Spring and Summer are around the corner. Are you ready?
If you’re still stuck in hibernation mode from the long winter, you’re not alone. But now is a great time to detox your body, your mind, and your lifestyle to set yourself up for an active and enjoyable summer. Here are seven steps to better health and a renewed sense of vitality to make the most out of the sunny months ahead.
1. Drink more water.
Quick quiz: do you feel thirsty right now? If you do, you’re dehydrated. Water has so many amazing benefits: it helps control calorie intake, energizes your muscles, keeps your skin looking beautiful, and keeps those bowels working properly (hey, it’s important). If you’re not a fan of plain water, infuse flavour by mixing in your favourite fruit, like strawberries and blueberries or lemons and oranges, or mix in some veggies, like cucumber slices.
Okay, so alcohol isn’t a food, but if you’re trying to detox, you’ll want to avoid it. Same with too much salt; the body needs small amounts of it to function, but too much can lead to high blood pressure, water retention (read: bloat), and other issues. And did you think I’d let you get away with processed sugar? Nope. Try to minimize your intake. Stick to natural sugars from fruit and leave the baked goods and sweets for special occasions (and I’m not talking about Fridays, I’m talking about birthdays and weddings).
4. Get moving.
This should already be a staple of your everyday life, but if you’re not super active, just get outside and walk around the neighbourhood after dinner each night. Not only can regular walks help you maintain a healthy weight and strengthen your bones and muscles, but it can also improve your mood. Major bonus.
5. Hit the hay.
And by that I mean make sure your head is hitting your pillow at least seven to nine hours a night. A proper night’s sleep can work wonders on your mood by lowering your stress levels, among other benefits. If you have trouble getting to sleep, make sure your bedroom is cool and dark, and try taking a shower right before your target bedtime.
It’s a chance to start over, make positive changes, and become a better you. And if you’re looking for some inspiration to lose weight and look your best in 2019, here are some helpful tips to get you moving.
Most new year’s weight-loss resolutions are forgotten before January ends. Too often we bite off more than we can chew. We make crazy diet and workout goals that are far too aggressive, get frustrated, and quit. The key to your resolution success is to be consistent. Make small changes you can maintain. Things like portion control, drinking more water, tracking your exercise, and working out with friends can have big results providing you stick with it.
Action-Oriented Goals, Not Open-Ended Ones
Sure, you want to look better in 2019, but open-ended goals usually fall short. Instead of saying to yourself, “I want to lose weight,” try to think in terms of action-oriented, definable goals. For example, plan to walk 30 minutes three times a week. Instead of going strict vegan or jumping into a Paleo diet, try adding a green vegetable to every meal. Realistic goals equal real results.
Go Take a Walk
Speaking of walking 30 minutes a day, did you know a half-hour walk can burn up to 300 calories? That might not sound like much, but over the course of a year, it can make a big difference. Walking is a low-impact exercise, meaning it’s easier on your joints. The benefits of physical activity depend on three elements: intensity, duration, and frequency. Because walking is less intensive than running, you’ll have to walk for longer periods to get the same results.
Anytime you get your heart rate up, you’re doing your body a favor. Exercise makes the heart beat faster, and over time, strengthens the heart. Cardiovascular exercise improves blood circulation and can help with your mood. Find a good podcast or audiobook or invite a friend to take a walk around the block after work.
You Can’t Outrun Your Fork
There are approximately 3,500 calories in a pound. That means to lose or gain a pound, you have to burn or consume an additional 3,500 calories. Over the holidays, most of us probably overindulged a bit. Don’t worry. Slips don’t become falls in your overall health journey when you choose to get back on track.
Something I did last year that had a big impact, but felt very manageable, was to eliminate one bad eating habit each month throughout the year. For January, I gave up all soda. In February, I stopped eating donuts and bagels. In March, I made sure to eat at least two servings of vegetables for lunch and dinner. Pretty soon, I started to see results, and because it was a gradual replacement of bad foods with good ones, I found I had more energy and felt better.
Keep a food journal as you make your new year changes. Write down all of your meals and snacks. Be honest. When you examine your diet, you’ll see areas where you can improve and be able to celebrate the smart decisions you’ve made.
