I’m excited about the recent presentation of one of our studies to the American College of Nutrition (ACN). The presentation was on October 9, 2010 at the New York Academy of Medicine in New York City as part of the ACN’s Annual Scientific Conference.

The focus of the presentation was on the synergy between XANGO Juice and Eleviv. The study, portions of which were presented previously at the Experimental Biology scientific conference in April 2010, demonstrates the synergistic effects of XANGO Juice (in balancing healthly C-Reactive Protein levels) with Eleviv (in balancing healthy levels of stress hormones) – and how the combined effects significantly improve Vigor (mental/physical energy levels) in moderately stressed subjects.

The Mission of the American College of Nutrition (ACN) is to enhance nutrition and metabolism knowledge among physicians and professionals from all disciplines with a common interest in nutrition, and to promote the application of such knowledge to the maintenance of health and treatment of disease.

I have been a member of the ACN for many years and I appreciate their focus on not only presenting a forum for the exchange of scientific concepts – but also in promoting the application of that science (what to DO with the information to improve health). This is also what I appreciate about XANGO – it’s not “just” about having a family of science-based products, it’s about how to build that science into products and how to apply those products to improving health and about how to build a business that continues to create health and wealth.

As a scientist, I certainly love to talk about “the science” and get into detailed discussions (and even arguments!) about biochemistry and physiology and health. BUT, as a product developer, I also understand the importance of harnessing that science into deliverable products that bring that science “out” of the lecture halls and the abstract books and into actual products that can actually help people improve their health. This is what XANGO has been doing with XANGO Juice since its founding eight years ago – and what it’s been doing with Eleviv for the last year – and its what XANGO will continue to do with new category creating products in the future.

Thanks for reading,

Shawn M. Talbott, PhD

DIETARY SUPPLEMENT COMBINATION REDUCES INFLAMMATION AND IMPROVES VIGOR IN STRESSED SUBJECTS

Talbott S.¹, Talbott J.¹, Vosti M.², and Anderson J.²

¹SupplementWatch and ²South Mountain Chiropractic, Draper, UT

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the combined effects of two commercially available dietary supplements on measures of Metabolic Balance, Inflammation, and Psychological Mood State. The supplements are (1) a whole Mangosteen fruit/rind juice (XANGO^TM), and (2) an herbal blend containing Citrus sinensis, Eurycoma longifolia, Camellia sinensis, and L-theanine (Eleviv^TM). Previous studies have shown benefits on measures of inflammation (XANGO) and hormone balance and mood (Eleviv).

We recruited 30 moderately stressed subjects (22 women / 8 men) for this 4-week placebo-controlled, double-blind study. Each participant was randomly assigned to consume 6oz/d of the Juice/Placebo (3oz AM / 3oz PM) and 2 capsules/d of the Herbal /Placebo (AM).

There were no significant differences on measures of female reproductive hormones (Progesterone, Estradiol, Estriol, Estrone, 2-hydroxyestrone, 16-alpha-hydroxysterone, and Estrone Sulfate). Significant differences between groups were found for measures of Inflammation (-59% C-Reactive Protein); Metabolic Balance (+421% ratio between Free Androgen Index / 24h Cortisol exposure), Vigor (+27%), and Tension (-34%).

These data provide clear evidence that consuming the supplements together for 4 weeks provides a range of metabolic and psychological health benefits.

This study was conducted by SupplementWatch and funded by XANGO, LLC.

As the formulator of Eleviv, I am very often asked by people to describe to them what Eleviv is “like.” If you’ve already experienced the Eleviv product, then you know this is a hard question to answer because Eleviv is not “like” anything else. Eleviv is not quite “like” an “energy” supplement – although it significantly reduces feelings of fatigue without the “trade-off” of jitters, tension, and irritability that energy drinks and shots can give you.

Eleviv is not quite “like” an herbal mood booster or memory enhancer (many of which can interfere with prescription medications) – although it significantly improves both mood and mental focus.

Eleviv is not quite “like” a typical “stress reducer” which typically contain tranquilizing herbs and leave you feeling sleepy and sluggish – although Eleviv certainly reduces feelings of stress, and tension, while improving what I refer to as “relaxed alertness”).

So, if Eleviv is not quite “like” any of the typical approaches that people have been using to combat their feelings of ‘Tired – Stressed – Depressed” – what IS it like?

I generally explain to people that Eleviv is the most effective (and only) natural dietary supplement specifically intended to improve VIGOR – which is defined as “a 3-tiered sustained mood state characterized by physical energy, mental acuity, and emotional well-being” – which makes Eleviv like nothing else.

This uniqueness makes Eleviv harder to explain to people – but it also means that the only place you can find it is at XanGo – and it also means that once people experience restored Vigor, you’ll have a customer (and thankful friend) for life.

Think about the tens of millions of people who drag themselves through their stressful day, struggling with crushing fatigue, and then lie awake and restless at night because they’re stressed and can’t relax.

What if you could help those people to reduce their stress and relax (not by “knocking them out” with an herbal tranquilizer) while also helping them to reduce their fatigue and improve their motivation (not by “hyping them up” with an “energy” drink or other stimulant)? With Eleviv, you could help those millions to climb out of a state of “Burnout” (the absence of Vigor) and back to a state of well-being where they simply feel good again.

What is Eleviv “like”?

