Choosing Supplements Part III

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Specialty Formulas
By Karin Krisher

Last week, we discussed the main letter vitamins, and the week before, you learned all about multivitamins and fish oils. What could we possibly have left to discuss?

The answer might shock you. FoodScience features over 200 different supplements. Most of those are geared for the support of specific bodily functions, and many are specialty formulas that feature unique ingredients.* Those will be our topic today—though it’s a lot to cover! Because there are so many supplements to consider, we’ve picked out just a few of our (and our customers’) favorite categories, and just a few products in each. If you’d like any more information, please comment and we’d be more than happy to share!

Brace yourself—healthy knowledge coming your way.

Joint Health

Let’s start with the power of movement. Joint support is one of our top categories for both humans and animals, and we’re happy to share the reasons why. Joints are one of those things—you don’t really think about them and how much they affect your day-to-day comfort until it’s too late. Supporting their flexibility, mobility and main function is one of our main functions as a supplement provider. *

Joints are made up of several components; perhaps the most important to this discussion is synovial fluid. Supporting the viscosity of synovial fluid in the joint is what keeps their cushioning ample and you moving right along at a regular pace. * Our top seller for this type of support is called Sea Mussel. *

Sea Mussel is a whole food product, meaning we use the entire mussel organism in the supplement. In a freeze dry/vacuum process, we squeeze all of the important constituents of perna canaliculus green-lipped mussel from New Zealand into a comprehensive formula to support connective tissue function.* (This includes tendons, ligaments, and the like.) Perna contains amino acids, enzymes, glucosamine and glycosaminoglycans like chondroitin sulfates. Using the whole organism means you receive all the benefits of these important constituents, which support joint hydration and overall comfort. *

If you, like so many others, are a vegetarian eater, we’ve got a product that supports the same functions without any of the organism. Superior Joint comes in two flavors of chewable tablets—chocolate and lemon vanilla. We’ve included green-grown glucosamine, as well as hyaluronic acid, MSM and DMG. You’ll find these four ingredients in many of our joint formulas, so they’re worth a bit of discussion time.

Glucosamine is probably the most popular nutrient for joint health in the supplement industry. * Glucosamine is a precursor for glycosaminoglycans, which are a major component of joint cartilage.

MSM (or methylsulfonylmethane) is a source of sulfur to ensure the body’s ability to synthesize collagen for connective tissue health.* It is also important for maintaining cell membrane flexibility.*

Hyaluronic acid is found in the body, most abundantly in cartilage, synovial fluid and skin. It acts as a cushion and lubricant in the joints and other tissues in order to thicken synovial fluid, pulling water into the joint and thereby
supporting connective tissue structure.*

Finally, there’s our claim to fame—dimethylglycine. DMG is an amino acid derivative and acts as a methyl donor, assisting in the production of nucleic acids, vitamins, minerals, neurotransmitters and other metabolically active molecules in the body.* For joint health, DMG supports circulatory processes, meaning that joints will experience better oxygen utilization and better nutrient delivery. *

Digestive Health

Everybody knows it’s sometimes necessary to go with your gut. In our line of work, we believe it’s always important to follow your belly’s instructions. Gut health affects your whole system, including the brain. That’s why digestive support is so important to overall health. Our most popular digestive support products are often specialty formulas that include both probiotics and enzymes.

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria. We know the word bacteria is kind of a turnoff, but we promise, it’s not always a bad thing. For example, yogurt contains live cultures of probiotics that support digestive health—so do our capsule formulations.* Mega Probiotic ND and Mega Probiotic Chew feature several strains of beneficial bacteria, which can support microbial balance in the gut and regularity.* Mega Probiotic Chew also includes enzymes, making it an extremely comprehensive product for digestive health.* Digestive enzymes breakdown proteins, fats, and carbohydrates so your body can better absorb the nutrients your food provides.*

Weight Management

This is a big one. No pun intended.