Love Your Workout
There’s nothing worse than signing up for a gym membership at the beginning of the year only to quit going after a couple of weeks. Not only is it a waste of money, it can be pretty disheartening. Also, sometimes those big box gyms can be pretty intimidating when you’re starting a new workout program. Instead of committing to a long-term gym membership, think about the activities you are interested in and find out if they have introductory classes. Lots of times, the first class is free.
Sign up for a boxing lesson or try out a yoga class. Maybe you’ve always wanted to try Zumba or join a cycling group. It doesn’t matter what you do to get moving, just make sure it’s an exercise program that’s interesting and something you like. It’s already hard to get motivated to work out; don’t make it worse by doing something you hate.
Drink Water
It seems simple enough, but getting enough water is important to a successful workout program. Not only do you need water to stay hydrated, but drinking water can also help lubricate your joints, help with digestion, regulate body temperature, and aid in other essential body functions. Best of all, water has zero calories.
Make sure to drink enough water before and after your workouts. Your body needs water to help energize muscles and support your kidneys. Fluids also help your body flush and remove waste.
Drink water during each meal. Keep a bottle of water with you in your car, at your desk, or in your bag. And add to your hydration by eating more water-filled fruits and vegetables. About 20 percent of our fluid intake comes from food.
Try a 5-Day RESET™ Kit
Reboot your energy and curb your cravings with USANA’s 5-Day RESET Kit.
In five short days, you’ll restart your healthy lifestyle with 15 Nutrimeal™ single-serve packets, five USANA® Probiotic stick packs, and 10 (5 AM and 5 PM) HealthPak™ packets with USANA® CellSentials™ CellSentials® (Vita Antioxidant™ and Core Minerals™), USANA® MagneCal D™, and the CellSentials Booster. Each kit also comes with additional energizing tips to get your health back on track.
Better yet, motivate a friend to focus on healthy fabulousness with you. When you buy one kit, you’ll get a second one 50 percent (US only).
So, what are you waiting for? Get started today and kick-start your new healthy lifestyle. Let us know in the comment section how your RESET challenge goes. And share some of your success stories as you strive to achieve your New Year resolutions.
Kickstart your lifestyle with this easy 5 day (everything in one box) plan!
The liver is an essential organ. It plays a role in metabolism, digestion, energy storage, and hormone production. It is also the major detoxifying organ in the body.
Detoxification in the liver is broken into two categories. They are known as Phase I and Phase II liver detoxification pathways.
Phase I Liver Detoxification Pathway
Phase I liver detoxification is the first line of defense against toxins. It consists of a group of enzymes known as the cytochrome P450 family. The enzymes help neutralize substances like alcohol and caffeine. They offer protection by converting these toxins into less harmful ones.
The byproducts of Phase I liver detoxification can still pose a toxic threat to the body. If the toxins are allowed to build up and stay in the liver, they can damage DNA and proteins. It is the role of Phase II liver detoxification, to make sure that those toxins do not build up. Which provides final neutralization of the toxins so that they can be removed by the body.
Phase II Liver Detoxification Pathway
Phase II liver detoxification neutralizes the byproducts of Phase I liver detoxification and other remaining toxins. This is done by making the toxins water-soluble. That way they can be excreted from the body. This process is known as conjugation. Glutathione, sulphate, and glycine are the primary molecules responsible for this process.
Under normal conditions, Phase II liver detoxification enzymes produce low levels of glutathione. Under times of high toxic stress the body increases production of glutathione.
Glutathione
Glutathione is so important for humans, it is known as the “master antioxidant.” It is called this, because it is the most abundant antioxidant in the body and it can regenerate itself in the liver.
Glutathione is found in asparagus, avocado, spinach, broccoli, and some supplements. Sadly, food sources of glutathione are poorly absorbed into the body. Digestive enzymes can break it down before it can be absorbed. There is also no direct transport system for glutathione.
