The Fountain of Youth

On a daily basis, I consult with patients who are searching for the secret to younger-looking, glowing, healthy-appearing skin. The discussion usually begins with my riffling through their shopping bags full of expensive moisturizers and serums that they’ve purchased from a leading department or health food stores. The discussion usually ends with me choosing one or two of these high-end creams that may have some positive impact on skin appearance and health. But, we also have to discuss the fact that the skin is a living organ. So, just as important as it is to treat one’s skin from the outside, it is also important that we nourish the skin from the inside in order to promote and prolong its youthful appearance.

At PURE, we have mastered anti-aging skincare in the traditional sense with the development of Ciello, a revolutionary blend of peptides and botanicals that markedly reduce skin dullness, inelasticity, sun spots and other signs of aging. Besides maintaining a healthy, balanced diet, what else can we do to slow the signs of aging, while getting closer to that proverbial “fountain of youth”?

Sulfur – the ancient element

One of the oldest antimicrobials known to man is elemental sulfur, which has historical references dating back as early as the Bible. It is used in over-the-counter and prescription acne medications and prescription antibiotics for its antibacterial and antifungal properties. Many people seek out the opportunity to bathe in natural hot springs, as it is believed that the sulfur content of these waters is helpful in healing skin irritations and rashes, and other ailments.  Sulfur is also found in plants, human and animal tissues and is the most abundant element in the human body. The mineral is also known to be important for the synthesis of collagen, a major component of skin, hair and nails. Because our bodies cannot manufacture sulfur, it must be obtained in the diet from fruits, vegetables, grains, meats, eggs and poultry. Supplementing with Organic Sulfur may be helpful in slowing the collagen loss that results in the formation of fine lines and wrinkles, keeping the bacteria and fungi that cause blemishes at bay and growing longer, stronger and healthier looking hair and nails.

The “Beauty Berry”

Its nickname alone, makes the inclusion of Acaí Superfruit juice, a daily part of your skincare routine. Besides being packed with proteins, amino acids, vitamins and minerals, acaí is known as the “beauty berry” because it is high in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and antioxidants. In fact, the fruit of the acai palm tree, native to Central and South Americas, reportedly has a greater antioxidant content than other berries most common to the American diet, including raspberries, strawberries, cranberries, blueberries and blackberries.  Why is this important?

To some degree our skin is going to age naturally over time, through normal quiescence of cells and breakdown of collagen and elastin, which gives skin its plumpness and smoothness. At the same time, aging can occur at an accelerated rate when we are exposed to free radical damage.  Free radicals are produced from environmental toxins like tobacco smoke and radiation from the sun, or even the byproducts of digested foods. Antioxidants play a huge role in the body’s defense against the aging process by blocking free radical damage to our skin and other tissues.  It is believed that ingesting antioxidants is just as important, if not more so, than applying them topically to the skin. Acaí Superfruit juice sets itself apart from other acai juice supplements by containing the juice of the whole fruit – pulp and skin. So, you get the maximum amount of the good stuff in its purest form.

The “Happy Berry”

Like acaí, the goji berry or “happy berry” also contains antioxidants. Both fruits are high in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are believed to be the two fats most important to good health. These fats are aptly named because they perform essential biological functions in humans and must be obtained from food — they cannot be manufactured in the human body.  Besides being critical for good cardiovascular and neurological health, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids play key roles in proper skin functioning and appearance and in hair growth.

In ancient Chinese medicine, the goji berry is well known for promoting a sense of calm and well-being, healthy sleep and longevity. Goji Superfruit juice contains pure goji berry juice undiluted and without other juice fillers. It is also high in vitamins A and C, two vitamins that are necessary for healthy-appearing skin and hair growth and for collagen synthesis. Remember we briefly discussed collagen above. It is the key to skin thickness in youthful skin. Vitamins A and C help to slow its age-related breakdown, delaying the onset of thin skin, fine lines and wrinkles.

So, is there truly a fountain of youth? Probably not.  But, Organic Sulfur, Goji Superfruit and Acai Superfruit may help bring you a little bit closer to it. Learn more about these products at livepure.com.

 

Dr. Tanya Reddick Rodgers, a PURE Wellness Advisory Board member, is a board certified dermatologist with extensive training in general, pediatric, and cosmetic dermatology, and dermatological surgery. She earned her Doctorate of Medicine at The Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University in Chicago. She completed her residency training at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, Michigan, where she served as an integral part of the Multicultural Skin of Color Clinic designed to meet the unique skin care needs of all of those with skin of color, including the African-American, Asian, Latino, and Middle-Eastern communities.

