27 minute read
Fresh Focus - CellSparc 360
Formulated with coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), fish oil and vitamin E,
CellSparc 360 provides a dietary supplement that supports heart health, sparking cellular energy wherever needed.
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CoQ10 was given the name ubiquinone, referring to the word ubiquitous because it is found in all body tissue, with the highest concentration found in cardiac muscle. Heart cells are energydemanding, requiring CellSparc 360’s ubiquinone form of CoQ10 to produce cellular ATP energy.
The Two Forms of CoQ10
Ubiquinone
Ubiquinol Your body synthesizes the ubiquinone form of CoQ10, manufacturing it from other compounds. When ubiquinol is needed, your body converts it from ubiquinone. Conversely, less ubiquinone is produced as you age. CellSparc 360 supplements the form of CoQ10 that your body produces naturally:
ubiquinone
GLUTEN FREE
NON GMO
When CoQ10 isn’t being used for energy, as an antioxidant it plays a defensive role against free radical damage in your body. The heart-healthy omega-3 essential fatty acids in CellSparc 360’s fish oil complex is sourced from five species: anchovy, clupea, sardine, sprat and salmon. The virgin palm fruit oil in CellSparc 360 delivers 6 grams of vitamin E in each capsule.
My entire life changed thanks to AIM
By Maryjane Madonsela - AIM Director
When I first joined AIM, I was having a lot of problems with my digestive system. I used a lot of laxatives trying to resolve the issue, but had no luck. I would use 10 to 12 tablets for constipation per day and even tried using suppositories, but nothing worked. I ended up being diagnosed with colon cancer in 2006.
I was so scared! I cried for an entire week. I was sent for an operation after the doctor did a colonoscopy. At this time, I had been struggling with constipation and a bloated stomach for about 14 years and with the Cancer diagnosis I could just see death looming.
After the operation I had a lot of complications and that was followed by another 17 operations. I started taking Herbal Fiberblend and Herbal Release. It felt like these products just cleaned and cleared out my intestines completely. Herbal Fiberblend contains soluble and insoluble fibre. I even lost a bit of weight after starting with Herbal Fiberblend. I feel that the cleansing herbs really helped with the bloatedness and constipation. Changing my diet also helped to not crave junk food anymore.
Thanks to my doctor who referred me to the person who would eventually become my Sponsor I learned something new: I always thought that the word “diet” only referred to people wanting to lose weight, I never thought about diet as a way of life and watching what you put in your body. She introduced me to the AIM Products and I realised that they are food supplements. I also realised that I can use food to make my body healthier. Through diet, supplements and the advice and help from my sponsor I learned that I do not have feel bad. The AIM Products played such a big role in becoming a healthier person. I do not know where I would be without the AIM Supplements. It played such a big part in my life, my starting to feel better and it reminded me of all the trees in the garden of Eden as supplement.
I am adding gracious days to my life. I wish that all people could try the products and see the result for themselves.
I’ve got no doubt that the AIM Products can support any person that tries it, that is why I am still with AIM and constantly talk to my downline and new people about the products.
I have so much respect for Theresa Schumacher for inventing HFB, may her soul rest in peace. She has no idea how many people’s lives she changed with these products.
Thank you so much to my doctor, and my sponsor.
Thank you for the opportunity to share my story.
Congratulations!Price Increase 2021 Member Promotions Please take note of the annual Price Increase. We would like to congratulate the following Members on their promotions: Marna Dedekind A Price Increase of 10% will be Promoted to Star Sapphire Director in effective 1 January 2021 August 2020 Rebates to be paid out at R11.15 Sandy Swart Promoted to Director in September 2020Good News: 50% outbound freight discount on all orders Caron Becker regardless of size or value Promoted to Director in September 2020 effective 1 January 2021 Many Perkins Promoted to Director in September 2020
Member Agreement Changes
Updated Member Agreement
effective January 2021 will be available on the website 1 December 2020
Boost Your Body with PrepZymes
One of the most recently rebranded supplements in the USA is PrepZymes, a dietary supplement that supports digestive health. Its combination of nine cultured enzymes, alpine wild garlic and papaya puts the “prep” in PrepZymes, preparing effective backup for your body’s own supply of beneficial enzymes.
