enhance the heart's pumping action."
-Dr. Matthias Rath
L-carnitine helps expand blood vessels, allowing the heart to function easier. Reserach has shown that L-carnitine is an effective supplement to help manage ischemic heart disease (heart attack), abnormal heartbeat rhythm (cardiac arrythmias), and elevated triglycerides. In one study, nearly three quarters of those studied experienced a drop in triglyceride levels to within normal range after only fifteen days of supplementation."
"L-carnitine appears to be helpful for those with angina, symptoms related to mitral valve prolapse, and those who have hardening of the arteries in their legs. It also helps raise HDL (good) cholesterol levels in the blood, which is especially important to people who may be unable to exercise."
-Maximum Age Reversal Ted Broer
"Without enough carnitine to move fatty acids to the right place, your body will eventually wear down, and you may feel drained and tired.""Some studies indicate that carnitine may improve endurance in those weakened by disease, and boost an immune response in people who are HIV-infected."
-Wholehealthmd.com
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Grape Seed Extract- "Much discussion as to whether pine bark or grape seed extract delivers the most medicinal advantage still leaves the question unresolved. Dr. Michael Murray states that while both are excellent sources of proanthocyanidins (OPC's), grape seed extracts are available that contain from 92-95% OPC content; pine bark extracts vary from 80-85%. An overwhelming majority of the published clinical and experimental trials over the past 20 years have been performed using the grape seed extract, not the extract of pine bark (Murray 1995b).Peter Rohdewald, Ph.D., reported that nitric oxide (NO) became the molecule of the year in 1993 when, among other functions, it was determined that NO was a powerful vasodilator
(Rohdewald 1999).
NO is produced in the endothelial cells from arginine, a process controlled by the enzyme, endothelial nitric oxide synthase. Scientists became additionally excited when it was determined that OPC's stimulate endothelial nitric oxide synthase, producing more NO. Studies indicate that OPC's may be an alternative to aspirin.
Among 180 poststroke patients receiving 500 mg a day of aspirin for 2 years, 21% were forced to stop medication because of side effects; more than 41% experienced an increase in bleeding time. John D. Folts (University of Wisconsin) reported that flavonoids benefited laboratory monkeys, reducing the incidence of platelet aggregation (clotting) and blocked arteries with efficiency equal to or greater than aspirin. Adrenaline can completely wipe out the positive effects of aspirin, but it has no degrading effect on flavonoids. OPC's offer neither GI toxicity nor an effect on coagulation, suggesting a better risk-benefit ratio compared to aspirin
(Folts 1997; Watson 1999; Duke 2000b).
Grape seed extract appears to offer about 50 times more antioxidant protection than vitamin C or vitamin E, an action that assists in shielding LDL cholesterol from the cardiac damaging oxidation process
(Murray 1995b).
Lowers blood cholesterol levels, even shrinking the size of cholesterol deposits appearing in the arteries of laboratory animals
(Wegrowski et al. 1984)."
-Life Extension Foundation
"Minimize fibromylagia damage. The antioxidant power of grape seed extract can help by protecting besieged muscle cells from damage.""The antioxidants in grape seed extract work hard at helping to control cellular damage, routinely hunting down and neutralizing mutations within the genetic material of cells that could lead to tumor formation. The development and progression of cancers of the lung, breast, stomach, prostate, colon, skin and other body parts may be stalled as a result.""grape seed extract may be useful in treating inflammatory skin conditions such as psoriasis. Its flavonoids also inhibit allergic reactions that can generate such skin problems as eczema.""The extract's antioxidant powers are of particular value in warding off the free-radical damage so frequently cited as the leading cause of macular degeneration."
-Wholehealthmd.com
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Vitamin B-6 / Vitamin B-12 - "A team of researchers led by UCSD cardiologist Guido Schnyder, M.D. found that a six-month regimen of folic acid, vitamin B-12, and vitamin B-6 had lasting benefits -- preventing patients who had undergone coronary angioplasty procedures from redeveloping blocked arteries for a full year, including the six-month period after the patients stopped taking the vitamins."
-The findings, reported in the August 28 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association "TAIPEI, TAIWAN.
High blood levels of the amino acid homocysteine have been associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis. Homocysteine is formed in the body from methionine (an amino acid found in proteins) in a process that can be blocked by folic acid and vitamins B6 and B12. High homocysteine levels can induce endothelial dysfunction (a narrowing of the arteries) which in turn is believed to be a precursor of atherosclerosis. Researchers at the National Taiwan University Hospital now report that homocysteine-induced endothelial dysfunction can be avoided or very significantly ameliorated by supplementing with folic acid and vitamins B6 and B12.
-American Journal of Cardiology, Vol. 84, December 1, 1999, pp. 1359-61
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Folic Acid - "Folic acid (folate) may not only reduce the risk of neural tube defects by 45%, it also reduces the levels of homocysteine in the blood. Since homocysteine is a metabolite intimately associated with increasing the risk for heart disease, folic acid supplements may prevent heart disease, stroke, and peripheral arterial disease."
