Immunotec’s Xtra Sharp energy tonic received a glowing review on the Taurine Rules independent energy drink review site today.   The ‘Energy Guru’, who has sampled and reviewed hundreds of energy drinks, blogs his opinions online.   A lot of people must listen to this guy, because it is his site that comes up on page 1 when googling ‘the best energy drinks’.  The energy guru loves Xtra Sharp…..read what he has to say at:

http://taurinerules.blogspot.com/2008/07/immunotec-xtra-sharp-energy-review.html

Choline is a methyl group source. These are hydrocarbons that mediate nutrient absorption. They do it by reducing water solubility and increasing a nutrient’s ability to transfer into fat. (They won’t make you fat, but fat is one of your body’s natural nutrient storage and regulation mechanisms.) This is how choline improves your ability to absorb folic acid along with Vitamins B6 and B12.

Folic acid, B6 and B12 all play a vital function in heart health because they help control homocysteine levels. Don’t confuse homocysteine with its health-promoting molecular “relative” cysteine, found in our Immunocal/HMS-90 supplement. Homocysteine actually weakens the cysteine bonds in your body’s structural proteins – the stuff your heart, blood vessels and more are made of. If your homocysteine’s too high, your risks for cardiovascular diseases (including heart attack and stroke) go up. Fortunately, there’s evidence that by reining in homocysteine, proper supplementation has a long term, protective effect.

Choline has other potent benefits. It’s the chemical precursor of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that controls muscle function, short term memory and learning. Reduced acetylcholine is linked to fatigue, bipolar disorder and Alzheimer’s disease. If you consume more choline, your brain can make more acetylcholine.

Choline’s role demonstrates the importance of holistic nutrition. Basic vitamins don’t work too well, because your body functions through intricately connected chemical processes. A smart supplement supports the entire chain of cause and effect – not just one step on the path to health. This is just one reason why the Daily Essentials Pack covers a wide range of vitamins and nutrients.

Curcurmin may also promote higher concentrations of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF): a protein that encourages neuron growth and survival in the hippocampus, cortex and forebrain. BDNF deficiency is associated with anxiety, depression, Alzheimer’s disease and some eating disorders.

These aren’t turmeric’s only benefits. This Scientific American article rounds up recent research, while Wikipedia’s articles on turmeric and curcurmin explore their medical effects in detail.

Do you need to eat curry every day to experience turmeric’s health benefits? No – though there’s nothing wrong with a good curry! Immunotec’s Daily Essentials Pack includes turmeric, along with an array of additional vitamins and dietary supplements.

Peter, age 62 reported that his eye surgeon is amazed that his cataract is improving and surgery may no longer be needed.   Peter has been on Immunocal Platinum for 5 months.

Cindy, age 49 reported that her recovery from hip replacement surgery was significantly easier and faster this time around (surgery was March 18), than when the other hip was replaced in June ‘07.   Even family and friends have noticed the difference in her compared to last summer.  Cindy has been on Immunocal Platinum for 10 months.

Christie, age 29 reported that she suffered one continuous string of cold symptoms for the first 6 months of her pregnancy.  She has been on HMS 90 for 2 months and has not had so much as a sniffle.   She is due in June!

Sharon, age 59 reported that her pain specialist is beginning to wean her off narcotic pain-killers as it appears she may no longer need them.   She has been taking Immunocal Platinum for 3 months. 

Veteran distributors know that Glanbia Nutritionals and Immunotec have a longstanding strategic alliance.   Immunocal/HMS 90 is produced using a proprietary and unique formulation developed by Immunotec scientists.  In addition, the manufacturing process used by Glanbia was developed especially for Immunotec.  As we have said in the past, if it doesn’t say Immunocal/HMS 90 on the label, it’s not the real thing. 

As Immunotec continues as the leader in immune system support, I assure you that I will rigorously defend our brand.  With the only patented protein proven to consistently raise and sustain glutathione levels, Immunotec has a unique product, a unique earning opportunity and a unique position in the marketplace. 

Energy drinks have grown from a few obscure tonics into a multibillion dollar industry – the heir-apparent of traditional soft drinks.

Sugar is the other key ingredient in most energy drinks. It gives you energy for the same reason candy made you bounce off the walls when you were five. It’s got all the same effects – and drawbacks – that you remember from childhood: empty calories, fuel for tooth-rotting bacteria and the so-called “sugar crash.” The crash hits when muscle tissue absorption and insulin cut your previously-elevated blood glucose levels. Your body doesn’t like that kind of rapid change and smacks you down, hard.

Herbs and Supplements

Energy drink formulas include a bunch of secondary supplements like taurine and herbal extracts designed to fine tune the stimulant effect, but the primary actors are still caffeine and sugar. On their own, herbal and nutritional supplements provide a moderate boost, bereft of the jaw-clenching highs and brain-hammering lows of the traditional caffeine-sugar combination.

Immunotec’s Xtra Sharp is an herbal energy tonic designed to boost your energy levels through smart supplements and balanced herbal extracts. 21 herbs and a mix of essential minerals keep you moving and alert in hectic times.

Xtra Sharp targets common deficiencies, providing an inherent energy boost that’s actually good for you. For example, the potassium in Xtra Sharp is a vital nutrient that maintains neuron (brain and nerve) and muscle function, but most North Americans only consume about half of the recommended dietary intake. Herbal extracts like guarana seed also offer a less-harsh alternative to caffeine, while specific herbs provide other benefits. The net effect: higher energy levels without jitters and exhausting low points.

Thomas Edison hated sleeping because he thought it was a waste of time – and it was one of the few areas where he was totally out to lunch. It wasn’t his fault, though. We know a lot more about sleep now than we did then. A good night’s sleep is crucial to immune health and long-term memory formation. You might be dreaming, but your body’s busy preparing you for another day.

You’d think that knowing the importance of sleep would help us take it more seriously, but sleep disorders are more common than ever. We sleep badly for a bunch of reasons, but one of the most common is irregular melatonin production levels. Melatonin is your natural timekeeper. The light-sensitive pineal gland regulates melatonin production throughout the day. High levels make you sleepy – and the pineal gland likes to boost your melatonin in the dark.

The pineal gland hasn’t quite caught up with the age of electric lighting. Artificial lights fool it and depress melatonin production. It’s no wonder Edison hated sleeping – all those light bulbs probably put him in the world’s worst sleep environment.

Natural Sleep Aids

You can use two methods to regulate your melatonin levels better. The first is obvious: Sleep in a dark place. Lower light levels around the house before you go to sleep. When you turn in, make sure to minimize indirect lighting. That glow from the bathroom light down the hall might depress your melatonin levels.

The second option is to take a melatonin supplement. It’s a proven sleep aid. Immunotec’s Concentrated Tart Montmorency Cherry Juice is a melatonin supplement that has several advantages over capsules or tablets. It’s naturally sourced, definitely tastier and you can prepare it however you like.

Not Just Sleep

Melatonin’s more than just a sleep aid. It’s an antioxidant that appears to influence proper immune functioning. Low melatonin levels are associated with immune deficiencies. Melatonin-depleted blood is associated with an increased risk of cancer, too, so supplementation does more than help you sleep – it might just help you live longer.