• It’s like feeling the way you “used to” feel.
• It’s like feeling “like yourself” again.
• It’s like “lighting a fire” of motivation within you.
• It’s like getting your life back and finally thriving in the face of the stressful worlds in which we all live.

That’s what Eleviv is “like” and I hope you’ll think of someone who can benefit from you sharing Eleviv with them.

Thanks for reading!

Lots of people have been asking me about the new manuscript on Vigor published in the peer-reviewed scientific journal, Progress in Nutrition (Volume 12 – April 2010). The title of the paper is, “Ancient wisdom meets modern ailment – traditional Asian medicine improves psychological Vigor in stressed subjects.”

As you can see from the title, “Ancient wisdom meets modern ailment” – the general idea of the publication is to highlight the fact that ancient practitioners of traditional medicine used natural approaches to solving health problems – and that we can use that ancient wisdom about herbs and nutrients to counteract some of today’s most debilitating conditions (such as chronic stress, Burnout, low mood, fatigue, mental fog, and many others).

The scientific journal, Progress in Nutrition, is a peer-reviewed journal from an Italian publisher that specializes in producing “proceedings” from scientific meetings. I was asked to submit this one on Vigor after delivering an invited presentation on “Traditional Medicine as Modern Dietary Supplements” that I gave at a scientific conference in Hong Kong.

This issue of the Progress in Nutrition journal features the proceedings from the 4th International Symposium on Functional Foods entitled, “New Horizons in Chinese Medicines & Health Foods” that took place at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (sort of like China’s version of MIT) on October 29-30, 2009.

It was interesting to participate in the Symposium with a broad range of Western scientists and Eastern herbalists. Just as I was speaking about the Western concept of “Vigor” – other scientists were speaking about the Eastern concept of Qi (“life force” – pronounced “Chee”) – and we were both speaking about the SAME concept and using some of the SAME natural approaches to restore Vigor/Qi in the face of various types of stress.

In my presentation and in the Progress in Nutrition manuscript, I outlined some of the early studies on the herbal formula that would eventually become Eleviv – so you will see the very same blend of Eurycoma, Citrus peel, and Green tea noted in the Methods section of the paper.

The text of the summary/abstract appears below and a color reprint of the Progress in Nutrition article can be purchased at www.X1Tools.com.

If you’re looking for more information about psychological Vigor, my new book entitled, “Vigor – 7 days to Unlimited Energy, Focus, and Well-Being” (400 pages, including dozens of individual experiences) is available at www.VigorBook.com (all profits to support Operation Smile charity).

I hope you enjoy the manuscript and I hope you will share it with others so that more of us can enjoy the high state of Vigor that we all want.

Summary/Abstract (Progress in Nutrition, Volume 12 (April 2010)
Background: Chronic stress plays a major role in the pathophysiology of many unhealthy states. These stress-related changes in psychology may be due to both endocrine and behavioral factors – and may be mediated or attenuated by lifestyle factors including diet, exercise, and dietary supplements. Vigor is defined as a 3-tiered sustained mood-state that is characterized by (1) physical energy, (2) mental acuity, and (3) cognitive liveliness. Vigor can also be described as the opposite of “Burnout” (physical fatigue, mental exhaustion, and cognitive weariness).

Objective: Our objective was to assess changes in Vigor, Mood State, and Metabolic Hormone Profile (cortisol and testosterone balance) in response to a modest lifestyle intervention including a dietary supplement based on traditional Asian medicine and including Eurycoma longifolia root, Citrus sinensis peel, and Camellia sinensis leaf – each of which is used in traditional Asian medicine to improve “life force” and well-being in fatigued individuals.

Methods: We report on 82 subjects – all displaying moderate levels of psychological stress. We measured endocrine parameters [salivary cortisol to testosterone, (C:T) ratio)], and Global Mood State (MOOD) and related subscales: Vigor (V), Fatigue (F), and Depression (D), using the Profile of Mood States (POMS) psychological survey before and after the supplementation intervention. Subjects followed a supplementation periods of either 8-weeks or 12-weeks. Each intervention included recommendations to follow a balanced diet, moderate exercise, and daily supplementation.

Results: Compared to pre-supplementation values, post-supplementation measurements indicated significant changes for C:T ratio (-15-19%), MOOD (+20-22%), Vigor (+27-29%), Fatigue (-41-48%), and Depression (-40-52%).
Conclusion: These data indicate that factors that are typically disrupted during periods of chronic stress (metabolic hormone profile and psychological mood state) may be positively and significantly impacted by modest changes in diet, exercise and supplementation patterns that mirror those commonly used in traditional Asian medicine.

Improving Vigor (Maintaining Metabolic Balance)

Over the past 6 years, our group has conducted a series of human clinical studies in “stressed” volunteers, as short as 1-week and as long as 12 weeks, where we have been able to significantly improve Vigor by 25-30% (following a maintenance of metabolic balance). This means that although chronic stress disrupts metabolic balance, we now know that maintaining metabolic balance helps to improve feelings of Vigor quickly (within 1 week) and that those changes persist for months thereafter – indicating a unique and lasting improvement in overall well-being that is far superior to the fleeting and temporary effects of energy drinks and related products.

Typically, we will see very rapid improvements in indices of mental energy when the balance of neurotransmitters is maintained (which tend to respond faster to metabolic interventions) – followed soon thereafter by improvements in physical energy as hormone balance is maintained (which takes longer depending on the degree and duration of stress that the individual has been exposed to).