-Journal of Family Practice, 1997;44:138-144
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Trimethylglycine (TMG) - "TMG (trimethylglycine) may be one of the most important nutrients to prevent heart disease, stroke, liver disease and to slow aging. "
-Life Extension Foundation
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Flax Seed Powder - Lower cholesterol, protect against heart disease and control high blood pressure. Several studies indicate that flaxseed oil, as well as ground flaxseeds, can lower cholesterol, thereby significantly reducing the risk of heart disease. Taking flaxseed oil may also protect against angina (chest pain) and high blood pressure. In addition, a five-year study done recently at Boston's Simmons College found that flaxseed oil may be useful in preventing a second heart attack. It may also help prevent elevated blood pressure by inhibiting inflammatory reactions that cause artery-hardening plaque and poor circulation.
-Wholehealthmd.com"
In the last fifteen years, a number of studies have shown the protective value of omega-3 fatty acids (also known as EPA's or n-3 fatty acids). These fatty acids protect blood vessel walls from the harmful effects of LDL cholesterol.Omega-3 fatty acids are EXTREMELY VALUABLE for raising beneficial HDL levels and decreasing triglyceride levels."
-Maximum Age Reversal Ted Broer
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Alpha Lipoic Acid - "Alpha Lipoic Acid has many benefits, and all types of people will benefit from taking ALA. ALA will be even more beneficial for individuals with some of the following conditions:
- Diabetes or higher than normal blood sugar levels
- Have high cholesterol levels
- Are affected by cataracts (in early stages)
- Cardiovascular problems such as hardening of arteries"
-bodybuildingforyou.com
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Vitamin E - "Researchers at the University of Cambridge in England conducted a study of 2,000 patients with heart disease. Consuming Vitamin E supplements reduced the disease by 75%, said Dr. Jan Breslow, American Heart Association president. "Now we can confidently say that Vitamin E protects against heart disease, " said Professor Morris Brown, lead researcher on the Cambridge study. "
-Symmcorp.com
Vitamin E was shown to render the platelets in our blood circulation less sticky, thereby keeping your blood thin and decreasing the risk from blood clotting
Dr. Hermann and his colleagues reported that vitamin E supplementation also increases HDL blood levels.
-Dr. Matthias Rath
In 1963 Dr. Boyd and co-workers took X-rays of the arteries of people with long standing atherosclerosis, before, during, and after supplementation with vitamin E. The X-rays clearly showed the gradual clearing of calcium and the dilation of the arteries over a period of a few months. In 1968 Dr. Kurk Haeger did a controlled double blind study of people with restricted blood flow due to narrow atherosclerotic arteries. After a few months, those on the placebo showed a continued deterioration of their blood flow. Those on the vitamin E showed a dramatic increase in their blood flow as measured by objective scientific instruments.
In 1980, Dr. J.L.Machlin established that a large amount of published and confirmed scientific research had proven vitamin E supplements will definitely prevent and reverse atherosclerotic plaque, and even open up atherosclerotic narrowed arteries over a period of months.
Drs. Cheraskin and Ringsdorf at the University of Alabama School of Medicine and Dentistry studied a group of middle aged male heart attack victims for a period of one year. They found that those in the group who had a below average intake of vitamin E had a deterioration of their condition comparable to what is considered average for their age and condition. However, those who were on vitamin E supplements, and had an average intake, experienced a 30% reduction in the severity of their condition. From these studies we can easily conclude that vitamin E is very important in reversing atherosclerotic plaque formation and in protecting our body from the free radical attack.
-aboutchelation.com
The New England Journal of Medicine published the Nurses Health Study which followed 87,000 nurses for 6 years. The findings showed a 34% reduction in cardiovascular risk by increasing their Vitamin E intake to at least 200 IU daily when compared to the average American’s intake of 3 IUs daily.
Vitamin E (prostate) Measures to prevent prostate cancer (PC) must be a routine part of the counsel that general practitioners and internists give their patients. Vitamin E and selenium are foundational antioxidants that should be started early in life to prevent oxidative damage to the prostate tissue and other tissues of the body. Vitamin E has been shown to reduce the incidence of PC by 32% and death due to PC by 41%.
-Life Extension
"Vitamin E is thought to block destructive enzymes that break down cartilage"
-The Complete Self-Care Guide to Holistic Medicine
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Vitamin A - Animal and in vitro work as well as some human work, has shown that vitamin A can protect immune function, by helping to maintain the integrity of epithelial barriers to infection and by activating phagocytes and cytotoxic T-cells, among other activities.
-Physicians Desk Reference
Vitamin A - "Vitamin A also helps maintain the integrity of skin and mucous membranes that function as a barrier to bacteria and viruses"
-NIH Clinical Center
Vitamin A - Animal and in vitro work as well as some human work, has shown that vitamin A can protect immune function, by helping to maintain the integrity of epithelial barriers to infection and by activating phagocytes and cytotoxic T-cells, among other activities.