“Each one of us is given a limited supply of bodily enzyme energy at birth,” according to Dr. Edward Howell, author of Enzyme Nutrition: The Food Enzyme Concept (written in the 1920s). “The faster you use up your enzyme supply, the shorter your life.” It made a strong case for the more enzymes you have, the healthier you can be.
The Need for Enzymes
To initiate or speed up the ongoing chemical reactions in your body, you need enzymes. They are required to digest food, produce cellular energy, stimulate the brain, replicate DNA, break down toxins, make repairs to your body and the list goes on. In other words, you can’t live without enzymes. Food that is cooked at temperatures above 118°F destroys enzymes.
PrepZymes is another way to replenish your body’s enzymes. Whatever you eat, this dietary supplement gives your body a digestive break, allowing it to utilize its own enzyme supply for other vital functions. When digestive enzymes are taken on an empty stomach, they go to work at reducing inflammation1. Either way, your body gets a boost from PrepZymes.
1 bit.ly/SystemicEnzymes
Current research shows that as we age, we produce a reduced number of enzymes. A deficiency can contribute
to poor health.
Consuming raw fruits and vegetables helps to replenish the enzymes your body requires to operate optimally.
Learn about the AIM product servings, mixing instructions, contraindications, and other information in this convenient four-page chart.
Product
BarleyLife, an all-natural, green barley juice powder concentrate that helps provide the daily nutrition you need to develop a strong foundation for good health and is abundant in enzymes, essential amino acids, and rich in antioxidants, anti-inflammatory benefits, and immune system support. Helps maintain correct pH levels in the body.
KOSHER • NON-GMO • VEGAN • GLUTEN-FREE
BarleyLife Xtra, all the benefits of BarleyLife with 18 additional fruit and vegetable powders for 18 mg of vitamin C per serving and a sweet taste. Helps maintain correct pH levels in the body.
NON-GMO • VEGAN • GLUTEN-FREE
Suggested Serving Mixing w/other products
whole-body health
CoCoa LeafGreens delivers the nutrition of five leaf powders (spinach, Swiss chard, arugula, kale and barley) and broccoli sprout powder in a delicious and healthy cocoa beverage. Contains a rich level of diverse antioxidants and the phytochemicals quercetin, kaempferol, and sulforaphane. NON-GMO • VEGAN Just Carrots, a carrot juice powder concentrate that contains important nutrients such as alpha- and beta-carotene. KOSHER • NON-GMO • VEGAN • GLUTEN-FREE LeafGreens, combining barley, arugula, kale, Swiss chard and spinach leaf concentrates with broccoli sprouts to provide a daily serving of whole food nutrition. Contains the phytochemicals quercetin, kaempferol, and sulforaphane. NON-GMO • VEGAN other powerful antioxidants that helps fight free radicals and maintain a healthy immune system.
• Adults: 1 rounded tsp. (4 g), twice per day, or 7 capsules a day. • Children: 1/8 tsp. a day and gradually increase. • Best taken on an empty stomach. • Use within 60 days of opening. • Adults: 1 rounded tsp. (4.5 g), twice per day. • Children: 1/8 tsp. a day and gradually increase. • Best taken on an empty stomach. • Use within 60 days of opening. • Take 1 rounded teaspoon twice daily. • Mix with 250ml of cold milk, water, or almond milk. • Children 8 years and under:
Take 1 rounded teaspoon once daily. • Mix 1 tablespoon with 120ml of water or juice. Take once per day. • Best taken on an empty stomach. • Use within 60 days of opening. • Mix 1 rounded teaspoon 3.5 g with 180-300 ml of water or juice. Take once or twice daily. • New users begin with 1/2 tsp. • Children over 4:
Take 1/4 tsp. • Children over 14:
Can take full serving. • Use within 60 days of opening. • Do not mix with carbonated drinks or hot water. • Mix with water, juice, or the AIM Garden Trio. • Take Herbal Fiberblend at an alternative time. • Shake well before opening. • Do not mix with carbonated drinks or hot water. • Mix with water, juice, or the AIM Garden Trio. • Take Herbal Fiberblend at an alternative time. • Shake well before opening. • Recommended for use with
ProPeas, fit ’n fiber,
BarleyLife, Herbal
Fiberblend, and
Garden Trio. • Mix with water, juice, or the
Garden Trio. • Take Herbal Fiberblend at an alternative time. • Shake well before opening. • Safe to use with all other
AIM products. • Recommended for use with
GlucoChrom, CalciAIM,
CellSparc 360, and Frame
Essentials. • Shake well before opening.
