• The Secret of Vigor - How to Overcome Burnout, Restore Biochemical Balance, and Reclaim Your Natural Energy

• Killer at Large - Why Obesity is America’s Greatest Threat - an award-winning documentary film exploring the causes and solutions underlying the American obesity epidemic. FREE versions at  http://www.KilleratLarge.com

• The Cortisol Connection - Why Stress Makes You Fat and Ruins Your Health (Hunter House) – FREE text at http://www.cortisolconnection.com/

• The Cortisol Connection Diet - The Breakthrough Program to Control Stress and Lose Weight (Hunter House) – FREE text at http://www.cortisolconnectiondiet.com/

• Cortisol Control and the Beauty Connection - The All-Natural Inside-Out Approach to Reversing Wrinkles, Preventing Acne, And Improving Skin Tone (Hunter House) – FREE text at http://www.cortisolcontrol.com/

Today, we heard some more about tocotrienols, but also delved into the science and health benefits of carotenoids and flavonoids. I will place some of the interesting highlights below from each of the speakers.

My own presentation was about using phytonutrients to restore biochemical balance in athletes to help them improve mental and physical performance (vigor). Athletes, like all of us, are subjected to different types of psychological and physical stressors – whether from oxidation, inflammation, or plain old chronic stress – which can lead to problems with energy, stiffness, weight gain, and a variety of health problems that can lead to significant disease states if left unchecked.

My presentation can be viewed online HERE – and the slides are HERE (Talbott Athletes PINC2013)

Here are some highlights from the other speakers today:

Dr. Kangarani Selvaduray – Malaysian Palm Oil Board – Anti-Cancer and Immunomodulatory Effects of Tocotrienols

-tocotrienol rich fraction of red plan oil contains 70% tocotrienols & 30% tocopherols which can reduce the growth of tumors and the spread of various types of cancer cells

Dr. Michiaki Murakoshi – Lion Corporation  - Palm Fruit Carotenoids Protect Skin from Oxidation and Carcinogenesis

-benefits in skin protection of carotenoids extend to whole body in preventing cancer in multiple tissues (lung, liver, breast, intestine, bladder, pancreas, prostate)

-benefits seem to be superior for mixed carotenoids compared to “plain” beta-carotene, which makes sense based on the “matrix” benefit where smaller amounts of several antioxidants have been shown in previous studies to have superior protective benefits compared to larger doses of single antioxidants.

Dr. Sebastiano Banni – University of Cagliari (Italy) – Influence of Fatty Acids on Endocannabinoid System (bioactive lipids derived from membrane arachidonic acid)

-involved in hunger and motivation to eat (signals in the brain)

-dietary fatty acids, such as omega-3s (EPA/DHA) and omega-9s (oleic acid), can modulate the endocannabinoid system (by reducing omega-6s and arachidonic acid) and thus may also modulate appetite and reduce abdominal obesity (and also reduce fat accumulation in the heart and liver)

Dr. Mahinda Abeywardena, CSIRO, Australia – Palm Phenolics as a Bioactive Ingredient in Promoting Cardiovascular Health

-several sources of polyphenols (red wine, grape juice, green tea, acai, etc) reduce vascular inflammation, improve vascular remodeling, reduce oxidation/inflammation, stimulate nitric oxide production leading to blood vessel dilation and lowered blood pressure.

More scientific presentations tomorrow (Day 3) and then off to the jungle to search for unique bioactives for controlling oxidation, balancing inflammation, and reducing stress!

Thanks for reading,

Shawn

==================================

Shawn M. Talbott, Ph.D.

Nutritional Biochemist and Author

www.shawntalbott.com

NEW BOOK: The Secret of Vigor - How to Overcome Burnout, Restore Biochemical Balance, and Reclaim Your Natural Energy

Order at Amazon = http://amzn.to/ovkwJf

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-Killer at Large - Why Obesity is America’s Greatest Threat - an award-winning documentary film exploring the causes and solutions underlying the American obesity epidemic  (http://www.KilleratLarge.com)

-The Cortisol Connection - Why Stress Makes You Fat and Ruins Your Health (Hunter House) - http://www.cortisolconnection.com/

-The Cortisol Connection Diet - The Breakthrough Program to Control Stress and Lose Weight (Hunter House) - http://www.cortisolconnectiondiet.com/

-Cortisol Control and the Beauty Connection - The All-Natural Inside-Out Approach to Reversing Wrinkles, Preventing Acne, And Improving Skin Tone (Hunter House) - http://www.cortisolcontrol.com/