-Physicians Desk Reference
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Vitamin C - "Increase resistance to heart disease (and angina) by improving cholesterol levels. Several studies have linked the presence of low levels of vitamin C to a greater risk of angina and heart attacks in people with existing heart disease. Research also indicates that, when taken with vitamin E, vitamin C helps protect LDL ("bad") cholesterol from oxidation, thus preventing plaque buildup in coronary arteries. Vitamin C may also boost blood levels of HDL ("good") cholesterol; studies are ongoing to provide definitive evidence of this action."
-wholehealthmd.com
Dr James Enstrom and his fellow researchers at the University of California found these results when they studied 11,000 Americans over a 10 year period. By simply increasing their intake of Vitamin C to 300 mg daily instead of the current RDA of 50 mg. daily, men showed a 50% reduction in heart disease, and women a 40% reduction!
A 1996 Study shows that people who supplement with more than 700 mg/day of vitamin C have a 62% lower risk of dying from heart disease than do people with a daily intake of 60 mg/day or less.
-American Journal of Epidemiology, Vol. 144, No. 5, September 1, 1996, pp. 501-11
Very recent research carried out in Japan has shown that restenosis (reclosing of open arteries) after angioplasty can be significantly reduced by supplementing with ascorbic acid (500 mg/day of vitamin C)
-American Journal of Cardiology, Vol. 78, No. 11, December 1, 1996, pp.1284-86
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Vitamin B-5 - Pantothenic Acid (Calcium pantothenate) - "Control cholesterol levels. The body converts pantothenic acid into a chemical called pantethine. Pantethine is mainly recommended for lowering blood cholesterol levels in those who don't respond to other natural treatments. Many multivitamin and vitamin B complex supplements contain pantothenic acid. "
-wholehealthmd.com
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Calcium - "More studies are showing that calcium also plays a role in helping control high blood pressure, reducing the risk of colon cancer and helping weight control," says Cindy Moore, M.S., R.D., a spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association."
-Greene Memorial Hospital"
Calcium is needed for conducting nerve impulses and an optimum heartbeat. Calcium is also needed for the proper biological communication among the cells of the cardiovascular system and most other cells, as well as for many other biological functions."
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Magnesium - "People need to know magnesium deficiency predisposes them to serious, even deadly, heart arrhythmias" -- irregular and abnormally fast heartbeats or atrial fibrillation -- says cardiac specialist Michael Brodsky at the College of Medicine of the University of California, Irvine. In a British study, taking magnesium daily for six weeks reduced arrhythmias between 25% and 50%. In new U.S. Department of Agriculture tests, women skimping on magnesium developed irregular heartbeats within three months. Supplements corrected the abnormality. Blocked arteries.
High blood magnesium cuts your odds of dying from common "ischemic" heart disease (blocked or narrowed arteries) by one-third, say researchers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In other research, magnesium shortages lower good HDL cholesterol and accelerate hardening of the arteries.
Cornell's Lawrence Resnick recently documented that the higher the magnesium inside your cells, the more apt you are to have lower blood pressure, more elastic blood vessels and a less enlarged heart. He calls magnesium a natural calcium-channel blocker ( high blood pressure drug) and says supplements can help normalize high blood pressure. "Clinical studies have shown that magnesium is particularly important for helping to normalize high blood pressure; more over, it can help normalize irregular heartbeat."
- The Heart Dr. Matthias Rath
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Vitamin B-3 (Niacinamide) - "Niacin, in large doses, can lower total cholesterol, triglyceride and LDL cholesterol blood levels. (That's good news.) Niacin can also raise HDL cholesterol levels. That's good, too.) "
-Aetna IntelliHealth
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Lecithin - "Lecithin preparations are widely consumed for a variety of health reasons,
including lowering cholesterol, improving memory, improved physical performance, and improved liver function."
-Clare M. Hasler, Ph.D"
Lecithin helps rid the body of cholesterol first by stimulating the transportation of cholesterol to the liver before it has a chance to settle as plaque in the arteries, and then, lecithin promotes the production of an enzyme that dissolves cholesterol that has already accumulated, easing its transport to the liver."
-Maximum Age Reversal Ted Broer
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Taurine - "Taurine regulates heart pumping. Taken as a supplement, it appears to help Chronic Heart Failure patients and has been shown to reduce high blood pressure in both animals and humans."
-wizardofvitamins.com"
Taurine makes up nearly 50% of the free amino acids in the heart cells. It has a dramatic effect on the success of recovery from life-threatening cardiac conditions. Researchers conducted a six-week comparative study of oral supplementation of taurine versus Coenzyme Q-10 in patients with congestive heart failure attributed to cardiomyopathy (including ischemia) and exhibiting a grossly compromised ejection fraction (the ability of the heart to pump blood). The results were surprising: the taurine-treated group exhibited significant treatment effect on systolic left ventricular function, with no observable effect in the Co Q-10 group. Additionally, its role in blood pressure, caused by its interaction with substances that modulate diuresis, attests to taurine deficiency as a major factor in the hypertensive state. - "Usefulness of taurine in chronic congestive heart failure and its prospective application."
-Jpn Circ J 1992 Jan; 56(1): 95-9.
"Taurine has been used clinically in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, hypercholesterolemia, seizure disorders, ocular disorders, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, hepatic disorders, cystic fibrosis, and alcoholism."