Contraindications
• If you have advanced kidney disease, consult a health practitioner. • If taken late, might cause sleeplessness. • If you have advanced kidney disease, consult a health practitioner. • If taken late, might cause sleeplessness. use if taking alkaline medication, or nitroglycerin. • Contains soy.
Other information
• Drink immediately after mixing. • Convenient singles. • Vegan capsules. • In hot, humid environments
store in freezer. • Drink immediately after mixing. • In hot, humid environments
• Safe to use with all other • Contains 4.49 mg
AIM products. caffeine per serving. • Best mixed in a blender • Use product within bottle. 60 days of opening.
store in freezer. • Contains no sugar.
• Drink immediately after mixing. • Keep out of reach of children. • In hot, humid environments
Proancynol 2000, a combination of green • Take 2 capsules per day. tea, grape seed extract, alpha-lipoic acid, and Best taken with meals.
NON-GMO • GLUTEN-FREE
• Safe to use with all other • Do not use if you are
AIM products. pregnant, nursing, or • Recommended for use with suffer from kidney
BarleyLife Xtra, Peak disease.
Endurance, and CellSparc • Consult a health care 360. practitioner prior to
store in a freezer. • May be combined with BarleyLife.
Take 1 serving of
LeafGreens with 1 serving of
Barley-Life at different times of the day. • In hot, humid environments store in freezer.
• Gelatin capsules. • Gelatin is Halal and
Kosher certified. • Keep out of reach of children.
RediBeets, a beet juice powder concentrate with only the fiber removed that contains essential enzymes along with the natural form of betaine, which aids in cleansing the liver and reducing homocysteine levels. A nitric oxide energy boost from natural dietary nitrates from beet juice.
KOSHER • NON-GMO • VEGAN • GLUTEN-FREE
CalciAIM provides several nutrients crucial to proper skeletal function and overall wellness. It contains three types of calcium plus a number of other nutrients— including vitamin D—that work synergistically to provide your body with the most bioavailable form of calcium and many needed vitamins.
NON-GMO • VEGAN • GLUTEN-FREE Frame Essentials combines a glucosamine complex with MSM and boswellia extract, to maintain healthy joints. These ingredients may help maintain joint health. NON-GMO • GLUTEN-FREE FloraFood, a powerful combination of three good bacteria – Lactobacillus Bifidobacterium longum – helps maintain the healthy balance integral to good health. NON-GMO • VEGAN • GLUTEN-FREE Herbal Fiberblend, a combination of soluble and insoluble psyllium fiber and cleansing herbs that helps maintain bowel regularity, provides dietary fiber, and aids in detoxification. Available in raspberry or unflavored powder, and vegan capsules. NON-GMO • VEGAN Herbal Release, a combination of herbs that helps maintain a healthy lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is integral to maintaining our immune system. NON-GMO • VEGAN • GLUTEN-FREE
Suggested Serving Mixing w/other products
whole-body health • Mix 1 teaspoon with 120ml • Safe to use with all other of water or juice. Take twice AIM products. per day. • Mix with water, juice, or • Best taken on an empty the Garden Trio. stomach. • Recommended with Peak • Use product within 60 days Endurance for athletes. of opening. • Take Herbal Fiberblend at • Athletes: Mix up to 4 tea- an alternative time. spoons with 300ml of water. • Shake well before
Take once daily, 1 to 2 hours opening. prior to an activity. • Take 1 tablespoon with water or juice once daily or 6 capsules twice daily. • Adolescents (12-17 years)
and New Users:
Take 1 teaspoon or 3 capsules twice per day. Within 2 weeks new users should increase to the suggested serving. • Take 1-2 capsules a day. • Best taken with meals. • Drink more than 8 glasses of water a day. • Do not take for longer than 7 days. Alternate one week on, one week off. three times per day for 30 days. • Can be taken with or without meals. bone & joint health • Mix 1 rounded scoop with • Safe to use with all other 220-250ml of cold water. AIM products.