-Natural Solutions for Pain-Free Living - Lasting Relief for Flexible Joints, Strong Bones and Ache-Free Muscles (Chronicle Publishers – Currant Books) - http://painfreelivingbook.com/

-The Immune Miracle – The All-Natural Approach for Better Health, Increased Energy and Improved Mood (GLH Nutrition, 2012) – http://amzn.to/SPLV4W

-The Health Professionals Guide to Dietary Supplements (Lippincott, Williams & Wilkens) - http://www.supplementwatch.com/

-A Guide to Understanding Dietary Supplements - an Outstanding Academic Text of 2004 (Haworth Press) - http://www.supplementwatch.com/

During the last few days of my trip, I will be visiting the Malaysian jungle to view some of the sustainable farming and harvesting practices that the Malaysian government has instituted to protect the supply and quality of the red palm fruit as a source of healthy phytonutrients.

Here are some of the highlights from a few of the scientific presentations today (Day 1 of the 3-day scientific program):

Just listened to Dr. Chandan Sen from Ohio State University, who talked about how palm tocotrienols are protective against stroke – and generally neuroprotective at very low levels (when given either before or after challenges). The tocotrienols seem to work by several different mechanisms (at least 5 different mechanisms including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects such as 12-lipooxygenase) – and are also protective for the liver in end-stage liver disease.

I thought it was interesting that palm tocotrienols might even be better for secondary prevention of stroke compared to aspirin because of all of the side effects of aspirin (stomach problems, excessive bleeding, etc).

Excellent presentation here at Palm Oil Nutrition Week in Malaysia from Dr. Yuen Kah Hay – Universiti Sains Malaysia – where he talked about the benefits of palm tocotrienols for neuroprotection – some notes:

-tocotrienols have a half-life 2-4 hours in humans (so 2x-daily dosing is recommended)

-tocotrienols completely prevented brain damage (white matter lesions – aka “mini-strokes”) over the course of 2 years (while the placebo group advanced in damage (more lesions and greater brain damage)

-animal studies have previously shown benefits in grey matter – suggesting that palm tocotrienols can help to protect the entire brain

-Bioavailability can be a huge issue to ensure absorption and biological benefits

-Arterial compliance (blood vessel stiffness) – is improved with palm tocotrienols

-new study underway to investigate peripheral neuropathy and cognitive dysfunction in type I and type II diabetics

Update from the scientific sessions at Palm Oil Nutrition Week:

Excellent presentation by Dr. Cameron Rink – Ohio State University

-palm tocotrienol can help to revascularize areas of the brain damaged by stroke by improving collateral circulation in ischemia (blood flow “goes around” the blockage in hemorrhagic stroke) – which helps to reduce the degree of brain damage after stroke

-the brains of those supplemented with tocotrienol show significant arteriogenesis = remodeling of existing collateral blood vessels in the brain (not angiogenesis – or creating of “new” blood vessels) – which results in significant functional benefits in animal models (they move around much more and efficiently)

Very interesting presentation by Dr. Pramod Khosla – Wayne State University – Tocotrienols Improve Lipid Profiles

-chronic kidney disease impairs filtration of toxins (cytokines/free radicals) – which build up and lead to problems (high levels of cellular oxidation and inflammatory tissue damage) – including lower HDL (“good” cholesterol) and higher LDL (“bad” cholesterol)

-tocotrienols are anti-inflammatory across numerous inflammatory markers

-tocotrienol suppresses HMG-CoA reductase (lowers cholesterol synergistically with lovastatin) – meaning that they can help lower cholesterol production in ways that not even statin drugs do…

-significant improvements in total antioxidant power (TAP), reduced triglyceride levels, and elevated HDL cholesterol in subjects supplemented with tocotrienols

-In these patients with chronic kidney disease, tocotrienol supplementation also reduced the number of hospitalized days – suggesting improved general health and wellness

Really interesting presentation at the Palm Oil Nutrition Week Conference from

Dr. Paul Sylvester – University of Louisiana – Tocotrienol Suppression of Breast Cancer.

Dr. Sylvester’s data mostly concerned cell cultures of breast cancer (test tube studies), but there were some amazing results that will eventually have implications for women concerned about breast cancer (which is everyone, right?)

