All of us experience tiredness – the body’s message that we need rest to recuperate and recharge – but for some of us, this sense of fatigue extends far beyond that, impacting the quality of our lives. There can be many causes of seemingly constant tiredness. In fact, fatigue can often plague those who are otherwise apparently healthy. Extreme emotions such as grief, stress
from work and family issues can be connected to it, as can certain lifestyle habits, especially lack of exercise. Even extended boredom, such as might be experienced by the elderly or the confined, can be responsible for chronic fatigue.1 Of course, one with such symptoms should consult their doctor to ensure this fatigue is not a result of something continued on page 3
Cycling during the pandemic with AIM Products Twenty-five years ago, a medical specialist told me that due to my medical condition, I would never be able to cycle again. Recently, whereas I am 25 years older, my husband Kees and I set off to a day of exploring trails and we cycled 51.6 km, considerably more than the 30 to 40 km we usually manage. Afterwards, although a bit tired, Kees and I were not exhausted. Our muscles were not overtaxed or sore at the end of that day and even next day. I credit the AIM products for their role in helping to make this possible. The cycling club that we belong to has cancelled all cycling trips planned this year due to the pandemic. But we are encouraged to stay active and cycle on our own. On average we have been able to cycle two to three times per week. As usual, we took the trails very close to where we live,
stopping to “smell the roses”, photograph the countryside, interesting signs, and animals, with horses being my favourite! Indeed, Kees and I have used the AIM products for many years. RediBeets, Peak Endurance and ProPeas continue to play a huge role in helping us with stamina, energy and muscle recovery on the days that we cycle. • Two hours before riding, I take four teaspoons (and Kees takes one teaspoon) of RediBeets. This amount is critical in helping with blood flow and increased oxygen which is necessary for cycling any distance. • Peak Endurance in our water bottle helps to replace lost electrolytes and support muscle recovery after a ride. • Adding ProPeas in our breakfast shakes helps us to build and maintain healthy muscles with plant-based protein. Thank you to AIM for these products that feed the cellular level and praise to God for their natural, wholesome nutrition. The doctor who told me I would never cycle again would be surprised to see me now! Darlene Vandermey, Director, Elmira, Ontario Testimonials should not be construed as representing results that everyone can achieve.
Keep your immune responses running strong by taking care of your gut
All of your body systems work closely together to maintain optimal health. A good example is your digestive system. It breaks down and absorbs nutrients from food and eliminates toxins from your body. It communicates with your brain (the nervous system) and produces hormones for maintaining various organ functions which impact your intuition and emotions. It also acts as an important barrier between your body and the outside world, and is closely connected with your immune system. If your gut is unhealthy, it will impair the gateway to good health. Your gut is the first line of defense between your body and outside invaders. There is a layer of intestinal mucosal cells that fit tightly along the lining of your gut, allowing only digested nutrients to be absorbed into the bloodstream while keeping out undigested food particles and potential pathogens (bad bacteria, viruses, yeasts, etc.). These gut-lining cells connect to gastrointestinal immune cells which come from the lymphoid branch of the immune system. Their purpose is to secrete lymphocyte cells that help to protect your body from getting sick. There are particular strains of gut flora (good bacteria) living in your gut to ensure the gut lining functions in a healthy way. They sense the presence of particular types of pathogens and excrete compounds into the gut that trigger your body’s immune response to send in the lymphocyte cells that will destroy those particular invaders. The mechanism behind this interaction is still unknown. This is why maintaining a healthy, balanced gut flora is essential for the digestive tract to carry out its normal functions. Without them, your immune system cannot do its job effectively. Recent research shows the vital link between diet, gut flora and the immune system. The types of food that you eat will
directly determine the kind of bacteria, whether supporting and strengthening the health of the gut lining or depleting your immune capabilities. Most research has concluded that a healthy immune system is the result of a diet and lifestyle that supports healthy gut function. Recommendations include: • Eat and chew slowly – this helps you break down foods better in the stomach. Enjoy the taste of every bite. • Eat clean and eat fresh – fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, plant-based protein provide your body with essential nutrients, fibre, and live enzymes to support all body functions. • Take probiotics – replenish the good bacteria and prevent the outgrowth of bad bacteria in your gut. • Avoid inflammatory foods – there are certain types of foods that can trigger unnecessary immune response. For examples, refined sugar and/or artificial sweeteners can stimulate the growth of bad bacteria that shake up a balanced gut flora environment. In some people with compromised digestive systems, foods such as gluten, dairy and fermented foods can trigger a response from the immune system, worsening the existing digestive symptoms and inflammation. • Reduced stress – your digestive system functions best when your body is rested and relaxed.