I feel very strongly—in fact, I am certain—that once you understand the relationship between modern stressors, your metabolic balance, and its effects on your long-term health, you will be motivated to do something about keeping your metabolism in balance. The bottom line is that living in the twenty-first century brings with it a certain amount of unavoidable stress—and with that stress comes a certain degree of disrupted metabolism. It is how we deal with that stress and what we do to control those hormone levels that can make all the difference when it comes to our long-term health and how we feel on a daily basis.

If you’re reading this blog, then it’s likely that you have already heard of Eleviv™ – the natural dietary supplement for improving “Vigor” from XanGo. If this is your first exposure to Eleviv, then you may be wondering what exactly “Vigor” refers to – or if you’ve been using Eleviv for a period of time, you may be wondering how to best explain Eleviv to people you may want to share it with.

As the formulator of Eleviv, the way that I typically describe the product to people is that it is the BEST and ONLY dietary supplement that I know of for significantly improving psychological Vigor in people with stress. I then tell them that researchers define “Vigor” as “a 3-tiered sustained mood state characterized by physical energy, mental acuity, and emotional well-being.”

As such, Vigor is a true measure of wellness because it encompasses much more than simply feeling “energetic” or being in a “good mood” or having a “sharp” mind. People with high Vigor scores are those “can-do” individuals who feel like getting things done – they’re motivated – they have a certain “momentum” in their daily lives – and for lots of people, “Vigor” is a state that they have not experienced in many years. Feelings of low Vigor are common in our modern stress-filled world. Millions of us succumb to chronic stress and end up feeling “tired, stressed and depressed” because of specific metabolic imbalances (specifically, disruptions in hormones like cortisol and testosterone, and neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine) that lead to feelings of reduced Vigor.

When hormones like cortisol and testosterone are out of balance – we lack physical energy, so we often feel constantly fatigued and depressed. When neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine are out of balance – we lack mental energy, so we often feel unfocused and irritable. When we can maintain balance between our hormones and neurotransmitters, we also maintain our feelings of physical and mental energy (the combination of which is what we refer to as Vigor) – and Eleviv is a novel and effective approach to doing just that.*

Can You Restore Vigor? Yes! However, very few people outside of the research community have ever even heard of “Vigor” or have any idea that you can achieve it naturally by maintaining metabolic balance (the balance between hormones and enzymes and neurotransmitters that have become disrupted by chronic stress). We can attempt to temporarily “reduce” fatigue with an energy drink or other stimulant, but that approach does not restore Vigor. Instead, energy drinks and related options are inadequate solutions because they do not address the underlying cause of low Vigor (metabolic imbalance). In fact, not only do energy drinks not restore Vigor, they are more likely to increase tension and anxiety (two other indications of “mood state” that we can measure in our studies). True Vigor goes much beyond what most people associate with energy/fatigue—it really gets to the heart of how people want to feel.

* 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.

Following Part I (benefits of the Eleviv blend) and Parts II & III (Metabolic Balance from Eurycoma and Citrus Peel to improve “physical” energy levels), I wanted to use this final installment (Part IV) to describe how the combination of Green tea extract and Theanine helps to improve “mental energy” – the other half of the Vigor equation (measured as “mental/physical energy”).

Green tea (Camellia sinensis) is the second‐most consumed beverage in the world (water is the first) and has been used medicinally for centuries in India, China, and throughout Asia. A number of beneficial health effects are attributed to regular consumption of green tea and dried/powdered extracts of green tea are available as dietary supplements. Green tea is prepared by picking, lightly steaming the leaves, and allowing them to dry. Black tea, the most popular type of tea in the U.S., is made by allowing the leaves to ferment before drying. Due to differences in the fermentation process, a portion of the active compounds are destroyed in black tea, but remain active in green tea. The active constituents in green tea are a family of polyphenols (catechins) with potent antioxidant activity. Tannins, large polyphenol molecules, form the bulk of the active compounds in green tea, with catechins comprising nearly 90%. A number of commercial green tea extracts are standardized to total polyphenol content and/or catechin content and many are marketed with claims for preventing cancer, enhancing immune function, boosting antioxidant protection, reducing cholesterol, and stimulating weight loss. The green tea extract used in the Eleviv formula is a hot-water extract that is concentrated for 30% catechins. As part of the extraction and concentration process, the extract loses both caffeine and theanine (an amino acid naturally found in green tea leaves). IN the Eleviv formula, we replace the lost theanine by adding back pure L-theanine, but we leave out the caffeine – so the “energy boost” that so many people feel when they try Eleviv is not from a stimulant effect, but instead is due to a restoration of Metabolic Balance and Vigor.

In some studies, green tea is associated with a mild increase in thermogenesis (increased caloric expenditure) – which is sometimes erroneously attributed to its caffeine content. A handful of studies have shown that green tea extract stimulates thermogenesis to an extent much greater than can be attributed directly to its caffeine content alone – meaning that the thermogenic properties of green tea may be due to a synergistic interaction between small levels of naturally‐occurring caffeine and its high content of catechin‐polyphenols. A probable theory for the thermogenic effect of green tea is an increase in levels of norepinephrine – because catechin‐polyphenols are known to inhibit catechol‐O‐methyl‐transferase (the enzyme that degrades norepinephrine). Several studies have examined the norepinephrine-increasing effects of green tea extracts, showing that 24‐hour urinary norepinephrine excretion was 40% higher during consumption of green tea extract (compared to placebo). Because norepinephrine levels in humans are also associated with alertness, mental focus, attention, and overall mood – maintaining normal levels of this important neurotransmitter may have benefits for improving mood (reducing depression) and maintaining mental function (reducing attention deficit symptoms) through a mechanism of action similar to a number of pharmaceutical agents (Concerta, Strattera, Effexor).