Here are some interesting tidbits from his talk:

-tocotrienols have great potential in the prevention and treatment of cancer because of their multiple mechanisms of action against different types of cancer – such as inhibition of growth factor receptor activation and inhibition of cancer cell replication

-combining tocotrienol with different chemotherapy drugs can show a significant synergy to reduce cancer cell proliferation and inhibit breast cancer tumor growth

Anti-Aging effects of palm tocotrienols – from Palm Oil Nutrition Week in Malaysia:

Dr. Suzana Makpol – University of Kebangsaan (Malaysia) – Tocotrienols in Cellular Aging Prevention

-tocotrienol prevents telomere shortening induced by oxidative stress (telomeres are segments of DNA that can be used as an index of cellular aging – longer telomeres indicate a “younger” and healthier cell)

-tocotrienols delay aging in skin cells (fibroblasts) – especially when the cells are subjected to oxidative stress. In addition, cellular expression of structural skin proteins such as collagen and elastin is upregulated by tocotrienol, suggesting an enhancement of skin “rebuilding” ability…

Dr. Ima Nirwana Soelaiman – University of Kebangsaan (Malaysia) – Tocotrienols in the Prevention of Osteoporosis

-free radicals are involved in the creation and activation of osteoclasts (cells that digest bone) – leading to an increase in bone resorption and bone loss

-tocotrienols are able to reduce bone loss by controlling oxidation (leading to reduced numbers of osteoclasts)

-this bone-preserving effect of tocotrienol is also observed in rats following ovariectomy (removal of ovaries – inducing a surgical menopause) – and this benefit was comparable to supplementing with calcium or administering estrogen – possibly due to an effect of tocotrienols to also increase bone formation at the same time as it reduces bone loss (resorption).

-Bones are also stronger in the tocotrienol groups and can withstand more stress before breaking – this may be due to positive changes in overall bone structure (possibly to changes in collagen metabolism and not just in mineral content) and can be viewed as an anti-osteoporosis benefit of tocotrienol supplements

I’ve been studying the “science of feeling your best” for most of my career – and most of my research and writing boils down to balancing biochemistry to drive behavior in a positive direction. People are often surprised to hear me talk about how “biochemistry drives behavior” – meaning that the reason we feel a particular way (energetic – or fatigued – or depressed – or happy, etc) is largely due to the balance between different biochemicals in our bodies (enzymes, hormones, neurotransmitters, etc).

This is good news for people who want to feel and perform at their best because we actually know quite a lot about how nutrition can help to restore biochemical balance in the body, thereby helping to alleviate pain (inflammation/oxidation) or boost energy (neurotransmitters), or enhance weight loss (glucose), or reduce stress and depression (stress hormones).

I often joke around with my audiences that the idea of “feeling better” is a sure bet (people will always want it) because nobody is going to wake up 20 or 30 years from now and think to themselves, “Boy, I wish I felt worse today!” No matter how good you feel right now, we can always help you feel just a little bit better – or perform at just a little higher level – or have a little more energy or motivation left over at the end of the day to enjoy a hobby or volunteer in your community or spend time with friends and family.

I’ll post a PDF file of my slides as well as the audio file (mp3) from my talk in Post Falls and in Spokane – so you can listen to either/both talks and follow along with the slides. Each talk is about 90 minutes (an hour lecture with about 30min of Q&A) – and I jumped back/forth with some of my slides so that I could cover the topics that were of most interest to each audience. Topics that I touched on included antioxidants, inflammation, stress, vigor, depression, neurotransmitters (energy), flavonoids, carotenoids, MonaVie products, sports nutrition, over-training, weight loss, and my appearances on the Dr. Oz Show to talk about natural approaches to curing exhaustion and ridding ourselves of belly fat.

Please take a listen – and let me know what you think.

Thanks,

Shawn

===========================================

Follow me at:

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Amazon

Twitter

LinkedIn 

Facebook 

ShareCare 

My books related to stress, cortisol, vigor, and Feeling Your Best:

• Vigor Diet – The New Science of Feeling Your Best

• The Secret of Vigor - How to Overcome Burnout, Restore Biochemical Balance, and Reclaim Your Natural Energy

• Killer at Large - Why Obesity is America’s Greatest Threat - an award-winning documentary film exploring the causes and solutions underlying the American obesity epidemic. FREE versions at  http://www.KilleratLarge.com

• The Cortisol Connection - Why Stress Makes You Fat and Ruins Your Health (Hunter House) – FREE text at http://www.cortisolconnection.com/

• The Cortisol Connection Diet - The Breakthrough Program to Control Stress and Lose Weight (Hunter House) – FREE text at http://www.cortisolconnectiondiet.com/

• Cortisol Control and the Beauty Connection - The All-Natural Inside-Out Approach to Reversing Wrinkles, Preventing Acne, And Improving Skin Tone (Hunter House) – FREE text at http://www.cortisolcontrol.com/

This year, EB was held in Boston – so you can imagine the high level of security around any public gathering after the tragic bombing at the Boston Marathon on April 15. Local-boy, comedian Adam Sandler, was quoted as saying, “Don’t mess with Boston – they’re the only city willing to shut down until they find you!”