Although glutathione is poorly absorbed, diet does play a part in the body’s levels. The body needs key building blocks to manufacture glutathione. Certain foods and nutrients are known to provide them. Eating these building blocks can increase the body’s production of glutathione. These include selenium, vitamin E, cruciferous vegetables, alpha-lipoic acid, milk thistle, and N-acetyl cysteine.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is also important in liver detoxification pathways. It helps protect liver detoxification enzymes, created in phase I and phase II liver detoxification pathways, from oxidative damage. Vitamin C helps protect liver tissues from oxidative damage. Some research also suggests that vitamin C may play a role in toxin removal.
Vitamin C is tightly controlled in the body. Blood levels are mainly determined by vitamin C intake and kidney regulation. Research shows that some phytochemicals may increase plasma vitamin C, even in the absence of vitamin C consumption.
Foods richest in vitamin C
cantaloupe
grapefruit
honeydew
kiwi
mango
oranges and other citrus fruits
strawberries
watermelon
Clinical Research on Increasing Glutathione Production
Scientists conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled study on a blend of nutrients. The purpose was to determine if they promoted increases in plasma glutathione and vitamin C.
The study intervention group used the product Hepasil Plus, provided by USANA Health Sciences. Hepasil Plus contains biotin, choline, milk thistle extract, N-acetyl L-cysteine, alpha-lipoic acid, broccoli concentrate, green tea extract, olive fruit extract, and turmeric extract.
Fifteen healthy volunteers participated in the study. Subjects were given Hepasil DTX or placebo for 28 days. On days 1, 14, and 28, blood samples were drawn to measure plasma vitamin C and glutathione.
Study Results
Hepasil DTX increased plasma glutathione two hours following the first treatment and significantly increased plasma glutathione eight hours after treatment.
Plasma glutathione levels increased 74 percent by the end of the study.
Hepasil DTX significantly increased plasma vitamin C as soon as two hours
following the first treatment. This was maintained during the entire acute phase (0-8 hour time points)
The results showed a synergistic effect of these nutrients. The treatment formula boosted both glutathione and vitamin C levels. It upregulated the body’s ability to utilize glutathione in detoxification reactions. It also increased the body’s antioxidant capacity.
A follow-up report showed that the increases in both glutathione and vitamin C have clinical benefits. Subjects taking Hepasil Plus were significantly more resistant to oxidative damage than those taking the placebo.
Study Conclusion
The results back up previous research showing that some phytochemicals may increase plasma vitamin C, even in the absence of vitamin C consumption. It also offers a specific blend of ingredients that can be used to increase the body’s glutathione production.
Please note that Hepasil Plus (canadian) and Hepasil DTX (american) are the same product, because of Canadian regulations, the name has to be changed. Spring is a great time of the year to shed the winter sluggishness and renew through elimination to have healthy cells regenerate. If you are interested in this product you can purchase it from my website by clicking on this link shop USANA here.
We are available anytime to assist you with any questions or help with placing an order, you can visit our website http://www.eastcoastlifesolutions.com or emailing us at eastcoastlifesolutions@gmail.com.
Hepasil DTX™ is a carefully formulated blend of antioxidants aimed at supporting and maintaining your body’s second largest organ: the liver.
The main ingredient is milk thistle extract—one of the most powerful currently known antioxidants. Milk thistle helps increase the amount and activity of several antioxidant enzymes involved in detoxification (including superoxide dismutase (SOD) and the glutathione peroxidase system).
Other important antioxidants in Hepasil DTX include alpha-lipoic acid, green tea extract, turmeric extract, and Olivol® patented olive-fruit extract. Each helps protect multiple enzyme systems in the liver, and provides secondary antioxidant protection to the rest of the body.