Green tea consumption of as much as 20 cups per day has not been associated with any significant side effects (aside those associated with excessive caffeine consumption if the tea has not been decaffeinated). In high doses, however, teas that contain caffeine may lead to restlessness, insomnia, heart palpitations and tachycardia (rapid heartbeat). Decaffeinated versions of green tea and green tea extracts are available – but due to differences in extraction methods, the amounts of catechin compounds and theanine can vary between extracts.

Theanine is a unique amino acid found in the leaves of green tea. Theanine is quite different from the polyphenol/ catechin antioxidants for which green tea is typically consumed. In fact, through the natural production of polyphenols, the tea plant converts theanine into catechins. This means that tea leaves harvested during one part of the growing season may be high in catechins (good for antioxidant benefits and norepinephrine levels), while leaves harvested during another time of year may be higher in theanine (good for anti‐stress and cortisol‐controlling effects, as well as improving dopamine levels).

A unique function of theanine is that it acts as a non‐sedating relaxant to help increase the brain’s production of alpha‐waves (those associated with “relaxed alertness”). This makes theanine extremely effective for combating tension, stress, and anxiety—without inducing drowsiness. By increasing the brain’s output of alpha waves, theanine is thought to control anxiety, increase mental focus, improve concentration, and promote creativity.

Research studies are quite clear on the facts that people who produce more alpha brain waves also have less anxiety; that highly creative people generate more alpha waves when faced with a problem to solve; and that elite athletes tend to produce a burst of alpha waves on the left side of their brain during their best performances (when they are “in the zone”).

In addition to being considered a “relaxing” substance (in adults), theanine has also been shown to have benefits for improving learning performance (in mice), and promoting concentration (in students). One of the most unique aspects of theanine activity is its ability to increase the brain’s output of alpha waves – perhaps by serving as a precursor for production of dopamine in the brain. Alpha waves are one the four basic brain brain‐wave patterns (delta, theta, alpha, and beta) that can be monitored using an electroencephalogram (EEG). Each wave pattern is associated with a particular oscillating electrical voltage in the brain, and the different brain brain‐wave patterns are associated with different mental states and states of consciousness (Theta = Drowsiness; Alpha = Relaxed/Alertness; Beta = Stress/Anxiety).

No adverse side effects are associated with theanine consumption – making it one of the leading natural choices for promoting relaxation without the sedating effects of depressant drugs and herbs. When considering the potential benefits of theanine as an anti‐stress or anti‐cortisol supplement, it is important to distinguish its non‐ sedating relaxation benefits from the tranquilizing effects of other “relaxing” supplements such as valerian and kava, which are actually mild central central‐ nervous nervous‐system depressants. When combined with green tea leaf catechins (to maintain norepinephrine levels and mental focus) the anti-stress and relaxation benefits of theanine (likely via an improvement in dopamine levels) can be measured as improved “Focus” and as the “mental energy” aspect of Vigor that is uniquely found in the Eleviv formulation.

Citrus peel extract is a rich source of Polymethoxylated Flavones (PMFs) – flavonoid compounds with extra (“poly”) methoxy groups compared to “regular” flavones. Like all flavonoids, the PMFs deliver potent antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory activity, but the PMF version is approximately 3‐times more potent in its ability to reduce cholesterol levels (20‐30% reduction in clinical studies) and in balancing cellular cortisol exposure by inhibiting the activity of the fat‐storing enzyme, HSD‐1, inside of abdominal fat cells. The three primary PMFs are nobilitin, tangeretin, and sinensetin.

PMFs can inhibit the activity of HSD‐1 (11‐beta‐Hydroxy‐Steroid‐Dehydrogenase‐1), an enzyme inside of adipose (fat) cells responsible for cortisol “reactivation” and fat‐ storage. By inhibiting HSD‐1 activity, PMFs are thought to be active and important natural agents for reducing cellular exposure to cortisol (which serves a potent fat‐storage signal) and thus, for maintaining metabolic hormone balance. Because the HSD enzyme plays such an important role in the cellular interconversion between active and inactive cortisol, it also plays an important role in a number of health imbalances associated with cortisol overexposure. For example, HSD amplifies local cortisol concentrations in target tissues, even when circulating cortisol levels are low. In overweight individuals, levels of HSD are elevated inside of fat cells – and increased HSD levels are known to lead to abdominal obesity, insulin resistance, and diabetes. Slowing, or inhibiting the activity of HSD (the main benefit of PMFs from citrus peel extract) results in a reduction in cortisol exposure and enhanced insulin sensitivity (improvement in diabetes-related symptoms).

Citrus peel extracts and PMFs are extremely safe – and at the effective doses, users will benefit from the antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory effects in addition to the cholesterol/triglyceride reducing, hormone‐balancing, and abdominal‐fat‐reducing effects. Toxicity studies have suggested that Citrus peel extracts and PMFs are safe up to more than 14 grams daily (14,000mg) for a 150‐pound human (many times higher than the daily dose found in the Eleviv formulation). Unlike some flavonoids like naringin from grapefruit, there are no known risks of drug interactions with citrus‐derived PMFs (certain grapefruit flavonoids can interfere with liver enzymes needed to metabolize many prescription drugs). When combined with the testosterone-balancing effects of Eurycoma root extract, the cortisol-balancing aspects of Citrus peel extract (PMFs) help to restore the Metabolic Balance between cortisol/testosterone and thus improve “physical” energy levels. The other half of the Vigor equation (mental energy) is delivered by the unique combination of green tea catechins plus theanine that will be the subject of the next blog installment.