I delivered two presentations yesterday (April 23) – both about different anti-stress herbs found in MonaVie’s Vset product (which is currently in pre-launch). I think it was fitting to be talking about STRESS one week after the bombings (while people were undoubtedly on edge) as well as in April, which is National Stress Awareness Month.

In the first study, we looked at a combination of herbs (magnolia/phellodendron) used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for reducing stress and improving “Qi” (pronounced “chee”). In TCM, the concept of Qi indicates vitality, energy, and resilience to stress – very similar to what we measure as “vigor” (the opposite of “burnout”) in modern psychology research. In this study, we found a significant improvement in stress hormones (lower cortisol) and mood state people taking the herbal blend (compared to a placebo group). The supplement group had higher vigor (mental/physical energy) as well as lower indices of depression, tension, and fatigue. Their stress was lower, their stress hormones were lower, and they simply “felt better” in numerous ways.

In the second study, we looked at a very unique herbal extract (tongkat ali) used in traditional Malaysian medicine (TMM) for improving stamina and strength. Sometimes, tongkt ali is called “Malaysian ginseng” because of its “energy promoting” and “anti-aging” effects, but our studies indicate that tongkat ali actually works in some very novel ways to improve how we feel. In the new study, subjects taking tongkat ali (compared to placebo) had a significant restoration of stress hormone levels (lower cortisol and higher testosterone) – with improved mental/physical performance. When we’re under chronic stress, we often see elevated cortisol and suppressed testosterone – which can lead to problems with mental focus, feelings of tension, and mood disturbances. Tongkat ali is able to restore our normal “biochemical balance” – and in doing so, help us to feel better in the face of our chronically stressful lives.

I’ll include the research abstracts below so you can see the actual results from each study – and next week, I’ll post the slides from the presentation along with an audio track to explain our findings.

Effect of Magnolia/Phellodendron on Cortisol and Mood State in Moderately Stressed Subjects

S Talbott, J Talbott, and M Pugh

Abstract# 2877

Program# 1076.3

Board# D320

Magnolia (Magnolia officinalis) and Phellodendron (Phellodendron amurense) barks are medicinal plants commonly used as traditional remedies for reducing stress and anxiety. Modern supplements are intended to induce relaxation and reduce stress and stress-related eating. Previous studies have shown the combination of Magnolia/Phellodendron (MP) to reduce both cortisol exposure and the perception of stress/anxiety, while improving weight loss in subjects with stress-related eating.

We assessed salivary cortisol exposure and psychological mood state in 56 subjects (35 men and 21 women) screened for moderate stress and supplemented with a standardized/patented MP combination (Relora^TM, Next Pharmaceuticals) or Placebo for 4 weeks.

Salivary cortisol exposure was significantly (p<0.05) reduced by -18% in the Relora group. Significant (p<0.05) mood state improvements were found in the Relora group for Overall Stress (-11%), Global Mood State (+11%), Vigor (+18%), Anger (-34%), Fatigue (-31%), and Confusion (-27%). These results indicate that daily supplementation with a combination of Magnolia and Phellodendron (Relora) reduces cortisol exposure and perceived stress, while improving a variety of mood state parameters, suggesting an effective natural approach to the detrimental health effects of chronic stress.

This study was funded by Next Pharmaceuticals and conducted by SupplementWatch

Effect of Eurycoma longifolia on Stress Hormones and Psychological Mood State in Moderately Stressed Subjects

S Talbott, J Talbott, A George, and M Pugh

Abstract# 2865

Program# 1076.2

Board# D319

Eurycoma longifolia is a medicinal plant commonly called Tongkat ali (TA) and “Malaysian ginseng.” TA roots are a traditional “anti-aging” remedy and modern supplements are intended to improve libido, energy, sports performance and weight loss. Previous studies have shown properly-standardized TA to stimulate release of free testosterone, improve sex drive, reduce fatigue, and improve well-being.