Weight management is such a popular category because weight does have an impact on overall wellbeing and health. We feature several weight management products, all with different ingredients but the same support capabilities.* One of our favorites is DIM PRO, which is a proprietary blend of Diindolylmethane (DIM®), vitamin E and phosphatidylcholine in a highly-bioavailable, patented form that  supports estrogen metabolism in both men and women by helping to
maintain proper hormone balance.*

DIM® is a plant compound that supports estrogen metabolism causing a beneficial shift in the balance of estrogen, testosterone and progesterone in both men and women.* A healthy balance between estrogen, testosterone and progesterone supports skin, prostate, ovarian, breast, skeletal, joint and cardiovascular health, lean body mass, efficient fat burning, better physical conditioning, improved mood and memory, and increased libido. *(See, the fringe benefits aren’t bad, either!)

Another of our popular weight management supplements is meant to address a very common concern. Carb Down™ includes a Phase 2™ brand carb neutralizer and gymnema sylvestre and Chromemate brand chromium. These ingredients work to support healthy and effective weight management by supporting fat burning, maintaining normal blood glucose levels and neutralizing the calories from complex carbohydrates.* How the heck does that work?

Phase 2™ brand carb neutralizer is a natural extract from the white kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris). It binds the enzyme alpha-amylase, an enzyme that is necessary for the body to break down starch.* Because Phase 2™ targets this specific enzyme it only works on carbohydrates.* Fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals and other nutrients from foods are still absorbed and utilized normally.* Phase 2™ does not enter the bloodstream, but instead stays in the digestive tract and blocks the absorption of carbohydrates (from starch) and causes them and the excess carbohydrate calories to be excreted and not digested.*

Gymnema sylvestre and Chromemate® support appetite control and reduction of sugar cravings by maintaining blood sugar levels within normal ranges and supporting proper insulin utilization.* Proper regulation of insulin also helps the body to stay focused on burning fat.* Chromemate® brand chromium is the niacin brand chromium complex, which is the active glucose tolerance factor responsible for efficient insulin action.*

Carbohydrates are needed by the body for energy. Current research recommends a carbohydrate intake of approximately 130 grams per day for weight reduction.* Carb-Down is ideal for those whose carbohydrate intake is higher than that.* Excessive carbohydrate intake in the form of empty calories will be stored in the body as fat, and learning to manage carbohydrate intake is a key to successful weight loss.*

And More

While these categories feature dozens of individual products, each with different specifications, we think that a quick overview should help you decide how you want to direct your shopping inquiries. Other categories like stress management, liver support, energy support, and support for healthy aging round out our line, which features powder, chew, tablet, capsule, and soft gel formulations.*

Most companies will feature these types of products, and it is up to you to do the supplementary (this time, pun intended) research necessary for your selection. Don’t be hurried. Instead, make a project of discovering what specialty formulas you truly feel will support you in the best and most relevant manner possible.

Shopping around and navigating the sometimes daunting world of supplements slowly and deliberately is a sure way to feel confident about what you are putting in your body. And don’t forget to ask questions—we’re here to answer!

 

Choosing Supplements Part II

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The Basics Part II
By Karin Krisher

Last week, we introduced you to some of the basics of supplementation. This week, we go a little deeper—we want to talk about some of the key vitamins that we make, take, and love! This stuff can get heavy, so if you grow weary, take a break and come back. If you’re into your health, it’s important to learn, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy!

Let’s start with the ABCs.

Vitamin A:
This vitamin, which supports ocular health and the immune system, cannot be produced by the human body. Therefore, it is important that we take in vitamin A from the foods we eat. A deficiency in vitamin A can lead to difficulties with memory, eyesight, and the immune system. However, that doesn’t mean you should chow down on as much as you can find: vitamin A is not water-soluble, so watching your dosage is important to overall health. *

Vitamin B:
Vitamin B’s are a complicated bunch. There are eight well-known vitamin B’s in this group of water soluble vitamins that play a role in cell metabolism and support various bodily processes.* I’d like to describe each of them to you in detail, but it would take up a lot of space. If you want to learn more about each, take it slow and push through. If not, skip to vitamin C now!