Eurycoma is a tree root, often called Malaysian ginseng or Tongkat Ali, which is used as a traditional “anti‐aging” remedy to help older individuals “adapt” to the reduced energy and mood that often comes with age. In modern dietary supplements, we find eurycoma in a variety of products intended to improve energy and mood (which it can do, based on its mechanism of action of restoring metabolic hormone balance that can be disrupted by stress) and “boost” testosterone levels (which it cannot do, unless we’re talking about restoring testosterone levels from “low” back “up” to “normal” values, which eurycoma appears able to do under conditions of sub‐optimal testosterone exposure such as chronic stress).

Eurycoma contains a group of small peptides (short protein chains) that are referred to as “eurypeptides” and are known to have effects in improving energy status. The testosterone “boosting” effects of eurycoma appears to not have anything to do with “stimulating” testosterone synthesis, but rather in increasing the release rate of “free” testosterone from its binding hormones (SHBG, sex‐hormone‐binding‐globulin). In this way, eurycoma is not so much a testosterone “booster” but rather a “maintainer” of normal testosterone levels (testosterone that your body has already produced and needs to release to become active). This would make eurycoma particularly beneficial for individuals with sub‐optimal testosterone levels, including those who are under increased metabolic stress, such as those dieting for weight loss, sleep-deprived individuals (less than 8 hours of nightly sleep), middle‐aged individuals (testosterone drops after age 30), and intensely training athletes who may be at risk for overtraining.

The vast majority of what we know about eurycoma comes to us from rodent studies, test tube binding evaluations, and a handful of open‐label human feeding trials. In the test tube binding studies, we find that eurycoma peptides and related compounds do indeed help to release more free testosterone from its binding proteins. In the rodent studies, we have more than a dozen reports of increased energy levels, improved hormonal profiles, and enhanced sex drive (all compared to “suppressed” levels induced by various forms of aging or stress). In the limited number of human feeding trials, we see a clear subjective indication of reduced fatigue, heightened energy and mood, and greater sense of well‐being in the subjects consuming eurycoma.

Until relatively recently, there were very few human supplementation studies in athletes, dieters, or individuals with chronic stress – which are perhaps the key customers for eurycoma‐based products. Over that last few years, there have been four US‐based research trials of eurycoma, 1 in endurance athletes (in mountain bikers, presented at the International Society of Sports Nutrition, ISSN, Annual Scientific Meeting in 2006) and 3 in chronically–stressed subjects (in moderately stressed subjects, presented at the North American Association for the Study of Obesity, American College of Sports Medicine, American College of Nutrition, and Experimental Biology, in 2006 thru 2009). These studies used eurycoma (combined with citrus PMFs, green tea extract, and theanine – as Eleviv) and found a balancing effect on normal testosterone levels (compared to a typical drop in cases of stress overexposure).

Whether the stress overexposure comes from caloric restriction (“dieting”) or excessive exercise (“over-training”) or sleep deprivation (less than 8 hours), or simple “everyday” psychological stress, it would be expected for cortisol (a stress hormone) to rise and testosterone (an anabolic hormone) to drop. This change in “Metabolic Balance” (cortisol up and testosterone down) is an important cause of the familiar “plateau” that many dieters hit (when weight loss stops) after 6‐8 weeks on a weight loss regimen. By maintaining normal testosterone levels, a dieter could expect to also maintain their muscle mass and metabolic rate (versus a drop in both subsequent to lower testosterone levels) – and thus continue to lose weight without plateauing. For an athlete, the same rise in cortisol and drop in testosterone is an early signal of overtraining – a syndrome characterized by reduced performance, increased injury rates, suppressed immune system activity, increased appetite, moodiness, and weight gain. Obviously, a maintenance of normal testosterone levels could prevent some of these overtraining symptoms as well as help the athlete to recover faster/better from daily training bouts.

There are no reported side effects in animal or human studies of eurycoma. It is important to note that the majority of these studies have been conducted on hot‐ water‐extracts of eurycoma (which is the traditional Malaysian preparation). Many of the eurycoma extracts currently on the US market are alcohol‐extracts, which provide a completely different (and potentially toxic) chemical profile, which may not be as effective or as safe as the studied hot‐water‐extracts. The Eleviv formula combines a patented and standardized eurycoma root extract with standardized hot-water extracts of Citrus peel and Green tea, plus pure L-theanine (an amino acid) to provide a unique and proprietary approach to restoring Metabolic Balance, reducing stress, and improving Vigor for enhanced mental and physical performance.

Eleviv was developed as a natural formula intended to support and improve psychological “Vigor” (a scientific measure of “mental/physical energy”). The product formula contains 4 ingredients, including Citrus peel extract (standardized to 30% polymethoxylated flavones), Eurycoma longifolia root extract (standardized to 22% eurypeptides), L‐theanine (100% pure), and Green tea extract (standardized to 30% catechins). There are existing research studies on each of the individual ingredients, as well as on the specific “Eleviv blend” of ingredients.