Adding a supplement like USANA’s Hepasil DTX—with the unique InCelligence Detox-Support Complex™—to your healthy lifestyle is a great way to help maintain healthy liver function. You can also help support your body’s natural detoxification processes.*
Alpha-lipoic acid influences the production of glutathione and it supports Phase II detoxification reactions.*
Patented Olivol® olive-fruit extract, broccoli extract, green tea extract, and turmeric provide excellent antioxidant support. This is crucial for liver health because the detoxification process generates a lot of damaging free radicals.*
Adding USANA’s Hepasil DTX to a healthy lifestyle can help maintain healthy liver function and balance the body’s natural detoxification processes.*
The Benefits of Hepasil DTX™
Your liver is vital to maintaining good health. Almost every nutrient you consume—food, drinks, medications, and supplements—goes through your liver. That’s where the nutrients are broken down into a form your body can use, or altered and eliminated from your system.*
Hepasil DTX is enhanced with USANA InCelligence Technology® to support healthy liver function in many ways. It supplies the body with nutrients that promote the natural detoxification process and endogenous antioxidant activity.*
The Anatomy and Physiology of the Liver
The liver is the major detoxifying organ in the body and the primary site of Phase I and Phase II detoxification enzymes. It’s located in the upper right area of the abdomen.
Your liver performs multiple functions important to keeping you alive and well. It helps convert nutrients from your diet into substances your body can use. The liver plays an important role in turning toxic substances in your body into harmless substances or expelling them.
These toxic substances go through the Phase I and Phase II detoxification process.
Phase I detoxification enzymes consist of the cytochrome P450 family of enzymes. These serve as the first line of defense, neutralizing most toxins. Unfortunately, this initial oxidation can occasionally make some compounds more toxic. Phase II detoxification enzymes can further modify the products of Phase I by chaining them to water-soluble molecules. Now they are less toxic and able to be passed from the body.
These detoxification pathways are aided by the antioxidant activity of vitamin C and glutathione—a powerful antioxidant enzyme made in your body.
Glutathione
Glutathione is the most abundant antioxidant in our bodies and plays a major role in the detoxification process. Unfortunately, glutathione is inefficiently absorbed from the diet and must be manufactured in the body by specific Phase II enzymes.
Under normal conditions, these enzymes produce low levels of glutathione. But when your body encounters more toxins it increases production of glutathione by upregulating the Phase II enzymes. A number of phytochemicals, including broccoli extract, milk thistle, and alpha-lipoic acid, have also been shown to upregulate Phase II enzymes, including those that synthesize glutathione.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an important first line of defense in protecting biomolecules from oxidative damage, especially in circulation.
However, the concentration of vitamin C in the body is tightly regulated by intestinal absorption from the diet and recycling by the kidneys. Because of this tight regulation, it was thought that circulating vitamin C levels could only be increased by supplementing with vitamin C. However, it has recently been shown that both circulating and tissue levels of vitamin C can be increased by certain phytochemicals, even in the absence of vitamin C supplementation.
Milk thistle’s active ingredient, the one that supports the liver, is called silymarin. This is a chemical extract from milk thistle seeds. Silymarin is a strong antioxidant.
The Science Behind Hepasil DTX™
Choline is a key ingredient that helps the liver metabolize fats and cholesterol and move them out of the liver. Upon entry into the cell, choline is oxidized to become betaine, which donates methyl groups necessary for healthy detoxification reactions.
The liver uses biotin to support the metabolism of macronutrients and the synthesis of glycogen for energy.
In addition to alpha-lipoic acid and n-acetyl l-cysteine, the InCelligence Detox-Support Complex in Hepasil DTX also delivers a comprehensive array of phytochemicals. This includes green-tea extract, milk thistle extract, broccoli extract, and USANA’s patented Olivol®.
These powerful nutrients target a cell-signaling pathway that supports naturally protective processes within a healthy liver:
Balancing detoxification reactions by stimulating the production of Phase II detoxification enzymes, including glutathione-S-transferases. These enzymes link with the highly reactive metabolites—products of a metabolic reaction—generated in the liver during Phase I and convert them into a form that can be excreted from the body.
Defending against oxidative stress caused by free radicals generated during Phase I by acting as direct antioxidants. The nutrients also activate the production of endogenous antioxidants—those made in the body—including glutathione, which is most concentrated in the liver.
Taking three tablets of Hepasil DTX a day for 28 days can help significantly optimize natural glutathione production and overall antioxidant capacity. The formula is patent pending because of the increase in glutathione, vitamin C antioxidant capacity, and detoxification activity it helps produce within the body.*
How Does Hepasil DTX Affect Cell Signaling?