-Alternative Medicine Review, Feb, 2001
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Vitamin B1 (Thiamin) / Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)- "The anti-atherosclerotic activity of riboflavin may be accounted for, in part, by its role in the metabolism of homocysteine. Elevated serum homocysteine is considered to be an independent risk factor of coronary heart disease." "Riboflavin has been found to protect lung and brain, as well as heart, from cellular oxidative injury"
-PDR (Physicians Desk Reference) for Nutritional Supplements
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Vitamin D3 - "In connection with cardiovascular disease, vitamin D is essential for optimum calcium metabolism in the artery walls, including the removal of calcium from atherosclerotic deposits."
- The Heart Dr. Matthias Rath
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L-Proline - "L-Proline is a building block of collagen. It is also very important in the process of reversing atherosclerotic deposits. Proline is a formidable 'Teflon' agent, which can neutralize the stickiness of fat globules. The therapeutic effect is two fold. First, Proline helps to prevent the further build-up of atherosclerotic deposits; second, Proline helps to release already deposited fat globules from the blood vessel wall into the blood stream. When many fat globules are released from the plaques in the artery walls, the deposit size decreases, leading to a reversal of cardiovascular disease."
- The Heart Dr. Matthias Rath
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Inositol - Inositol works with vitamins B6 and B12 "to help minimize the build up of fats in the liver. As such, it is often used to treat a variety of liver problems. It is also used for diabetes, and to lower blood cholesterol levels...indeed, those who consume a diet low in inositol are more prone to having elevated cholesterol. (This is why high fiber diets are often advised by experts for those who need to reduce their cholesterol). "
-nutritional-supplements-info.com
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Copper - Copper may play a role in staving off heart rhythm disorders (arrhythmia's) and high blood pressure, research indicates. With adequate stores of copper in your system, cholesterol levels also have a better chance of remaining low. And through its apparent antioxidant actions-its ability to protect against damage from free radicals-copper may also help to prevent heart disease (as well as other ailments such as cancer).
-wholehealthmd.com
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Lycopene - "Dr. Esther Paran and associates conclude that short- term, oral, high -dose administration of antioxidant-rich tomato extract (source of lycopene) may be used as an adjuvant to antihypertensive therapy. "Such an approach seems to be able to reduce blood pressure in grade 1 hypertensive patients and possible produce a beneficial effect on cardiovascular risk factors," they said."
-American Society of Hypertension (ASH)"
Considerable evidence suggests that lycopene, a carotenoid without provitamin A activity found in high concentrations in a small set of plant foods, has significant antioxidant potential in vitro and may play a role in preventing prostate cancer and cardiovascular disease in humans."
-American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
Just as lutein is concentrated in the macula, lycopene is concentrated in certain organs. The prostate gland is one of these organs. Researchers at the University of Bern report that lycopene plus vitamin E inhibits the growth of two different types of prostate cancer cells in the test tube. Lycopene by itself doesn't work. Several studies have linked lycopene with a lower risk of prostate cancer. One of these studies, the Washington County study, found that men with the most lycopene in their blood halved their risk of prostate cancer compared to those with the least. For those under 70 years old, the benefit was even greater.
Two other studies have looked at the consumption of tomato products and found lower risk with higher consumption. Tomato sauce, as opposed to juice which had no effect, was the ticket to prostate health in one of the studies. Vitamin E has also been linked to a lower risk of prostate cancer.Among 72 studies identified, 57 reported that higher tomato intake or blood lycopene levels reduced the risk of cancer at a defined anatomic site; of these associations were statistically significant. The evidence for a benefit was strongest for cancers of the prostate, lung, and stomach. Data were also suggestive of a benefit for cancers of the pancreas, colon and rectum, esophagus, oral cavity, breast, and cervix.
The relative risk (RR) was determined, comparing high tomato intake or high lycopene levels with low tomato intake or low lycopene levels. In such comparisons, about half of the RR was close to 0.6 or lower. In another study, the odds of contracting aggressive PC (prostate cancer) were significantly lower when plasma lycopene levels were high. Plasma lycopene levels were divided into five quintiles. The highest level, the fifth quintile, showed an odds ratio (OR) of 0.56.14 These findings add up to about a 40% reduction in risk of being diagnosed with these cancer types for those with high tomato intake or the highest plasma lycopene levels.-Life ExtensionThe effect of lycopene alone or in association with other antioxidants was studied on the growth of two different human prostate carcinoma cell lines (the androgen insensitive DU-145 and PC-3).
It was found that lycopene alone was not a potent inhibitor of prostate carcinoma cell proliferation. However, the simultaneous addition of lycopene together with alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E), at physiological concentrations (less than 1 microM and 50 microM, respectively), resulted in a strong inhibitory effect of prostate carcinoma cell proliferation, which reached values close to 90 %. The effect of lycopene with alpha-tocopherol was synergistic and was not shared by beta-tocopherol, ascorbic acid and probucol.