Existing research evidence supports the potential health benefits of each individual ingredient in the Eleviv formula. For example, Citrus peel extract (PMFs) are known to balance cellular cortisol exposure (in cell culture experiments); Eurycoma longifolia root extract is known to balance systemic testosterone exposure (in rodent research models); Theanine is known to balance brain waves and reduce anxiety (in animal models); and Green tea extract is known to balance norepinephrine levels and increase calorie expenditure (in humans).

However, the strongest and most directly relevant support for the benefits of Eleviv come from the human clinical research on Mood State, where studies show effectiveness in promoting Vigor (mental and physical energy), reducing Fatigue (i.e. boosting Energy), reducing perceived Stress (i.e. promoting Relaxation and reducing Tension), improving Mood (elevated Global Mood State and reduced Depression), improving Mental Function (i.e. reduce Confusion), and maintaining Hormone Balance (reduced C:T ratio – which appears to be the biochemical mechanism for the observed benefits on psychological parameters).

Over the past 6 years, there have been 4 human feeding studies on the Eleviv blend and a recent study investigating the combined use of Eleviv with XanGo Juice. Different aspects of these studies have been presented at 10 peer‐reviewed scientific conferences around the country (American College of Sports Medicine, International Society for Sports Nutrition, American College of Nutrition, American Society for Nutrition, and others).

These studies have investigated the “balancing” effects of Eleviv in groups of subjects exposed to various types of stress, including the “stress” of athletic overtraining, sleep deprivation, dieting for weight loss, and everyday psychological stress. Each of these studies has shown significant benefits of Eleviv in helping to restore the “metabolic balance” (ratio between anabolic/building hormones and catabolic/breakdown hormones) that is commonly upset or “imbalanced” by exposure to chronic stressors. By restoring Metabolic Balance in the body, Eleviv can help users to feel better and perform better with reduced stress, improved well-being, and enhanced Vigor.

It is important to understand that the Eleviv formulation is more than just the sum of its individual ingredients. Although we can point to the biochemical effects of each individual ingredient in the formula (see above), it is the proprietary blend and unique balance found in Eleviv that restores Metabolic Balance, contributes to improved Vigor, and helps users to “feel better again” despite the stressful lives that many of us lead. This restoration of Vigor is a unique benefit that is not found in existing dietary supplements – Eleviv uniquely restores Vigor and Eleviv is found only at XanGo.

On April 28, 2010 I had the pleasure of presenting the results of a new study measuring the effects of combined supplementation of XanGo Juice plus Eleviv. The study was accepted for presentation as part of the American Society of Nutrition (ASN) program in Anaheim California, at the Experimental Biology Annual Scientific Conference (the largest gathering of life sciences researchers in the world).

The study was an evaluation of the effects of XanGo Juice/Eleviv on measures of C-Reactive Protein levels, Metabolic Balance, and Mood State. We supplemented subjects with 6 ounces of XanGo Juice plus 2 capsules of Eleviv (or a placebo juice/capsule regimen) everyday for 4 weeks. Compared to the placebo group, the subjects taking the supplements showed significant benefits in terms of reduced CRP levels (-59% CRP), improved Metabolic Balance (+421% ratio between “buildup” and “breakdown” hormones), and elevated Mood (-32% Tension and +27% Vigor).*

As a scientist who studies and educates about natural products, the most exciting part of the study was our finding that these products are truly “synergistic” with each other – meaning that each product helps the other to work better. We have already known for several years that XanGo Juice is effective in helping to lower CRP levels in the body.* It is important to balance these levels for optimal health – and XanGo Juice performs this function wonderfully. Likewise, we have also known for several years that the Eleviv formulation is effective at maintaining normal Metabolic Balance (the ratio of breakdown or “catabolic” hormones to buildup or “anabolic hormones) and improving Mood State (how we feel on a daily basis – especially the “physical/mental energy” that we measure as Vigor).*

By “synergy” I mean that these products are not simply “additive” or “complementary” to each other – but that they truly help each other to perform their own primary function in a superior manner (to a greater degree and in a shorter amount of time). For example, previous supplementation studies of “only” XanGo Juice have shown a significant and important reduction in CRP levels (up to 36% reduction in 8 weeks). But, this new study shows that by adding Eleviv to XanGo Juice, we can get a greater reduction in CRP levels (59% reduction) in a shorter period of time (4 weeks) – which is an example of true synergy (and which is so rare to see within the nutrition industry). We see the same synergistic benefits of adding XanGo Juice to Eleviv – where previous studies of Eleviv have shown significant improvements in Metabolic Balance (15-20% improvement) and Mood State (25-27% improvement in Tension and Vigor) over the course of 8-12 weeks – but when both products are used together, we see both Metabolic Balance (421%) and Mood State (27-32%) improved to a greater degree and in a shorter period of time (4 weeks).*

These new data are exciting for a number of reasons. First, they show us quite clearly that there is a range of positive “metabolic” effects from both products. Next, from a scientific perspective, these data support the concept that the combination of XanGo Juice plus Eleviv creates a “positive cascade” effect in the body whereby balancing CRP levels and stress hormone responses simultaneously has overlapping effects that extend and magnify the primary benefits of each product. Finally, from a consumer perspective, these results show us that people can derive meaningful health and well-being benefits quickly when both products are used together at recommended intake levels.

* 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.