Dr. Rodgers is a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, a Diplomate for the American Board of Dermatology, and a member of the Texas Medical Association, and the American Medical Association.

In addition to her professional societies, Dr. Rodgers is a published author in peer-reviewed journals and a dermatology treatment textbook. Her greatest motivation is in ensuring the best aesthetic results possible for her patients.

*Wellness Advisory Board members are compensated for their role on the Wellness Advisory Board.

 

Getting to know Rich Scheckenbach

We recently talked with our newest member of the PURE Wellness Advisory Board (WAB), Rich Scheckenbach, who has a client base of dietary supplement, food and beverage, and nutritional ingredient companies worldwide.

Where do you and your family reside? I have called the Northwest home since 1972 and my wife and I currently reside in SW Washington state. We have family throughout the world.

When did you know you wanted to study nutritional sciences? My interest in nutrition has always been front and center as I was fortunate to grow up in a house that valued healthy food choices. Mom was a huge advocate of the Mediterranean diet, Dad was adventurous in always adding new “health foods” to his diet (such as whole grains, raw wheat germ, exotic fruits and vegetables) as far back as the mid-1950s. I was given my first dietary supplement in 1955 and have since never missed a day taking them. Studying bacteriology and biochemistry as an undergraduate at UCLA was the pivotal moment for my decision to better understand and pursue the underlying principles of proper nutrition.

What do you think is the most important point to remember in nutrition? The most important aspect of good nutrition is understanding that balance in what we consume is paramount. Without all of the essential vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fats, and phytonutrients being consumed on a regular basis we cannot perform at our optimum level — physically, mentally, or emotionally. There isn’t any single “silver bullet” nutrient or food that will ensure optimum health.

What is your proudest career accomplishment? There is no single accomplishment that stands out for me in my forty-year career in the nutritional science/natural products field. I truly have been blessed to be able to positively impact the health and performance of millions of individuals worldwide through the formulations and products that I have created. For this, I owe a great debt of gratitude to my parents, my wife, my past professors, my colleagues in many health-related fields, and a cadre of devoted scientific researchers whose studies have provided an ever-growing understanding of biochemistry, physiology, and nutrition.

What do you love about your career? Helping people achieve their goals whether those are weight management, improved sports performance, increased vitality, enhanced well-being, and so forth. When individuals learn that they can be in control of most of their health-related issues, it is often a huge revelation and always very empowering.

What attracted you to PURE and influenced your decision to accept an appointment to the WAB? Three things attracted me to PURE – 1) Daren Hogge, (for whom I have the very highest regard), and his fine corporate team; 2) the PURE field leadership, which is comprised of some of the most devoted and caring individuals that I’ve met; and 3) the very dedicated philosophy of bringing to market the best products that science and nature can provide.

What is your favorite product by PURE? I don’t play favorites so I truly can’t answer that directly. I will say, however, that GPS Rebuild is a product that I will never be without. Once you understand the huge significance of muscle physiology on health and the importance of feeding muscle during its post-activity recovery phase, you are likely to agree that this is an “impact” product.

Give us a peek inside your refrigerator or cupboard. What are your mainstays? There are so many! Fruits and vegetables, fish, and meats, in general. Specifically, blueberries, salmon, Mila, pomegranate juice, protein powder, potato chips (hey, we’re all entitled to a vice or two), supplements!, beef, chicken, tuna, olives, and green salad ingredients.

Do you have a favorite quote? Two of them actually. Interestingly, both seem particularly relevant to those involved in network marketing.

Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.” — Henry David Thoreau

“Believe that there’s light at the end of the tunnel.  Believe that you may be light for someone else.” — Kobi Yamada

Learn more about PURE’s Wellness Advisory Board. This team of highly dedicated professionals provides ongoing guidance on product development, product claims, and product-use protocols.

 

Dr. Buckner becomes a Board Certified Wound Specialist-Physician (CWS-P)

Dr. J. W. ‘Bucky’ Buckner, MD, FACS, the Chair for PURE’s Wellness Advisory Board and an Independent Business Owner, has become a Board Certified Wound Specialist-Physician (CWS-P) and a Diplomat of the American Board of Wound Management.