B1 is called thiamine, and is found in foods like yeast and pork. Thiamine helps to manage stress and irritability, as well as supports systems like the cardiovascular and nervous system.* A deficiency in thiamine can cause confusion, muscle spasms, nervousness, and appetite loss. *

B2 is named riboflavin. It’s easily absorbed and a key nutrient for overall health, supporting cardiovascular health and cellular energy.* Riboflavin is a necessary cofactor for the production of energy from fats, carbs, and proteins. A deficiency can cause iron-deficiency anemia and photophobia. *

B3, or niacin, is commonly known for its use in popular energy drinks. Niacinamide (one form of B3) supports proper circulation and cardiovascular health, as well as normal energy levels and normal cognitive functions.* Deficiency can occur in areas where corn is a highly-consumed product, and can result in fatigue, anxiety, depression, digestive disturbances and slowed metabolism.*

B5, known as pantothenic acid, plays a role in the production of the adrenal hormones and is required by all cells. It may also be helpful in managing irregular moods and stress.* The major food source of pantothenic acid is meats, but human muscles generally contain twice as much B5 as animal muscles. Deficiency is very rare. *

B6 is called pyridoxine, but is more commonly referred to as B6. It is necessary for more than one hundred enzymatic reactions within the body, and is required for normal brain and nerve functions, as well as proper fat and cholesterol metabolism. Pretty important stuff, right? *

B7, or biotin, is often a stand-alone supplement. It supports healthy nerve tissue and aids in cell growth and in fatty acid metabolism, as well as metabolism of cholesterol.* Many people associate biotin with healthy skin, hair and nails. Deficiency is generally mild, and can include symptoms like conjunctivitis or dermatitis around the eyes. *

B9 is better known as folic acid. Its natural form in the body is called folate. Adequate folate intake is necessary to embryonic development, meaning that many pregnant women do choose to supplement with a folic acid formula. Folic acid supports energy production, protein metabolism and RNA and DNA repair. *

B12, or cobalamin, plays a key part in supporting nervous system function. It is needed for the formation of red blood cells that help increase capillary blood flow. It is also necessary for the maintenance of the fatty sheaths that cover and protect our nerve endings. *

All right, I know I said eight B vitamins, but that’s really not all. There’s also choline, inositol, dimethylglycine (our favorite!), pangamic acid, and adenine, just to name a few. Each serves a different purpose, but in common supplementation, b complexes will include at least the top eight, and most will feature others to support total health.* Look for supplements that support your specific needs—again, make sure to analyze those before you start shopping!*

Moving on….

Vitamin C:
This popular supplement sometimes comes in delicious packages, but it’s good for more than just that reason! A water-soluble antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals, vitamin C supports immune system function, collagen production (for bone, teeth and skin health), and helps to form red blood cells.* A deficiency in vitamin C most commonly results in scurvy, if anything. Yes, that’s right—without vitamin C, the glamour of years spent on the ocean without an orange or a toothbrush can be yours in the comfort of your own home. *

Vitamin D:
Adequate vitamin D levels may be important for maintaining blood pressure within normal ranges.* Vitamin D also impacts heart health and vascular function, and is an immune system modulator, supporting healthy macrophage responses.* It supports bone, cardiovascular and immune system health, as well as calcium balance and healthy cell growth.* Very few foods naturally contain adequate vitamin D, but a deficiency can result in rickets or muscle weakness.*

Vitamin E:
This is one of our favorites! More than 37 million Americans take vitamin E every day.