Best taken with food. • Recommended for use • Ages 4-8: 1 scoop per day. with AIMega, BarleyLife, • Ages 9-50: 2 scoops per day. FloraFood, LeafGreens, • Age 51+: 3 scoops per day. Peak Endurance and • For optimal absorption Renewed Balance, for spread servings throughout optimal for healthy the day. skeletal function. • The initial use of this product can result in detoxification. • May turn urine pink. care practitioner prior to use, if pregnant, breast feeding or taking medications. tioner before use. Warning: Glucosamine is derived from shellfish. medication, suffering from kidney disease or high blood pressure or are under age 12. ease or high blood pressure should seek advice from a health have had a colostomy, consult a health practitioner. • Black walnut hulls may create sensitivity resulting in an allergic reaction. • Keep out of reach of children. • In hot, humid environments
• Not recommended for • Contains measuruse for those under ing scoop. the age of 4 and those • Keep out of reach placed on calcium- of children. restricted diets due to • Tastes great when heart disease medica- mixed with Peak tions. Consult a health Endurance.
gasseri, Bifidobacterium bifidum, and • Take 2 capsules twice per day. • Safe to use with all other • If pregnant or nursing, • Best taken after meals. AIM products. consult a health practistore in freezer.
digestive health • Take 1 capsule twice daily. • Safe to use with all other • Take PrepZymes and • Best taken with meals. AIM products. FloraFood at alternate • Each capsule contains • Recommended for use with meals. 3 billion live cells of good CalciAIM for proper calcium bacteria. absorption. • Most new users begin to see results after 6 weeks.
• Vegan capsules. • Keep out of reach
Para 90, a unique combination of herbs that • Recommended to use every helps maintain a parasite-free body. Also 3 months. contains bromelain, a digestive enzyme. • Take 1 or up to 3 capsules • Take BarleyLife, Just Carrots • Contains psyllium and • Vegan capsules. and/or RediBeets at an black walnut hulls. • Keep out of reach alternative time. • Consult a healthcare of children. • Maintain adequate daily practitioner before use • After 3 months, hydration. if pregnant or nursing, use according to taking prescription your needs. • Recommended for use with • Not recommended for • Delayed release
Composure or Herbal children or pregnant or vegan capsules.
Fiberblend. nursing women. • Keep out of reach People with kidney dis- of children. practitioner before use. • Safe to use with all other • Do not use if pregnant • Vegan capsules.
AIM products. or nursing. • Keep out of reach • Recommended for use with • Children, the very of children.
Herbal Fiberblend, Herbal elderly, and those who
Release, or Composure. have ulcers, colitis, or of children.
PrepZymes, a combination of digestive enzymes that helps our bodies break down foods so we get more nutrients per meal. This also helps eliminate undigested food remaining in the body. NON-GMO • VEGAN • GLUTEN-FREE AlMega, an organic seed oil blend that delivers essential omega-3 and -6 fatty acids plus omega-9. Essential Fatty Acids are necessary for cell growth, activity, and repair. NON-GMO • GLUTEN-FREE garlic made from the leaf, not the bulb. Maintains cardiovascular health. NON-GMO • VEGAN • GLUTEN-FREE CellSparc 360 combines CoQ10 with tocotrienols and fish oil to provide total cardiovascular support. Provides potent antioxidant capabilities. NON-GMO • GLUTEN-FREE Peak Endurance, a combination of PEAK ATP®, electrolytes, B vitamins, vitamin C, and one gram of sugar. ATP is the primary source of energy for every cell function in the body. Electrolytes need replacing due to exercise, and B vitamins are important for metabolism. A serving delivers 200 mg of PEAK ATP® . NON-GMO • VEGAN • GLUTEN-FREE SPORT APPROVED cranberry extract and three other active ingredients with proven benefits for urinary health. NON-GMO • VEGAN • GLUTEN-FREE Renewed Balance, body cream that contains progesterone, rosemary leaf extract, lemongrass oil, and carrot oil. ReAssure SP, a unique and synergistic combination of saw palmetto berry oil extract, pumpkin seed oil, tomato lycopene, and zinc citrate for the maintenance of prostate health.
weeks. • Post-workout (recover): Mix 1 scoop with 300 - 600ml of water. Best taken in the morning and afternoon. • Apply a small amount of cream to fragile or thin skin. • Take 2 capsules daily with food, a few hours before or after taking other medications. • Use for a minimum of three months to receive full benefits.