“Dr. Bucky’s new certification puts him at the center of wellness in the community at PURE,” said Daren Hogge, PURE CEO. “The Board is comprised of five seasoned healthcare professionals who provide guidance and input on product development and formulation, product usage and protocol and product education. Each of our members provide a unique perspective on wellness.”

Eligible candidates for the Wound Specialist certification must have attained a Doctoral degree, have a minimum of three years of clinical wound care experience, and be a licensed healthcare professional according to the American Board of Wound Management. Finally, candidates must pass an extensive examination covering a wide spectrum of topics pertaining to wound management.

Dr. John W. Buckner, M.D. graduated from the University of Missouri, Kansas City School of Medicine in 1985. He practices medicine in Springfield, MO and specializes in surgery. Dr. Buckner is affiliated with Ferrell-Duncan Clinic and Cox Health in Springfield. Dr. Buckner is a Wellness Advisory Board member and is proud to be part of the PURE: People United Reaching Everyone family.

*Wellness Advisory Board Members are compensated for their role on the Wellness Advisory Board. In addition to serving as a Wellness Advisory Board Member, Dr. John W. Buckner, MD is also a PURE Independent Business Owner.

There’s a real need for supplementation

We all know the importance that vitamins and minerals play in our health. Vitamins are essential for growth, development, and normal cell function. Minerals are important for building bones, making hormones, and regulating the heartbeat. You would think that eating a variety of foods would meet all of your nutritional needs. Well, that’s not always the case. Americans, in particular, lack the recommended amount of vitamins and minerals they need.

There are many reasons for nutritional deficiencies: genetically modified foods, deficient soil, the shipping, processing and cooking of foods, poor digestion, environmental factors (pollution, water, etc.), medications, and more. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 43 different vegetables and fruits have declined in protein, calcium, phosphorus, iron, riboflavin (vitamin B12), and vitamin C over the past half century.1

Studies show…

The consumption of vitamins A, C, D and E is inadequate in 25-70% of the U.S. population. Americans are also 38% deficient in calcium, 45% deficient in magnesium, and 97% deficient in potassium.2

 To make matters worse, Americans exceed the recommendations for sodium, saturated fats, refined grains, solid fats and added sugars. All of this can lead to chronic disease, such as high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and various forms of cancer.

The American Cancer Society estimates that 30% of deaths are related to obesity, lack of activity and poor nutrition.3

What are we to do?

 Eat a healthy diet, exercise, get adequate sleep, and choose a daily multivitamin supplement. Overall, Americans should increase their consumption of foods rich in vitamins A, C, D and E as well as folate, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and fiber.

Two things I want to highlight are vitamin D and fiber, both essential to overall health.

Vitamin D is critical for bone health, muscle strength, immune function, and the reduction of inflammation. It promotes calcium absorption in the gut. The recommended daily allowance of vitamin D is 600 IU and yet the average intake is 156-404 IU.4 Without sufficient vitamin D, bones can become thin and brittle. Together with calcium, vitamin D also helps protect older adults from osteoporosis.

Fiber is critical to better health for blood sugar control, improved digestive health, weight loss, lowered risk of heart disease and diabetes, and more. Most Americans are not getting enough. Fiber is found in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes. It helps relieve constipation, helps you maintain a healthy weight, and lowers the risk of diabetes and heart disease.

Let your health care providers (including doctors, pharmacists, and dietitians) know which dietary supplements you’re taking so that you can discuss what’s best for your overall health, and avoid any drug-nutrient interactions. Avoid supplements with sweeteners, colors, artificial flavors, preservatives, or fillers.

Please note that dietary supplements are products intended to supplement the diet. They are not drugs and, therefore, are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure diseases.

Dr. John W. Buckner, M.D. graduated from the University of Missouri, Kansas City School of Medicine in 1985. He practices medicine in Springfield, MO and specializes in surgery. Dr. Buckner is affiliated with Ferrell-Duncan Clinic and CoxHealth in Springfield. Dr. Buckner is a Wellness Advisory Board member and is proud to be part of the PURE: People United Reaching Everyone family.

Wellness Advisory Board Members are compensated for their role on the Wellness Advisory Board. In addition to serving as a Wellness Advisory Board Member, Dr. John W. Buckner, MD is also a PURE Independent Business Owner.

1https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/soil-depletion-and-nutrition-loss/

2J Nutr. 2011 Oct;141(1):1847-54

3 https://www.cancer.org/research/nutrition-and-physical-activity-research-highlights.html

4 https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminD-HealthProfessional/