A person’s daily requirement varies with age, gender, overall health status and diet. Vitamin E can be lost from foods during preparation, cooking or storage. A diet high in polyunsaturated fats, which tend to be easily oxidized, increases a person’s requirement. This vitamin supports joint, cardiovascular, reproductive and immune system health.* It also supports liver and nerve health and function, capillary wall strength, and oxygen utilization.* (See why we like it?) Vitamin E deficiency can result in infertility (in both men and women), menstrual cycle problems, neuromuscular impairment and shortened red blood cell life span.*

That about sums up the first five letters of supplementation. When you consider
these vitamins along with all of the good stuff found in multis and fish oils, you can start to form a picture of complete health. Multivitamins tend to feature each of the above at synergistic levels, but if you require more than what the bottle’s packing, take a look at individual vitamin supplements, or some specialty formulas which contain several of them in a new delivery form or combined with other nutrients.

Choosing specialty formulas isn’t easy: you’ll want to know exactly what you are looking for. Next week, we’ll go over our most popular specialty formulas, noting the importance of doing thorough research on every one. Can you wait until then? If not, comment below and we’ll get the discussion rolling right away. If you feel like there’s anything we missed in the ABCs, just ask!

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

Choosing Supplements

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By Karin Krisher
Part One
Beginning with the Basics 

There are a lot of mentalities about vitamins and supplements, ranging from love to obsession to hatred to disbelief to ignorance to total apathy. The 2007 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) alerts us to the fact that 38.1 million adults in the United States made visits to Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) practitioners during the last year—meaning that, while supplements are popular, there are still a lot of people who never got on the boat.

In general, Americans have difficulty maintaining a balanced, healthy diet. Factors like accessibility and awareness (due to advertisement) make getting to the good stuff harder and getting to the cheap stuff easier. As a result, many of us practice what we’ll call “pseudo-nutrition.” We glance (or cringe) at the calorie count and think we have a concept of nutrition because the panel is, after all, called the nutrition panel.

They've gotta have something healthy!

We avoid “too much” sugar or calories, but never check out what our bodies are actually missing. There have been days when we just drag, or our tummies rumble, or we’re feeling down. On those days, perhaps more than any other time, it becomes clear just how much we should demand from our food, and how much we actually need.

 

Is it possible that a bowl of Mini Wheats, a tuna sandwich, and some pasta and broccoli provide us with all of the good stuff, like vitamins, that we need? Is it possible that we’re not missing out on some beneficial bacteria, extra enzymes, or bioflavonoids?

If you answered yes, you’re either just wrong because you don’t have the information, or you’re wrong because you choose to interpret those nutritional panels (and your diet) in a very strange manner. Either way, nutrition is a big picture, and in a culture where convenience and economic availability largely dictate our choices, it can be difficult to see, let alone achieve.

So, where do we begin on our quest for complete nutrition? Should we just buy everything on the shelf and try out something from each bottle each day? Certainly not. Supplements are a delicate dance, and while they support many bodily processes, some might not be for everyone.*


When we were young, our teachers and mothers told us that everybody was unique in his or her own special way. That rings true for what he or she should choose for supplements, too.  

Some formulas might have contraindications with medications, while some might just not be for every person’s body. Some supplements have gender-specific recommendations. Some should not be taken while one is pregnant. All of these factors (and a bottle more) make choosing what’s right a long process that needs constant tinkering. That doesn’t mean it isn’t worth it.

The Basics

There is one place to start. Walk into any vitamin store and they’ll approach you and ask you the same two questions—”Are you on a multi? Are you on a fish oil?”

These are, for lack of any possible better term, the basics. Multivitamins support a wide range of bodily processes and functions, and are an easy go-to.* Choosing one that’s ideal for your body requires research, conversation, and most likely, trial. There are women’s, men’s, children’s, senior’s, and prenatal multis—just to name a few.

Fish oils support a variety of systems, as well. From joint support to cardiovascular support to skin health, fish oils are known for their diverse benefits.* Many fish oils are also popular for supporting cognition and stress management.* With a fish oil and a multivitamin under the belt, a soon-to-be supplement guru will already be “set-up.”

The importance of research

Understanding optimal nutrient levels and absorption is important to supplement selection. Some supplements can only be taken at certain times of day. Some have lower levels of the nutrients than the daily value, and are likely to depreciate in quality over time.