Hepasil DTX contains a unique blend of ingredients that optimize cell-signaling pathways tied with glutathione production. This process both supports the body’s antioxidant and natural detoxification capacity by increasing plasma glutathione and vitamin C levels.
Study
USANA’s in-house scientists have conducted a double-blind controlled study to test the effectiveness of Hepasil DTX.
The study’s results showed that both circulating glutathione and vitamin C levels increased following treatments with Hepasil DTX. To our knowledge, this is the first time a combination of essential nutrients and phytochemicals have been shown to increase both plasma vitamin C and glutathione levels simultaneously. The results also showed that the recommended dosage of Hepasil DTX is able to boost both glutathione and vitamin C levels—essential molecules for antioxidant defense and to support the natural detoxification pathways and process.
The study looked at whole blood glutathione (GSH) and vitamin C levels. The purpose was to assess the effectiveness of Hepasil DTX in increasing both GSH and vitamin C levels. Results showed that Hepasil DTX significantly increased plasma GSH just eight hours after supplementation during the Acute-on-Chronic Phase. It also increased plasma vitamin C levels as soon as two hours following the first treatment, and this was maintained during the entire Acute Phase.
To show the observed increases in glutathione and vitamin C translate into a clinical benefit, USANA scientists went on to determine the antioxidant capacity of each subject’s blood. They utilized the serum antioxidant reserve (SAR) assay developed by USANA Health Sciences to find that subjects that supplemented with Hepasil DTX were significantly more resistant to oxidative damage than subjects given the placebo.
This proprietary combination of essential nutrients and broccoli extract, milk thistle, and alpha-lipoic acid increases plasma vitamin C and glutathione levels simultaneously, and turns on the molecular machinery needed to utilize glutathione in the detoxification reactions. It also significantly increases the overall capacity of the blood to protect against oxidative insult.
Together, these results show that taking the recommended dose of Hepasil DTX increased antioxidant capacities and the body’s natural detoxification capacities by boosting glutathione and vitamin C levels.*
The USANA Difference
Hepasil DTX™ has two patents pending. The first is for the formula’s effectiveness. Another for safely combining previously incompatible, but equally important, nutrients into one bi-layer tablet using USANA’s Nutritional Hybrid Technology.
This technology enables USANA to manufacture a truly unique, comprehensive liver support supplement. And the InCelligence Detox-Support Complex unlocks the innate intelligence of your body’s natural processes to help support the longevity of your liver.*
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Exercise has a huge upside for overall health and can improve outcomes for cardiovascular and circulatory diseases, diabetes, neurological diseases, and depression, among many other conditions. Unfortunately, that tremendous upside doesn’t necessary apply to weight loss.
If weight loss is your goal, exercise is great. And you should exercise rregularly. But reducing food (calorie) intake is far more effective, especially in the short-term. Keep exercising if you are already (and congratulations!), but if you aren’t making the progress you want with weight loss, you may need to look closer at your diet.
On the other hand, regular exercise and physical activity is absolutely essential to long-term weight maintenance for most people. You may not be able to exercise your weight off, but maintaining a weight loss is extremely difficult without regular exercise. The habit of exercise will provide you huge benefits, and will likely extend your health span. Just don’t depend on it entirely for weight loss.
Leave the cravings behind and start with a 5 Day Smart Start. The 5 Day Smart Start allows your body to RESET with a gentle detox, giving it a chance to even out the highs and lows of sugar, caffeine and gluten.
Start today with the 5 Day Smart Start and receive a FREE Blender Bottle RESET Today!
See East Coast Life Solutions Specials page for more details on our 5 Day and 28 Day Programs.
The liver is an essential organ. It plays a role in metabolism, digestion, energy storage, and hormone production. It is also the major detoxifying organ in the body.
Detoxification in the liver is broken into two categories. They are known as Phase I and Phase II liver detoxification pathways.
Phase I Liver Detoxification Pathway
Phase I liver detoxification is the first line of defense against toxins. It consists of a group of enzymes known as the cytochrome P450 family. The enzymes help neutralize substances like alcohol and caffeine. They offer protection by converting these toxins into less harmful ones.