I know many of you out there are taking Eleviv™ and feeling great again. But have you ever wondered if you’re taking the right number of capsules? We hope our recent study helps to answer that question. We set out wanting to know how taking a placebo product compared to different dosages of Eleviv. So we began a placebo controlled double blind study. This means the participants and the study operators did not know if they were part of the Eleviv group or the placebo group. There were 71 participants ranging from 19 years of age to 54. And, we followed our study participants for four weeks as they continued in their typical dietary, supplement and exercise routines. Here are our results:

For all participants taking Eleviv, total stress scores were significantly decreased after one week of supplementation and stayed significantly lower for the duration of the study as compared to the placebo group (figure 1).

Figure 1: Stress Measurement

For all participants taking Eleviv, total tension/anxiety scores were significantly improved after one week of supplementation and stayed significantly lower for the duration of the study as compared to the placebo group (figure 2).

Figure 2: Tension/Anxiety Measurement

Eleviv capsules significantly reduced POMs Depression-Dejection* scores from baseline to each of the other 4 weeks (figure 3).

Figure 3: Depression-Dejection* Measurement

In the end, the study showed a direct correlation between the participants’ ratings of their general health and the dosage taken. As the dosage increased, the participants’ scores increased showing more energy, better mood, and better overall health.

So, to answer the question, “what is the right amount of Eleviv for you?” You be the judge. Evaluate how you’re feeling on your current dose of Eleviv and make adjustments as needed. Do you need a little more? Maybe a little less? The good news is, our study conclusions showed in all groups that Eleviv reduced stress, tension, and depression scores while promoting better mood, activity and energy.

*Referring to the degree of a healthy mood state as assessed by the Profile of Mood States (POMS), not to depression as a clinical disease.

Now that we’ve all read Dr. Talbott’s 5 B’s for creating successful New Year’s Goals, let’s take the challenge and actually do them.

With the current state of the US- high stress, less and less work and home balance, increased health concerns (heart disease, obesity, and diabetes), let’s take the time this 2010 to make it a healthy year.

This month, as a collaborative effort, we should make a monthly goal to take XanGo Juice and Eleviv everyday. This is just a small step towards healthy living and this is an easy goal to achieve. I notice a huge difference when I forget to take my daily dosage of Juice and Eleviv. What helps me the most is having my daily kick start products in an area I can see- this helps me remember to take them. This is the first start of my 5 B’s- #1. Beneficial Goals- I get positive noticeable results by taking my daily dose. #2. Buddy- I have my family and cowokers to remind me about my supplements. #3. Blogging- I am blogging now to get more buddies on board with me to have a great first month for 2010!

As each month goes by, we can add to our goals or even switch it up.

Month 1-
• Daily Dose of XanGo Juice and Eleviv

Month 2-
• Daily Dose of XanGo Juice and Eleviv
• Add 3 servings of Veggies/Fruit per day

Month 3-
• Daily Dose of XanGo Juice and Eleviv
• Add 5 servings of Veggies/Fruit per day
• Add 15 min of exercise per day

Remember to make your goals simple and achievable. Let’s work together to help each other make a difference in our life. Send in your goals and share your experiences, so we can help each other out! 2010 here we come!

Last week, I introduced the 5 Bs to increase your chances for success with your New Year’s Resolutions.

• Beneficial
• Buddy
• Blog
• Brain
• Biochemical Balance

Here’s how they fit together. You create Beneficial positive goals with a Buddy that can help you stay focused and Blog about the positive steps you took each day to keep you going. The last 2 Bs are Brain and Biochemical Balance, which are explained below.

Brain
In the Reuters interview, I talked with the journalist a lot about “compliance” – a very “hot” topic in lifestyle research these days, but basically just a fancy way to talk about “how do we get people to STAY with their healthy programs?” (and not go “back” to their “old” ways). A key aspect of compliance research has to do with WILLPOWER – which you might think of as “determination” or “self-discipline” or “self-control” or some other definition that would basically be the opposite of having control over a certain “weakness” (for cookies or French fries or chocolate or whatever – these just happen to be 3 of my favorites).

The interesting thing about “willpower” is that we have an astonishingly poor ability to exert any control over it. Willpower is a mental resource controlled by the part of the brain called the prefrontal cortex (right behind your forehead) – the same part of your brain involved in mental focus, memory, and problem solving. When the prefrontal cortex gets overloaded with “problems” at work, home, and in any aspect of your life (what we might also call “stress”) – both our cognitive functions and our willpower suffer. This “overload” situation means that we’re much less able to “resist” the lure of junk food when we’re stressed – or even when we’re subjected to any type of mental load. No wonder we can hear the Ben and Jerry’s calling our name when we get home from a stressful day at the office.
This sounds terrible – mental stressors overload the brain and short-circuit our ability to stick with the healthy program that we want to follow. Luckily, we know a great deal about why mental stressors lead to physical cravings – and we’re just realizing that we can balance stress responses (the “mind” part of the equation) to exert positive biochemical and physiological changes (the “body” part of the equation). By promoting “Balance” in the body and mind, we can harness the power of the prefrontal cortex to help us rather than hinder us in our ability to adhere to our resolutions.

Balance
What if I were to give you a choice of 3 perfectly safe injections – one would control your appetite and help you shed belly fat – another would improve your energy levels (mental and physical) – and the third would sharpen your mental focus and elevate your mood. Which injection would you choose? All three, you say? Yeah – me too!