Suggested Serving Mixing w/other products
digestive health • Take 1 capsule before or • Safe to use with all other during each meal. AIM products. • Take PrepZymes and FloraFood at alternate meals. FloraFood. • Take CranVerry+ and FloraFood at alternating meals. • Safe to use with all other AIM products. • Recommended for use with CalciAIM. • Safe to use with all other AIM products. • We recommend the combination of ReAssure SP with CellSparc 360, Bear Paw Garlic, and fit’ n fiber for cardio health. • Do not use if you have gastritis or gastric or duodenal ulcers. • Pregnant or nursing women should consult a physician prior to use. • For adults only. • Do not take if pregnant or nursing. • Consult a health practitioner prior to use if undergoing HRT, taking birth control medications or blood thinners. • Contains soy. • Vegan capsules. • Keep out of reach
Bear Paw Garlic, a unique wild alpine
heart health • Take 2 to 3 capsules twice • Safe to use with all other • Consult a health prac- • Gelatin capsules. daily. AIM products. titioner if pregnant, • Gelatin is Halal • Best taken with meals. • Recommended for use nursing, have blood- and Kosher with CalciAIM for optimal clotting or gallbladder certified. mineral and vitamin disease, or taking • Keep out of reach absorption. blood thinners. of children. • Take 3 capsules per day. • Safe to use with all other • Consult a health care • Can take at any AIM products. provider prior to use if time. • Recommended for use you are pregnant or • Vegan capsules. with AIMega and CellSparc nursing, have a blood • Keep out of reach 360 for cardiovascular clotting disorder or of children. health. low blood pressure. • Take 1 capsule per day. • Safe to use with all other • If you are diabetic, • Gelatin capsules. • Best taken with meals AIM products. pregnant, or nursing, • Gelatin is Halal containing healthy fats for • Recommended for use consult a health and Kosher optimal absorption. with AIMega and Bear Paw practitioner. certified. • Some people notice effects Garlic for additional cardio • Contains fish. • Keep out of reach immediately, others in 6-8 benefits. of children. energy • Take twice daily. • Safe to use with other AIM • Not recommended • Blueberry Açai • Best taken on an empty products. for children under energy powder stomach. • Recommended for use with the age of 8. mix. • Children ages 8 (30kg) to GlucoChrom, BarleyLife, • If pregnant or nursing, • Tastes great when 16: Mix two teaspoons (6 g) CalciAIM, CellSparc 360, consult a health mixed with with 220 - 450ml of water. and ProPeas. practitioner before CalciAIM or • Pre-workout (energize): Mix use. ProPeas. 1 scoop with 120ml of water • Contains (before and during exercise). measuring scoop.
CranVerry+, a unique combination of men’s and women’s health • Take 1 to 2 capsules daily. • Safe to use with all other • Best taken with food. AIM products, except
of children. • Vegan capsules. • Keep out of reach
of children. • Always adjust for your use. • Can be refrigerated, but not frozen. • Gelatin capsules. • Gelatin is Halal and Kosher certified. • Keep out of reach of children.
Composure, a combination of relaxing herbs that helps to maintain your neuro health, especially in regard to dealing efficiently with stress.
NON-GMO • VEGAN • GLUTEN-FREE GinkgoSense combines ginkgo biloba with curcumin, black pepper, ashwagandha, ginger and the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin to provide overall support for memory health. It specifically targets mental acuity and vision.
NON-GMO • VEGAN • GLUTEN-FREE
Mag-nificence provides readily available cellular magnesium in CWR bath additive. The application is absorbed topically, not consumed orally, in order to maximize the effectiveness of the magnesium. Fit ’n Fiber, a prebiotic fiber source that feeds the probiotics in the gut with hearthealthy soluble and insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber has been linked to reduced appetite, cholesterol, and glucose absorption. This high-fiber drink is a low-calorie complement to a healthy diet. Improve your overall fitness by following AIM’s Healthy Cell Concept® . NON-GMO • VEGAN • GLUTEN-FREE GlucoChrom combines vanadium, gymnema sylvestre, bitter melon, and a unique chromium to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. May improve weight loss as part of a healthy vegan diet and exercise plan. NON-GMO • VEGAN • GLUTEN-FREE ProPeas, an all-natural, vegan, vanillaflavored protein powder made from peas with 12 grams of protein per serving. AIM ProPeas is digested slowly to reduce your appetite. ProPeas can maintain lean muscle, resulting in an increased ability to burn calories. A high-protein, low-calorie complement to a healthy diet and exercise program. of warm to hot water and soak for 20 to 30 minutes.