The byproducts of Phase I liver detoxification can still pose a toxic threat to the body. If the toxins are allowed to build up and stay in the liver, they can damage DNA and proteins. It is the role of Phase II liver detoxification, to make sure that those toxins do not build up. Which provides final neutralization of the toxins so that they can be removed by the body.
Phase II Liver Detoxification Pathway
Phase II liver detoxification neutralizes the byproducts of Phase I liver detoxification and other remaining toxins. This is done by making the toxins water-soluble. That way they can be excreted from the body. This process is known as conjugation. Glutathione, sulphate, and glycine are the primary molecules responsible for this process.
Under normal conditions, Phase II liver detoxification enzymes produce low levels of glutathione. Under times of high toxic stress the body increases production of glutathione.
Glutathione
Glutathione is so important for humans, it is known as the “master antioxidant.” It is called this, because it is the most abundant antioxidant in the body and it can regenerate itself in the liver.
Glutathione is found in asparagus, avocado, spinach, broccoli, and some supplements. Sadly, food sources of glutathione are poorly absorbed into the body. Digestive enzymes can break it down before it can be absorbed. There is also no direct transport system for glutathione.
Although glutathione is poorly absorbed, diet does play a part in the body’s levels. The body needs key building blocks to manufacture glutathione. Certain foods and nutrients are known to provide them. Eating these building blocks can increase the body’s production of glutathione. These include selenium, vitamin E, cruciferous vegetables, alpha-lipoic acid, milk thistle, and N-acetyl cysteine.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is also important in liver detoxification pathways. It helps protect liver detoxification enzymes, created in phase I and phase II liver detoxification pathways, from oxidative damage. Vitamin C helps protect liver tissues from oxidative damage. Some research also suggests that vitamin C may play a role in toxin removal.
Vitamin C is tightly controlled in the body. Blood levels are mainly determined by vitamin C intake and kidney regulation. Research shows that some phytochemicals may increase plasma vitamin C, even in the absence of vitamin C consumption.
Foods richest in vitamin C
cantaloupe
grapefruit
honeydew
kiwi
mango
oranges and other citrus fruits
strawberries
watermelon
Clinical Research on Increasing Glutathione Production
Scientists conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled study on a blend of nutrients. The purpose was to determine if they promoted increases in plasma glutathione and vitamin C.
The study intervention group used the product Hepasil DTX™, provided by USANA Health Sciences. Hepasil DTX contains biotin, choline, milk thistle extract, N-acetyl L-cysteine, alpha-lipoic acid, broccoli concentrate, green tea extract, olive fruit extract, and turmeric extract.
Fifteen healthy volunteers participated in the study. Subjects were given Hepasil DTX or placebo for 28 days. On days 1, 14, and 28, blood samples were drawn to measure plasma vitamin C and glutathione.
Study Results
Hepasil DTX increased plasma glutathione two hours following the first treatment and significantly increased plasma glutathione eight hours after treatment.
Plasma glutathione levels increased 74 percent by the end of the study.
Hepasil DTX significantly increased plasma vitamin C as soon as two hours
following the first treatment. This was maintained during the entire acute phase (0-8 hour time points)
The results showed a synergistic effect of these nutrients. The treatment formula boosted both glutathione and vitamin C levels. It upregulated the body’s ability to utilize glutathione in detoxification reactions. It also increased the body’s antioxidant capacity.
A follow-up report showed that the increases in both glutathione and vitamin C have clinical benefits. Subjects taking Hepasil DTX were significantly more resistant to oxidative damage than those taking the placebo.
Study Conclusion
The results back up previous research showing that some phytochemicals may increase plasma vitamin C, even in the absence of vitamin C consumption. It also offers a specific blend of ingredients that can be used to increase the body’s glutathione production.
Shop Hepasil DTX formulated with the InCelligence Detox Support Complex. Hepa Plus supports healthy and efficient liver function by energizing the body’s normal production of glutathione and helping to balance natural detoxification processes.