We assessed stress hormones and mood state in 63 subjects (32 men and 31 women) screened for moderate stress and supplemented with a standardized hot-water extract of TA root (Physta^TM, Biotropics Malaysia) or Placebo for 4 weeks.

Significant (p<0.05) improvements were found in the Physta group for Tension (-11%), Anger (-12%), and Confusion (-15%). Stress hormone profile (salivary cortisol and testosterone) was significantly (p<0.05) improved by Physta supplementation, with reduced cortisol exposure (-16%) and increased testosterone status (+37%). These results indicate that daily supplementation with Tongkat ali (Physta) improves stress hormone profile and certain mood state parameters, suggesting that this “ancient” remedy may be an effective approach to shielding the body from the detrimental effects of “modern” chronic stress.

This study was funded by Biotropics Malaysia and conducted by SupplementWatch

Thanks for reading,

Shawn

=====================================================

Follow me at:

YouTube

Amazon

Twitter

LinkedIn 

Facebook 

ShareCare 

My books related to stress, cortisol, vigor, and Feeling Your Best:

• Vigor Diet – The New Science of Feeling Your Best

• The Secret of Vigor - How to Overcome Burnout, Restore Biochemical Balance, and Reclaim Your Natural Energy

• Killer at Large - Why Obesity is America’s Greatest Threat - an award-winning documentary film exploring the causes and solutions underlying the American obesity epidemic. FREE versions at  http://www.KilleratLarge.com

• The Cortisol Connection - Why Stress Makes You Fat and Ruins Your Health (Hunter House) – FREE text at http://www.cortisolconnection.com/

• The Cortisol Connection Diet - The Breakthrough Program to Control Stress and Lose Weight (Hunter House) – FREE text at http://www.cortisolconnectiondiet.com/

• Cortisol Control and the Beauty Connection - The All-Natural Inside-Out Approach to Reversing Wrinkles, Preventing Acne, And Improving Skin Tone (Hunter House) – FREE text at http://www.cortisolcontrol.com/

            A big part of the kind of research and education that I do centers around the idea of helping people to “Feel Their Best” – which is much more important than “just” having abundant energy or a good mood. Feeling Your Best means an overall sense of well-being where our stress is controlled, our mind is sharp, our physical energy is high, and our emotional outlook is in that place that we often call “the zone.” This feeling is what we measure in research studies as “vigor” – and it represents a unique feeling of motivation that many people have not experienced in a long time.

            The reason I get out of bed in the morning is because I want to help others to achieve that state of high vigor and motivation that indicates they’re Feeling Their Best. Why? Because when you feel good in your mind and feel good in your body, you’re more likely to “do good” in your world. You’re more likely to be a better mom, or a better dad. You’re more likely to have the motivation to excel in your career, or even build a business of your own. You’re more likely to volunteer in your community or in your church. In short, “Feeling Your Best” is about living a more meaningful life for yourself, for your loved ones, and for anyone that your life touches.

Shorter Lives, Poorer Health

Research shows that the average American workweek has mushroomed from forty hours to fifty hours in the past twenty-five years. That level is higher than in any European country and equal to that of Japan. Those extra ten hours of work, however, have not gained workers very much. In fact, U.S. workers today are behind in their ability to maintain the same overall standard of living enjoyed a generation ago.

In addition to a declining standard of economic status, the United States is far behind its “peer nations” in overall health and longevity. According to a recently-released report (January 2013) from the Institute of Medicine (IOM) and the National Research Council (NRC), Americans are dying at younger ages than people is almost all other high-income countries. This trend toward poorer health and earlier death has been getting worse for three decades – and is expected to continue its trend with Americans falling further and further behind. The average American man lives for 75 years (17^th out of 17 countries) and the average American woman lives for 80 years (16^th out of 17 countries). As a nation, we have more health problems related to drug use (chronic stress), obesity/diabetes (poor diet), and heart disease (antioxidant deficiency). American kids are, on average, in worse health from the moment they’re born, compared to children in other high-income countries.

Generation Stress

As a nation, our stress levels – primarily financial stress from jobs and money – are at the highest levels ever recorded. When the American Psychological Association (APA) released its 2010 report Stress in America, it showed that the picture of an “overstressed nation” is as bad as it has ever been. One of the most striking conclusions from the APA survey was that “stress is not only taking a toll on our personal and physical health, but it is also affecting the emotional and physical well-being of children and our families.” The report highlighted the fact that children today are more stressed than in years past and also found that kids easily recognize and identify their parents’ stress levels as a key source of their own stress.