-Institute for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bern, Bern, CH-3012, Switzerland
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Coenzyme Q-10 - "appears to support the heart muscle's strenuous efforts to beat 100,000 times a day. Without adequate levels of this enzyme, the heart muscle can become weaker and less efficient at pumping blood through the body.""In lightening the heart's workload and steadying heart rhythm, coenzyme Q10 may be particularly useful for people who suffer from irregular heart beats (arrhythmias) following a heart attack.""Taking the supplement regularly may help to lower high blood pressure and protect against complications of the disease."
-wholehealthmd.com"
Researchers believe that the beneficial effect of CoQ10 in the prevention and treatment of heart disease is due to its ability to improve energy production in cells, inhibit blood clot formation, and act as an antioxidant. One important study, for example, found that people who received daily CoQ10 supplements within 3 days of a heart attack were significantly less likely to experience subsequent heart attacks and chest pain. In addition, these same patients were less likely to die of heart disease than those who did not receive the supplements.""Taking CoQ10 supplements can correct the deficiency of CoQ10 caused by statin medications without affecting the medication's positive effects on cholesterol levels. "
-Healthandage.com
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Selenium - "Science has shown us that this little known element may very well be the most important mineral to health of the heart and vascular system. A powerful free radical scavenger in its own right, it also serves as the heart of glutathione peroxidase, one of the two most important enzymes our body uses to control free radicals. Dr. J.T. Rotruck did a study on animal tissue levels of both selenium and the enzyme glutathione peroxidase. He found the lower selenium levels were, the lower were the levels of this all important enzyme. Dr. A.M. Novi has conducted many experiments which have shown that when selenium-activated glutathione is low, free radical damage to cell is massive, and leads to the development of cancer cells- such as those that make up plaque in their arteries. Drs. Schaamberger and C. Willis found that those between the ages of 55 and 64 living in selenium rich areas were protected with a heart disease rate of 67% BELOW the national average, while those living in selenium poor areas had a heart disease rate of 22% ABOVE the national average.
Dr. J.E. Vincent at Erasmus University, Rotterdam, Netherlands is a world recognized authority on prostaglandins which regulate the blood pressure. Their manufacture is dependent upon the availability of selenium. He found that when selenium is low, these prostaglandins will only be manufactured up to a certain point, then as incomplete substances they will enter the blood stream. These incomplete prostaglandins now cause degenerative lesions, plaque formation platelet clumping, and an elevation of blood pressure. Dr. James Aiken of the Upjohn Laboratories has discovered a kidney prostaglandin which regulates blood pressure. Dr. N. Larsen in Vienn, Austria confirmed this discovery and found, like Dr. Vincent in the Netherlands, that the production of this prostaglandin is selenium dependant.
He found that the blood from patients with high blood pressure was always low in selenium compared to the level of selenium in the blood of healthy people. Dr. Johan Borksten studied the heart attack rate among the people of Finland and compared it to the soil and water levels of selenium in the areas where they lived. He found that those who lived in selenium richer areas had a heart attack rate of 1 per 1,730 people, while those living in low selenium areas had a heart attack rate of 1 per every 224 people. A rather profound indictment of the importance of selenium to the cardiovascular system. Another very important study on selenium was done in Finland.
There a research team under the direction of Dr. J. T. Salonen collected and froze the blood of 11,000 people who had no outward sign of illness. All were thought to be healthy. Over the next 10 years 367 of these people died from heart attacks or other heart disease. They were carefully matched to other people from this same group who still appeared to be healthy. They were matched, according to age, sex, blood pressure, and cholesterol. The frozen blood of all these people was then thawed and compared for differences. The most glaring difference turned out to be the difference in their selenium levels. Those who developed fatal heart conditions had much lower selenium levels in their blood than did those who remained healthy. It was also found that those who had a selenium level below 45 mcg. per liter of blood, had a death rate due to cardiovascular incidents 300% ABOVE those who had selenium levels above 45 mcg.
Including this examination of selenium, we should point out that when selenium and vitamin E were mixed together in one tablet and given to cardiac patients in Mexico City who had severe reoccurring angina pectoris, Dr. J. Willalon reported that it was 92% effective in eliminating or reducing angina attacks and improved both the electrocardiogram and the capacity of the patient to do work. All of this evidence makes it more that just moderately clear that if we wish to have healthy hearts, we must have an adequate daily intake of Vitamin E and Selenium."
-aboutchelation.com
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Chromium - "Chromium is another element that is important to the cardiovacular system. Drs. Schroeder, Nason, and Tipton did a study on chromium and found that when man or animals were deficient, there is a higher rate of atherosclerosis and death. A study completed in 1978 by Dr. H.A. Newman and associates found that patients reporting to hospitals with coronary artery disease had chromium levels in their blood serum several time lower than those who reported for other conditions. In 1984 this study was repeated by Dr. M. Simonoff and team, this time using blood plasma instead of serum. It was again discovered that coronary patients had chromium levels several times lower than non-coronary patients. These facts definitely indicate that chromium deficiency plays a major role in the generation of atherosclerosis."
-aboutchelation.com
Chromium (chromium aspartate)- "Solid evidence shows that chromium is useful in the treatment of diabetes. In one study, people with diabetes were given either 200 mcg or 1000 mcg of chromium picolinate, or a placebo. Individuals taking 1,000 mcg showed marked improvements in blood sugar levels. Lesser but still significant benefits were also seen in the 200-mcg group but not in the placebo group."