You may use more depending on your needs. • 1 capsule twice per day. Athletes 4 48
Suggested Serving Mixing w/other products Contraindications Other information
neuro health • Take 2 capsules per day. • Recommended for use with • Vegan capsules. Herbal Fiberblend. • Keep out of reach • Safe to use with all other of children. AIM products. • For increased sedative effect take with warm beverage. taste of Herbal Fiberblend. • Safe to use with all other AIM products. • Complementary to ProPeas and fit ’n fiber for weight loss. • Take 2 capsules daily. • Safe to use with all other • Not recommended for • Vegan formula • Best taken with food. AIM products. children, or pregnant with vegan and nursing women. capsules. • Consult a health practitioner prior to use if taking anticoagulant/ antiplatelet, diabetes or high blood pressure medications. • Ashwagandha may stimulate the production of thyroid hormones. If you have an autoimmune disease please consult a health practitioner before
topical magnesium • CWR (bath additive): Mix • Safe to use with all other 60ml in a bath (or footbath) AIM products.
• Avoid eyes, mouth and • Shake well (CWR). sensitive areas. It is • Keep out of reach normal for some indi- of children. viduals to experience a • Skin patch test tingling sensation on recommended. the skin upon applica- • CWR can also be tion. For external use applied directly to only. the skin.
weight management • Mix 2 tablespoons (16 g) with • Fit ’n Fiber can be mixed 240 ml of water once daily. with all AIM products and is • Children (12-16 years): Mix 1 complementary to ProPeas. tablespoon once daily. Mixed with Herbal • Best taken before meals. Fiberblend improves the
NON-GMO • VEGAN • GLUTEN-FREE SPORT APPROVED
• Use 1 to 4 scoops daily • ProPeas can be mixed with (depending on activity level). all AIM products and is
Shake into 240ml of water, complementary to fit ’n cold beverage or smoothie. fiber and GlucoChrom. Scoops Protein (g) • Best used during weight Adolescents 1 12 loss, for recovery after Adults 2 24 exercise, as a healthy Pregnant/ 3 36 breakfast or as a protein
Lactating supplement or snack.
use. • If taking prescription • Keep out of reach medications, pregnant of children. or nursing women and • Psyllium dust may people who have dif- create a sensitivity ficulty swallowing resulting in an should consult a allergic reaction. healthcare practitioner before use. Take four hours before or after
Amoxicillin.
• Do not use if pregnant or nursing. Consult a health practitioner before use if taking insulin. Not recommended for children. • Does not contain egg, dairy products, peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, artificial colors, or artificial sweeteners. • Vegan capsules. • Keep out of reach
of children. • Contains measuring spoon.
Composure Helps You to Relax
With all the stress-inducing events going on in the world, it’s a wonder that anyone can relax.
Technology has led to a constant bombardment of bad news for anyone with a device connected to the internet. The World Wide Web transmits tragic events, outbreaks, disasters, etc. 24-7. It may be physically easy for you to turn off your device or television, but the resulting stress can linger mentally.
On top of outside sources, your stress levels can rise as a result of financial concerns, tax returns, work demands, family situations, etc. Stress is the normal way your body reacts to real or perceived harmful circumstances. If unmanaged, however, stress can lead to poor physical and mental health, exacerbated by constant worrying, inner tension and poor sleep.
Time to Relax with Composure
To get back on track, you have to be able to relax in spite of the stressinducing factors that can make you worry and keep you awake at night. The combination of calming herbs in Composure is natural help for managing your stress levels and easing sleepdisturbing tension.