 

Some even come in far-from-perfect delivery forms that don’t keep the nutrients inside as high quality or potent as they would ideally remain.

Don’t buy “whatever” supplements. Make it worth the money.

One way to figure out what the best multis and fish oils are for an individual is through further in-depth research. Use all available resources. Ask friends what they take, and why. Call the company and ask some questions—they’ll be able to provide so much product information it could spin heads—or they’ll provide just what the caller is looking for.

Check out the supplement facts panel—and the company catalog. Google everything. Talk to current doctors, pharmacists, or naturopaths. And tap into those sales people resources. They’re called nutrition experts for a reason.

Once the basics have been implemented and their effect assessed, move on to choosing specialty supplements that support a lifestyle.

Next week, we’ll go over some of the most popular supplements, including vitamins A, B, C, D and E. We’ll also delve into specialty formulas and their potential.

Anything you want to see in the lineup? Just ask!

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

The Sixth Sense of Health

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By Karin Krisher

Grandpa’s rocking in his chair on the porch when he spits out a sudden, matter-of-fact weather prediction: “Feels like rain.”

It doesn’t.

The sun’s shining and you’re sipping lemonade, and the cows are lying down in the field in the distance. Wait a minute….

The clouds start to roll in. The air gets a bit warmer and the thunder starts. You ditch your lemonade and slam the screen door.

How did he know?

 It turns out that the cows lying in the field and grandpa’s mysterious prediction might have an explanation. In both humans and other mammals, joint pain can actually predict the weather.

According to Science Daily, “The joints contain sensory nerves called baro-receptors which respond to changes in atmospheric pressure.  These receptors especially react when there is low barometric pressure, meaning the atmosphere has gone from dry to moist, like when it is going to rain.”

Synovial fluid surrounds the joint, and when atmospheric pressure changes, the pressure of that fluid might change with it. When an individual has less viscous synovial fluid or less cartilage, as in the case of those with rheumatoid arthritis, sensitivity to that pressure may be increased, causing pain and ultimately, that mysterious weather “prediction,” which seems to be more of a response. These types of responses are also common amongst people with damaged teeth or compromised bone health.

It’s a well-known Vermont tale that cows lay down or gather in a huddle before rain. Some say this is due to barometric pressure’s affect on the digestive system of cows. Others note that the cows probably want to keep their food dry, and lie down to protect some grass. Still others believe that the cows’ joints, like humans’, are affected, making it difficult to stand. Unfortunately, this tale lacks the funding for ample examination, but Urban Dictionary still gives its definition credence with its own term for the phenomena: cow-lying.

Other weather extremes, like earthquakes or hurricanes, also cause strange mammalian reactions.

“In 2003, a Japanese researcher…connecting dog-related complaints (for excessive barking, biting, etc.) with the magnitude-7.2 Kobe earthquake in 1995… found from public records that complaints in parts of Japan affected by the quake rose by about 18% during the two months before and after the quake. On the island right above the epicenter, complaints were up 60% in the month before the quake compared with the same month a year before.” (LATimes)

Aside from acting as weather predictors, other mammals are often said to have a sixth sense which most humans lack. Stories of canine ghost encounters abound, and of course, there’s the far-reaching concept that dogs have the potential to detect cancer and even the AIDS virus with their noses. (In a study published in January 2011, one Labrador demonstrated 95% accuracy in detecting colon cancer.)

Talk about putting your nose to the grindstone!

These abilities might not be sixth senses, and instead just be the manifestation of extremely adept function of the general five senses. Even joint pain during bad weather could be an advanced type of “touch” response. Whatever the causes of these interesting behaviors in dogs, cats, humans, sheep, cows—and many other animals, we can certainly glean some usefulness from their prediction-like properties.

Next time Grandpa tells you it’s going to rain, just grab your lemonade and run. He knows what he’s talking about.

And so do the cows.