-wizardofvitamins.com
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Glucosamine- Past studies show that some people with mild to moderate osteoarthritis (OA) taking either glucosamine or chondroitin sulfate reported pain relief at a level similar to that of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ( NSAIDs ) such as aspirin and ibuprofen. Some research indicates that the supplements might also slow cartilage damage in people with OA. Definitive results about the effects of these supplements are expected from an in-depth clinical study currently being conducted by the National Institutes of Health.
-Arthritis Foundation
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MSM- Stanley Jacob, MD, the doctor who developed MSM, acknowledges that the “arthritis cure” claims are over-hyped. While Dr. Jacob stands by the many benefits of MSM, he is quick to point out that it's not a “cure.” “I don't know of a single disease that MSM cures. We are not curing arthritis - I want that understood,” says Dr. Jacob. He says MSM's major benefit for those with OA and RA is pain relief: It hasn't been shown to repair or preserve cartilage or to modify or stop progression or joint destruction caused by autoimmune types of arthritis, and its effects last only as long as the supplement is taken.
-Arthritis Foundation
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Aloe Vera- Aloe Vera is a stimulant to the immune system, a powerful anti- inflammatory, an analgesic and is able to speed up cell growth. Aloe Vera contains a large number of mucopolysaccharides (basic sugars) which are found in every cell in the body. Aloe also contains large numbers of nutrients including vitamins E, C, B1, 2, 3, and 6 as well as iron, manganese, calcium and zinc. Seven essential amino acids and fatty acids are also found in Aloe Vera.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a painful, debilitating condition. It manifests itself as stiff, swollen joints with varying degrees of associated pain caused partly due to nerve damage and partly by the pressure of the swollen area. The swollen area is normally red in colour and described as inflamed. The redness is caused by the blood supply to the ‘damaged' area being increased.
Conventional treatment includes use of anti-inflammatory drugs and steroids, typically cortisone injections or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These certainly can ease the painful effects but unfortunately do not repair damaged tissues. There can also be undesirable side effects, particularly thinning of the skin and osteoporosis. Although many NSAIDs are available, each one has the potential to cause stomach ulcers.
Repairing damaged tissue by regenerating cells is a function at which Aloe Vera has been shown to be most successful. It not only relieves the painful symptoms but also helps to disperse damaged tissue – a type of detoxification process. Aloe Vera may be taken both internally as a juice or as a gel applied to the painful joint. Here Aloe Vera's deep penetration may show benefit.
The degree of success with this treatment varies considerably from person to person. With some, relief and improved joint flexibility is virtually immediate – an apparent ‘magical' cure, whereas in others, the process can take much longer and the degree of recovery may not be so great.
In any event, an important fact must be remembered: Aloe Vera has no known adverse side effects. It is an extract from the leaf of the Aloe Vera plant, known throughout the world where it grows naturally as the ‘First Aid Plant', the ‘Burn Plant', the ‘Miracle Plant' and the ‘Medicine Plant'.
-The Aloe Vera Information Centre
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Zinc- According to preliminary evidence, low levels of zinc have been associated with rheumatoid arthritis.
-wholehealthMD.com
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Manganese- Manganese, due to its role in connective tissue formation may help prevent and treat symptoms of arthritis.
-Life Extension Foundation
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Boron- A clinical trial involved 20 patients with radiographically confirmed osteoarthritis. This was a double blind, placebo-controlled study in which half of the subjects were given 6mg of boron daily while the other half received the placebo. The subjects were evaluated three times - prior to taking the tablets, after three weeks on the tablets and after eight weeks on the tablets. Patients were graded with respect to their symptoms as well as their use of a permitted analgesic. At the end of the eight-week period, 50% of those taking boron showed improvement, while only 10% of those on placebo showed similar improvement. The finding was declared statistically significant.
-Physicians Desk Reference
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Molybdenum - Molybdenum is the co-factor/mineral for the enzyme xanthine oxidase and is vital for iron utilization. It also is important in fat and carbohydrate metabolism.
-The Doctor's Medical Library
In those geographical areas where molybdenum intake is high, there is also a lowered incidence of tooth decay. Molybdenum is a powerful tool for the maintenance of good oral hygiene.
-http://search.lef.org/cgi-src-bin/MsmGo.exe?grab_id=0&page_id=4183&query=molybdenum&hiword=molybdenum%20
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*The Arginine Solution, Robert Fried Ph.D., Woodson Merrell M.D.
*The Heart, Matthias Rath, M.D.
*The Cardiovascular Cure, John P. Cooke, M.D., Ph.D.
Frequently Asked Questions
How was Tikva formulated and what is the manufacturing process?
Remember that the product was originally formulated for one of our founders, Don, to help with his cardiovascular disease. His main interest was to stop taking a handful of nutritional supplements, plus the 6 drugs he was using to control his high blood pressure and cholesterol.
We only chose the highest level ingredients as this product was not initially made to be sold, but to help Don. After seeing positive results, and Don being able to be weened off of all 6 medications, other family and friends, started taking the product and also had great results. This is when we realized that this product could really help many people.