Each botanical ingredient in Composure was chosen for its timeproven efficacy for soothing troubled minds. For example, passionflower has been used effectively for over two centuries to relieve muscle tension and overactive minds. As far back as the late 1800s, it was written that passionflower “gives sleep to those who are laboring under the effects of mental worry or from mental overwork.” 1
When you need to relax, add Composure to your life. 1 bit.ly/Passion_flower
The Effects of Dehydration
By Charlotte Meschede - Nutritionist
on the body
Water is essential for human life and accounts for 50-70% of our total body weight. It is crucial for most bodily functions. Any deficit in water through dehydration, sickness, exercise or heat stress will make us feel unwell. Initially the symptoms of dehydration are headaches and fatigue. This will lead to irritability and mental and physical decline.
We continually lose water through breathing, urination and defecation. Healthy individuals will regulate water intake through drinking and eating foods that have a high water content like fresh fruit and vegetables. However, in vulnerable age groups such as infants and the elderly, this intake is dependent on the caregiver or parent and when these individuals are exposed to excessive heat or activity, dehydration may result.
What happens when you dehydrate?
By the time you feel thirsty, your body is already dehydrated as our thirst mechanism lags behind our actual level of hydration. Research has shown that being dehydrated by as little as 1% can affect your mood, your ability to concentrate, memory and motor coordination. It appears that brain tissue fluid decreases with dehydration therefore reducing brain volume and temperately interfering with brain function. As you lose water without replacing it, the blood becomes more concentrated and at this stage, the kidneys are triggered to retain water. The result is that you urinate less. The thicker and more concentrated the blood becomes, the harder it is for the cardiovascular system to compensate by increasing the heart rate to maintain blood pressure. When the dehydrated body is faced with adverse circumstances such as exercising or heat, the risk of exhaustion will elevate. This is often the cause of fainting or when you feel dizzy if you stand up too quickly.
A dehydrated body will also be less able to regulate body temperature so either hyperthermia (high body temperature) due to fever or hypothermia due to exposure to freezing conditions (low body temperature) will result.
How much do you need to drink?
There is no absolute amount of water that needs to be consumed on a daily basis as it depends on outside temperature,
activity, food eaten and amount and type of exercise that is taken. Most people do not realise that some medications and supplements require water in which to be effective, so if you are taking any fibre supplements, then you need to increase your water intake to accommodate the amount that will enable or activate the supplement as well as the body’s own requirements. Sometimes relying on thirst to guide whether or not you drink water will lead to dehydration. Many people are not as sensitive to the thirst stimulus as they should be. If a fibre supplement does not have access to sufficient liquid, it will not swell in the gut and cause the peristaltic action it is designed to facilitate. As a result, the fibre will form a hard immovable mass in the intestine and will end up causing more damage than it does benefit. I suggest a minimum of 2 litres a day. The balance of your water requirement should be made up with high-water containing foods like fresh vegetables and fruit. Tea and coffee do add to the water intake, but they also take away from it as both of these have a diuretic (increasing urination) effect. Fortunately you do not urinate out the total amount of tea and coffee in volume, but you cannot rely on tea and coffee as liquids which satisfy thirst and prevent dehydration. The following is a guide to measure your hydration status: 1.
2.
3.
4. Keep a track of your body weight – if you suddenly lose or gain more than 1- 2 kgs within a 48 hour period, the chances are you are either losing water or retaining it. Another method of checking hydration is to check the colour of your urine – the darker it is, the more dehydrated you are. You should also be urinating at least 3-4 times a day. Any less and it implies dehydration. Headaches and dizziness are a symptom of dehydration so if you do have a headache make sure you are drinking enough water before you take medication to resolve it.
People who are most vulnerable to dehydration include: • People who live at higher altitudes • Mountain climbers and athletes • Older men and women frequently don’t drink enough because it becomes difficult to go the bathroom
Babies and small children mostly from the effects of diarrhea and vomiting
Athletes, especially those training for endurance events. Dehydration can seriously undermine performance
People with chronic diseases such as diabetes, kidney disease, cystic fibrosis, alcoholism and adrenal fatigue
Complications of dehydration: • Low blood volume – less blood produces a drop in blood pressure and consequently the amount of oxygen reaching the tissues is diminished. This is called tissue hypoxia and can be life-threatening.
The risk of seizures, especially with epileptics is raised due to the disturbance in electrolytes that occurs with dehydration
Cramps also from electrolyte disturbances
Kidney issues including the formation of kidney stones, urinary tract infections and kidney failure
Heat stroke
Prevention as always is better than cure. If you make sure you take your 2 – 3 litres of water per day there will be no danger of dehydration.