What if I were then to tell you that your brain is already perfectly capable of giving you (or withholding from you) these “injections” on a daily (and sometimes hourly) basis? When your brain is exposed to any type of stress – be it work stress, family stress, financial stress, or even the stress of sleep loss or dieting – your “willpower” weakens (prefrontal cortex overload) in direct proportion to the biochemical changes in your body. Stress leads to imbalances in cortisol (a stress hormone), blood sugar (the brain’s primary fuel source), and a variety of inter-related hormones, enzymes and neurotransmitters. When we’re under stress, our brains give us more of certain “injections” and less of others – so our internal biochemistry becomes unbalanced and we feel hungrier, and more tired, and more depressed – and we quickly lose the motivation or the “willpower” to stick with the goals that we’ve set for ourselves. We join those 88% of people who “fail” to achieve their New Year resolution because the stress of life has unbalanced our bodies and short-circuited our mental resolve.

How do we firmly place ourselves in the 12% of successful resolution achievers? We can’t escape from the stressors of daily living – so we must do whatever we can to maintain that balance that can so easily be thrown off by daily stress. By following the “Five B’s” – keep your goal Beneficial by emphasizing the positive – set your goals with a Buddy – Blog about your daily successes – harness the power of your Brain – and maintain Biochemical Balance – 2010 might be the year that you achieve BOTH of the most popular New Year resolutions at the same time (“lose weight” and “reduce stress”).

It’s that time of year again – New Year’s Resolutions are in full swing. The two most popular resolutions are “Lose Weight” and ‘Reduce Stress” and their related permutations (get in shape, simplify your life, etc). Unfortunately, research tells us that about 88% of us will FAIL in achieving our resolutions. Why?

There are lots of reasons why we might “fall off” our promises to do X, Y, or Z in the New Year. Some of these reasons are touched on in a recent article I was interviewed for in Reuters News Service. This article was picked up by media outlets across North America, including publications in the United States, Canada, and Mexico as well as several outlets in India and the UK. It seems that people around the globe need help sticking to their New Year resolutions.

Read the article at this link (http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE5BR0YO20091228)

As you’ll see in the Reuters article, you can increase your chances for success with a few very simple steps. We didn’t have enough space in the Reuters article to cover all of my tips – so here they are here in a bit more detail – I call them the “Five B’s”

1. Beneficial
2. Buddy
3. Blog
4. Brain
5. Biochemical Balance

Beneficial

Keep it positive. Don’t make a resolution to “stop doing X” because it will remind you everyday (or several times a day) of a “negative” that will slowly sap your enthusiasm for your goal. Instead of promising to “stop eating junk food” – try a more positive declaration, such as “choose 3 healthful snacks everyday” to help you remain in a positive frame of mind.

Buddy

If there is one thing that you can do to improve your odds of success in sticking to your resolution, it is to make a pact with a friend, family member, co-worker – or anybody who can help to keep you focused on the reasons you set the goal in the first place. The best buddy in this endeavor is someone who can “feel your pain” (not just a person to nag you) – so if you’re trying to lose weight in 2010, then you should “buddy up” with someone who has the same goal. This way, you and your buddy are both in the same boat – and you can help each other to stick to your plan. A number of research studies show that setting goals with a buddy can almost triple success rates.

Blog

You’re reading this blog (thanks) – so now it’s time to start your own – but one with a very specific purpose. At the end of every day, take a few minutes to write down 3 things that you did toward achieving your resolution goal. Even if you did ten things that took you further away from your goal – you want to use this blogging/journal exercise to focus on the positive steps that you’re taking everyday. Research from the field of Positive Psychology shows us that the simple act of keeping a daily journal is “self-perpetuating” because it helps us realize the positive choices that we are making – and encourages us to continue these positive behaviors on subsequent days. The blog need not be long or well-written or published to the world on the Internet – it just needs to be a daily exercise between you and yourself.

Be sure to check out my blog entry next week when I go over the last two B’s!

We are now just 3 months into our official launch of Eleviv and the stories of life changing improvements just keep pouring in. I wanted to take a moment and share a really great story that came to us this week. It comes from Heather MacCalpine from Abbotsford, BC.

My 19 year old daughter had trouble leaving the house for quite some time. She lost her boyfriend and her many friends because they didn’t understand, nor did they try. She didn’t even understand it. If you were to ever come to our house back then, you would find her sitting in her chair or sleeping in her bed. She stopped talking and only spoke when necessary.

When we first tried Eleviv, I was skeptical. I couldn’t imagine what could help my girl. I asked her to take the vigor score and it was a 3. WOW! I guess I didn’t think it could get that low. Her first week on the product was as if a light had been turned on in our home. After 6 days, she came shopping with me for a whole three hours. She tried on clothes and bought clothes and smiled through it all. She hadn’t done anything like this for over a year. I kept kissing her and hugging her and telling her how I am so happy she was with me. She felt it too. She began to feel hope. Her vigor score after the first week became a 10. After 2 weeks, 16.

She began painting her bathroom, baking cookies and talking. It was like music to our ears. My daughters were talking and laughing together and it brought shivers and tears to my eyes.

It just keeps getting better. She has lost a lot of weight, is exercising and singing again and something just incredible happened the other day, she got a JOB. She is nervous and is a bit scared but I can also see excitement and she knows she is on the right path. Until you go through something like this, you can’t fully understand when someone else says, “I got my girl back”, but truly, it is how I feel.