Tissue Shmissue

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There’s no easy solution

for times you get sick

There’s no magic remedy

or the wave of a stick

The immune system’s enemies

give it a lick

        And then you’re down on your luck

A candle-less wick

                                No fuel to burn

And no clear motivation

You curl up on the couch

And give into sensation

                               The aches, the sniffles,

The stuff in your throat

The brain that’s as mushy

As a warm ice cream float

We don’t mean to gloat,

But here’s where we’ve gotta

We’ll tell you just how

To get out of the guttah.

                               The real trick you see,

The true miracle here

Is to start healthy and stay,

Though we know it sounds weird.

                               There’s one simple key

To a sound body and mind

See, starting too late

Puts your health on the line.

                               You’ll be perfectly fine

If you’re paying attention

If you work with your body

and define your convention–

                              Olivir, Immuno, DMG too,

These guys support you

But you never knew!

There are so many options

For immune system support

There’s glutamine, and Reds

And of course

To support your brain

And help you keep clear

The names of the supplements

I’ve mentioned here.

                       And if you forget them,

one day

During a sneeze

Or a cough coughs them out of you

And knocks you to your knees

All you must do

To get back on your feet

Is give us a call

                             Or leave a comment or tweet–

We’ll be happy to tell you

Maybe again in a poem

About all of our supplements,

Even those little-known.

We’ll be happy to share with you

Our secrets for health

So your immune system’s poorest

Can get in on the wealth!*

 

 

By Karin Krisher

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

Winter Blues

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By Karin Krisher

It’s definitely winter here in Vermont. The air’s bite is actually louder than its bark due to the wind chill coming from Lake Champlain, and the snow is crunching underfoot. We’ve got mittens and boots and an amalgam of immune support supplements in our coat pockets, but there’s something about winter people don’t always talk about—the blues.

Who can blame us for getting a little down when the sun is still sleeping when we get into the office, and already tucked in bed behind the mountains by the time we leave? The black days and the frigid air just don’t make for a smiley environment.

Sure, there are vitamin D deficiencies to blame for some of us, but for others, it’s really just that we aren’t willing to trudge through the ice to get to our favorite play spots—many of which are closed to the public, anyway. We sleep more, eat more, and generally hibernate, missing out on all the fun we have when we see better, brighter days (roughly around July).

But it doesn’t have to be this way.

There are a few solutions: We could, like geese, migrate. We could ditch the friendly faces and woodstoves and glistening trees, trading them in for pina coladas and sand between our toes. We could hole up in our homes and become wintertime hermits. We could close down the office and put our cars in the garage for six months.

Or, we could talk supplements.

5-HTP, Omega-3s, SAMe, St. John’s Wort and vitamin B have long been touted as formulas to support positive mood balance.* 5-HTP and St. John’s Wort help support serotonin levels, while SAMe is known for its methylation benefits and its role in the balancing of biochemical reactions in the brain.* The amino acid DMG (in the family of vitamin Bs) is also known for its role in methylation, and supports oxygen utilization and the circulatory system, meaning it also supports neurological function.*

Omega-3s are another story—these essential fatty acids support cognitive function because dietary fats are necessary for the nervous system to function properly. Omega-3s like DHA are extremely important in the formation of cellular membranes of nerve and brain cells. When we experience a deficiency in DHA, structural integrity of those membranes can be compromised.*

A recent LA Times article refers to the benefits of omega-3s: “Across the globe, rates of depression are lower in populations that eat more fish, particularly omega-3 rich fish such as salmon, tuna, sardines and mackerel. Studies have also shown that omega-3 levels are lower in people with depression than in people without.”

We’re not saying plopping a bit of tuna on your plate will have you gearing up for sledding every afternoon, but looking for some support for that all-important organ, the brain, isn’t a bad thing during the dog days of winter.

Especially if you, like us, are hanging out so close to Canada that you’re considering a career in the Mounties.