Our research for the highest quality ingredients and the amounts needed to have them actually work was guided by two independent doctors (ND's). Further resources included the Physicians Desk Reference (PDR) for Nutrional supplements, Disease Prevention and Treatment, The Cardiovascular Cure, The Arginine Solution, Encyclopedia of Nutrional Supplements, Life Extension, Mosby's Handbook of Herbs and Nutrional Supplements and many others.
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Once the formula was complete, we chose a manufacturing facility experienced with powders that mix into water for maximum absorption. This manufacturer is FDA registered, licensed with the State Health and Sanitation Department, and follows the highest industry standard (GMP's) and has been our sole manufacturer for years now. |
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How often should I take Tikva?
Directions: Tikva is best consumed twice a day, either 20 minutes before eating protein or 2 hours after eating protein. Using the included scoop, pour one scoopful into 8 ounces of water (or your favorite non-protein drink) and stir briskly. You may use more or less water according to your own taste.
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How long will it take until I see results?
Everyone’s body is unique. The ingredients in Tikva are designed to support your entire body at the cellular level. Depending on the levels of deficiencies and the amount of rebuilding that your particular body needs, you may see noticeable results in just a few weeks in the areas of angina or joint pain, however most people take about 3 full months of daily supplementation to obtain their desired results.
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Will I need to take Tikva forever?
This is actually the wrong question. The correct question is “Should I take Tikva forever?” If your body has responded positively to the increased nutritional support then it only makes sense that you would continue taking Tikva. If your car used to run poorly on regular gas, but now runs great on premium, would you go back to using regular gas? Of course not.
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How does Tikva work to improve my health?
The multitude of ingredients in Tikva, are synergistically formulated for maximum cellular support. These powerful natural ingredients have been proven to maintain long term health. We suggest that you research each ingredient and its' affect on your body. By doing this you will be confident about your decision and will understand why most people decide to continue taking Tikva every day.
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Why don't we have Hawthorne Berry in our product?
While Hawthorne Berry is very powerful and generally considered safe to use, there are also some strong precautions that need to be considered. In short, if you are taking hypertensives, beta blockers, ace inhibitors, Nitroglycerine, sildenafil citrate (Viagra and others like it) you will need to adjust these medications, sometimes drastically. Unfortunately, most people who go to their doctor to make these adjustments find that their doctors are ignorant about drug/herb interactions and will not know what to do. Since a large percentage of our customers are already on medications, we consider it best to allow them to buy hawthorne berry separately if they want to. It is inexpensive and readily available.
Here are the cautions and drug interactions as listed on Whole Health MD:
General Interaction
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If you take prescription heart medications, consult your doctor before taking this herb. Dosages of prescription medications may need to be lowered or altered in some other way when taken along with hawthorn. Never stop taking a prescription heart medication (or alter the dosage) without consulting your doctor.
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The effect of the following classes of drugs may be dangerously increased by hawthorn: antihypertensives; calcium channel blockers (including amlodipine, diltiazem, verapamil); beta blockers (including atenolol, metoprolol, propranolol); ACE inhibitors (including benazepril, enalapril, fosinopril); digitalis drugs and cardiac glycosides (including digitoxin, digoxin); and nitrates (including amyl nitrate, nitroglycerin, sildenafil citrate, isosorbide mononitrate, and dinitrate).
Cautions
- Because of hawthorn's strength and its effects on such a vital organ as the heart, consult your doctor before taking this herb. It's best not to take it if you already have low blood pressure. And don't expect hawthorn to help stop an acute attack of angina; it isn't capable of doing this.
- Hawthorn is generally recognized as safe, although such side effects as nausea, sweating, fatigue, and rashes do develop on occasion. The herb can also drastically lower blood pressure and cause such symptoms as dizziness and fainting, even in people who have normal blood pressure and do not suffer from heart disease. Stop taking hawthorn and consult your doctor if any of these reactions occur.
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Do I still need to take my other vitamins or nutritional products if I take Tikva?
One of the advantages of Tikva's formulation is just how complete it is. Since so many nutritional supplements are already in Tikva, many of our customers actually save money because they can stop taking most of their other individual supplements. And don’t forget, with up to a 98% absorption rate you need far less of each nutrient than if you took it in pill form. However, Tikva is not a complete replacement for every nutritional need of your body.
You may ask, since Tikva is targeted to supporting your cardiovascular system why we did not include coenzyme Q-10, garlic, potassium, and more of the omega 3 fatty acids from fish oils or flax seeds? The reason are economics, taste, shelf life, and proper delivery system. Since so many of our customers are baby boomers and seniors and they have a definite need for the broad spectrum of nutrients that Tikva provides. Coenzyme Q-10 was not included because if we put in the proper dosage it would make the price too high. If we put a small amount of coenzyme Q-10 into our formula just to say that it is in there, most of our customers would say, “Oh great it has coenzyme Q-10”. Since most people need 100-200mg of coenzyme Q-10 daily, especially if they are taking cholesterol lowering statin drugs, we would be doing most of you a disservice because you would think you were getting enough of this particular nutrient, when you would not be. Plus, coenzyme Q-10 is best taken in an oil based gel cap or sublingually under your tongue.