When your digestive tract is inflamed, the tight junction between the gut-lining cells loosen, allowing undigested food particles and pathogens to get through and trigger unnecessary immune response. You may experience bloating, gas, heartburn, nausea, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, or food intolerance, which are issues that can negatively alter the balanced gut flora environment, resulting in further inflammation of the digestive tract.
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AIM Digestive Health Support
FloraFood – powerful probiotics that aid in: • increasing good gut bacteria • normalizing bowel movements and reducing intestinal gas • improving the immune system • managing food cravings and high stress levels Fit ’n Fiber – a fibre supplement that contains: • three types of prebiotic fibre: acacia, guar gum and konjac which feed your good bacteria • 10 grams of soluble and insoluble fibre per serving to help promote regular bowel movements and detoxification of the body Garden Trio – juice powder concentrates of barley leaves, carrots and beets which: • deliver a wide spectrum of nutrients, active enzymes, natural chlorophyll, and plant antioxidants • increase energy and help support the immune system ProPeas – vegan protein from peas assists in: • building and maintaining healthy muscles • increasing energy
greater. However, there are certain lifestyle changes that may alleviate the situation. • Keep a regular routine for going to bed and getting up. • Avoid too much caffeine, especially after about 2 p.m. • Say no to junk food that provides only empty calories and no real fuel for the body. • Say yes to unprocessed foods, fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables, lean (or plant-based) proteins, and water2. • Manage your level of exercise. While regular exercise can have a positive impact on your energy and ability to recuperate, too much can become problematic and increase fatigue. • Consider learning exercises that combine balance and breathing, such as tai chi and yoga. • Stay away from long naps, especially later in the day. • Stop smoking and limit alcohol. As well, AIM has a range of great products such as Peak Endurance and Composure to help you and your loved ones combat fatigue and bring back some of the energy that makes life so wonderful.
Peak Endurance:
• Elevates ATP levels in cells, blood and tissue, increasing energy levels and reducing fatigue. • Improves muscle growth, strength and recovery to combat aging. • Stimulates blood flow to limbs and organs. • Supports cardiovascular and respiratory health. • Supplies six B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, and B12) important to metabolism and energy level.
Composure: References: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/research/advancements-in-research/ fundamentals/in-depth/the-gut-where-bacteria-and-immune-system-meet https://www.bulletproof.com/gut-health/immune-system-in-gut/ https://www.foodmatters.com/article/your-gut-and-immune-system-connectionrecipe-giveaway
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Promotes restful sleep. Reduces restlessness. Calms nervous tension. Relaxes muscles.
Reference: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/fatigue-older-adults 2 https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/foods-that-beatfatigue 1
New research suggests that vitamin K provides protective health benefits to help people live longer and feel better. A recent meta-analysis, published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, looked at research from three major studies: The Health, Aging, and Body Composition Study, the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis, and the Framingham Offspring Study, representing close to 4,000 participants aged from 54 to 76. The research found that individuals with low vitamin K levels had a 19% higher risk of death compared to those with an adequate intake of vitamin K. The study’s author, Kyla Shea, PhD, a scientist on the Vitamin K Team at the Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University, Boston, MA, stated that there are
vitamin K-dependent proteins that affect vascular stiffness and calcification, which is associated with cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality. Shea added, “without vitamin K, this protein is less functional, which may increase susceptibility to calcium accumulation in artery walls. When that buildup happens in coronary arteries, it’s associated with atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease.” Vitamin K is also associated with better bone health by improving calcium balance and bone mineralization, which can help improve bone strength in older people with osteoporosis. Dark green, leafy vegetables, such as kale, spinach, chard, and cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage) are good sources of natural vitamin K. “Unfortunately, over 60% of men and 40% of women in the U.S. over age 70 do not meet the dietary recommendations for vitamin K, which suggests they are not consuming enough green vegetables,” said Shea. “That may cause them to be more susceptible to negative health outcomes that vitamin K has a role in.” References: Shea MK., Barger K., Booth SL., et.al. Vitamin K status, cardiovascular disease, and all-cause mortality: a participant-level meta-analysis of 3 US cohorts, The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 111 (6), pg. 11701177, June 2020 https://www.runnersworld.com/news/a32933969/vitamin-k-preventsearly-death-study/ https://now.tufts.edu/articles/vitamin-k-secret-key-bone-strength
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