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

 

New Year, New Mindset

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By Karin Krisher

Don’t break habits. Make new ones. That’s the theme for this January—and the year ahead. It turns out that about 84 percent of resolution makers say that this mentality is what drives their resolutions. If you’re one of the 16 percenters, it’s time to turn your brain around. And, if you’re anything like the nearly quarter of Americans who choose losing weight  (or, even better—fitting in fitness!) as their resolution, it’s time to turn your body around, too.

FoodScience is aware of the extreme benefits of maintaining a healthy weight for your body. Extra weight carries extra risks, like diabetes, incontinence, cardiac and/or liver disease. Further, according to a recent report by New York Times blogger Tara Parker-Pope in which she refers to a study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, obesity both contributes to and in some aspect is caused by a lower socio-economic status.

What can we do to manage our weight? Of course, there’s the obvious: exercise and a healthy, balanced diet contribute to overall healthy weight management. But what if your energy stores are just zapped after a long day at work? Or you’re craving onion rings like nobody’s business? Sometimes, the brain and the body don’t express the desires we’d like them to express.

If you’re part of the 84 percent that puts a positive spin on the resolution process, and instead of losing weight, you’re just looking to not gain, those desires can still get in the way of your goals.

Thermoset is a capsule formula designed to address factors that might contribute to weight gain, such as energy levels, stress, and of course, hormone balance.* It’s meant to get to the heart of what causes weight gain, rather than to act as a quick fix.

So, how could Thermoset help you with the onion ring battle? Ingredients like guarana seed and banaba leaf extract act as appetite suppressants and work to support blood sugar levels within normal ranges, meaning you won’t even have to fight the battle to begin with—the other guy didn’t show up.*

Thermoset is formulated to support energy levels, even on “one of those” days. It supports thermogenesis (an increased metabolic rate) and energy production.* Nutrients like green tea and black pepper support fat metabolism and calorie burning, so you’ll be ready to go on days when you might be otherwise ready to stop, stop, stop.*

Though we’ve covered energy levels and appetite control, there’s still something about eating that us humans can’t quite put our fingers on. Perhaps women have a better sense of what this “something” feels like—we get cravings like crazy. A report published in Science Daily notes that while nearly 100 percent of women surveyed have experienced a food craving (and we mean cr-a-a-a-a-ving) in the last year, only 70 percent of men had experienced the same.

Thermoset addresses this issue, too. It’s not just because of our appetites that we get cravings—in fact, you’ll notice they hit when you’re not even hungry (what a pain)! It’s that something else. We’ve included Theobroma by Triarco Industries in our product to provide a “chocolate euphoria” feeling—minus the chocolate and the calories that so lovingly come with it.

Thermoset covers it all, and makes it possible for you to achieve your new habits. This January, consider putting a positive spin on all that wintry negativity and try something that makes starting a new habit just that much better.

What’s your new year’s resolution this time around the sun? Share it with us here!

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

Middlebury Natural Foods Co-op

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by:Karin Krisher

When we say that the Middlebury Natural Foods Co-op is committed to small town values like community wellness, we aren’t kidding. Nestled into the Champlain Valley town of Middlebury, Vermont (population 8,496), the member-owned store is one of the oldest co-ops in the state, and began, of course, as a buying club.

 

Tracey Orvis, head of the supplement/wellness department at Middlebury Co-op, says that the values the co-op carries remain strong and in action. Tracey has been working in the supplement department for just shy of 15 years, and though the co-op still has just one aisle dedicated to vitamins, she’s seen that aisle expand and grow as the community’s commitment to wellness has done the same during the past decade.

Tracey, along with her assistant Irene, participates in customer awareness constantly, researching products and the industry and remaining aware of advancements and changes herself. Because FoodScience is called “the education company,” we know how important it is for our customers to be informed. Knowing that the staff at Middlebury supports your health and will even special order many products for you when you don’t spy them on the shelves makes us sure we’ve put our supplements in good, responsible hands.

The co-op strives to feature as many local products as it can, including a significant portion of FoodScience of Vermont’s human and animal supplement lines. To learn more about the building that looks like a big red barn, and the people inside of it, visit www.middleburycoop.com.