With regards to the fish oils, they do not mix into water, they would taste fishy and float to the top of the water, and would cause the formula to turn rancid very quickly. We included some flax seed in the formulation to give you a small amount of the omega 3 fatty acids.
With regards to garlic, even if we used the most deodorized garlic, as soon as it is mixed into the water it immediately smells like and tastes like garlic. This would not only make the Tikva hard to get down, but you would smell like garlic too.
Regarding the lack of potassium in the formula, this is because so many of our customers come to us looking to get off their Ace Inhibitor high blood pressure medicines, or at least to reduce the amount of these drugs. If you are taking an Ace Inhibitor medication, you should not be taking potassium with this class of drug, thus potassium is not an ingredient in Tikva. We further recommend that you do not duplicate nutrients that are already in Tikva as you may then overdose on those nutrients.
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How does it taste?
Tikva has a lemon/orange flavor. Because Tikva is very palatable, most people just mix it in water and grow to like it very quickly. If we had to rate it on a scale of 0-100 with "0" being Nyquil ®, and "100" being lemonade, most of our customers first say it is about a "75" and it gets better as they use it daily. It is not gritty or thick, but goes down very easily.
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Can I mix it into other drinks?
Most people just mix Tikva into water. This is actually the best thing to mix it in. If you would prefer it in your favorite beverage just do NOT mix it in a protein drink as the proteins will inhibit the maximum absorption of Tikva into your sysytem. For best results, stir it in and let it sit for 60 seconds, and then stir again. The colder the beverage, the slower it dissolves. Do NOT mix into hot drinks.
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Can I take Tikva with other medications or nutritional products?
Again, Tikva is a powerful formula. Just because it is natural, don’t think that the ingredients aren’t strong enough to affect your bodily functions. They need to be to optimize your health. Therefore, consult with your doctor if you are taking vasodilators such as nitroglycerin, Viagra™, Cialas , or Levitra , etc.), taking strong anticoagulants (such as warfarin, Coumadin , or heparin, etc.), are diabetic, suffer from kidney problems, liver disorder, Crohn's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, or genital herpes. Do not take this product if you are pregnant, lactating, have brain or ocular herpes, Wilson's disease, are a hemophiliac, or are under 23 years of age. Do not take Tikva with L-lysine. The L-arginine and the L-lysine compete with each other. Do not take Tikva with proteins as the protein will reduce the absorption into your bloodstream. The best way to take Tikva is on an empty stomach. Wait 20 minutes before eating.
Special Note: Discontinue use of Tikva 2 weeks prior to surgery as this product contains natural blood thinning ingredients.
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I have genital herpes, can I still take Tikva?
In a very small number of people, arginine can reactivate latent genital herpes. You should consult with your doctor if you have genital herpes before consuming Tikva. You may also take 500 mg of lysine 2 hours before or after taking Tikva to help avoid an outbreak.
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Should I stop taking my other medications?
Absolutely NOT!!! Advise your doctor that you are taking Tikva.
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Will I be able to replace my medications by taking Tikva?
Over time, as you are monitored by your doctor he/she may be able to reduce your drug intake, or maybe even wean you off of them altogether. The time frame for this to happen is different for everyone because no two people are alike.
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If I miss a dose, should I skip it or double up?
You can double up if you miss a dose, but DO NOT take more than two scoops daily.
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Why is my urine so yellow?
Tikva is loaded with “B” vitamins which are yellow and are passed through your system without losing their natural color. This is normal and to be expected.
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What side effects can I expect?
Most people do not experience any side effects. However, depending upon your diet previous to starting on Tikva, you may experience temporary detoxification which is good for you. Men with erectile dysfunction (due to poor circulation) frequently see this issue resolve itself in a matter of a few months and never seem to complain about this "side effect". If you are not familiar with what detoxification is, here is a brief description. The cells in your body absorb whatever levels of nutrition you are feeding them. Fortunately, your cells are "smart" and if a higher level of nutrition suddenly comes into your blood stream from your food or drink, your cells will immediately absorb the higher level nutrients and "spit out" the inferior nutrients and toxins. Since Tikva is loaded with only high level nutrients that are in liquid form, the absorption into your cells is fast and dramatic. Therefore, if your body "spits out" too many of the inferior nutrients into your blood stream too quickly, you may experience a temporary "detox" which could come out of you as diarrhea, pimples or a mild skin rash. Again, detox with these side effects does NOT happen to most people, it is temporary, and is actually a great sign that you are increasing the health of your cells all the way to their core. If this happens to you simply back down to one scoop daily for a few days to let your system adjust more slowly. Drinking extra water is always a good idea too.
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What is the shelf life of each bottle of Tikva?
Two years if not opened. Do NOT REFRIGERATE but store in a cool dry place. Close the lid tightly each time as Tikva absorbs moisture out of the air very quickly. If this happens and it starts to cake up, simply break it back up and use it with full confidence that it will be just as effective and is not ruined in any way.
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