As you might imagine, the most common sources of stress identified in the APA survey were money (76 percent), work (70 percent), and the economy (65 percent). But “family responsibilities” also emerged as a significant source of stress (73 percent).

On February 7, 2013, the APA released their 2012 report on Stress in America – and the results are even more dismal than they were in 2010. The new report found that “Millennials” – young Americans between 18-33 years old – are even more stressed out than the rest of the population. Like other age groups, the primary source of stress is from jobs and money – with a whopping 49 percent indicating that they are not managing their stress well.

Health experts identify a “healthy stress level” at about a 3 to 4 on a 10-point scale, with 1 representing low stress and 10 indicating extreme stress. The average stress level reported in the APA studies was 5.5, with 24 percent reporting stress levels at 8 to 10 (on the 10-point scale). Those with “more stress” (average of 6.2) tended to have poorer overall health, while those with “lower stress” (average of 4.9) tended to enjoy a very good health status. Individuals with even higher stress exposure (in the 8 to 10 range) tended to have significant problems with their weight (especially belly fat)—very likely due to problems with biochemical balance and especially to an overexposure to cortisol and its associated increase in appetite for “comfort foods” and consequent storage of belly fat.

Americans across all age groups and geographic areas generally recognized that their stress levels are “too high” (69 percent) and that stress is not good for their health. However, a majority of respondents also reported facing significant challenges in actually practicing healthy behaviors, such as reducing stress, eating better, exercising, getting enough sleep, and losing weight. Primary obstacles to those healthy behaviors included “being too busy” (22 percent) and a “lack of motivation or willpower” (29 percent). In fact, the most interesting aspect of both APA surveys (2010 & 2012) was the clear indication that Americans know what they should be doing, but that they are not doing a good job of achieving their health goals. For example, if you look at the “gap” between knowing that something is important and actually doing it (achievement), we see the following pattern:

Aspects of Well-Being: Importance vs. Achievement

(Source: American Psychological Association—Stress in America Report [2010])

Clearly, people know they should be doing something to maintain their health in the face of poor diet and chronic stress – and they clearly want to do something, but they’re having trouble – and need help.

Nutrition for Better Health and Vigor

On February 1^st, I was happy to announce the release of my 11^th book – “Vigor Diet – The New Science of Feeling Your Best” – with all proceeds being donated directly to The MORE Project children’s charity. I would love for you to buy a copy of Vigor Diet – read it, review it on Amazon, share it on Facebook, and help us spread the message of “Feeling Your Best” around the world.

There is no doubt in my mind that Vigor Diet can help you feel a lot better than you do right now. Perhaps even help you feel better than you ever have before. Why? Because most of the reasons that we feel “off” and not at our best, are due to subtle disruptions in our body’s biochemistry. It might be overexposure to a stress hormone such as cortisol – or excessive fluctuations in your blood sugar – or even imbalances in your antioxidant protection – but each of these can lead us to feel “blah” in certain ways. We might feel stiff – or fatigued – or we’re gaining weight – or we’re just stressed out – but these are all merely signals that our body is out of balance.

One of my specialty areas of research is called “vigor” – which is defined as an overall measurement of “physical energy, mental acuity, and emotional wellbeing.” The opposite of vigor is “burnout” (physical fatigue, mental confusion, and emotional exhaustion). Vigor Diet is about eating and supplementing in a way that restores biochemical balance to your body – and in doing so, helps us to reclaim our natural levels of energy, vigor, and vitality. The four areas of biochemistry that I focus on are:

The Dr. Oz Show

On January 29^th & 30^th I spent the day within NBC Studios at 30 Rockefeller Plaza filming with Dr. Oz.

Last year, I appeared on The Dr. Oz Show to talk about how having low testosterone (which often accompanies high cortisol) can lead to exhaustion. That show featured my earlier book, The Secret of Vigor, that educates about balancing cortisol/testosterone to help you feel better (with higher “vigor”). Since that show, I’ve written articles for Dr. Oz’s ShareCare website and consulted with producers on numerous segments related to nutrition and dietary supplements (you could say that I’m a huge fan of Dr. Oz and his mission of educating people about health).

The most recent show was about “Dr. Oz’s Flat Belly Plan” and my part of the show discussed diet, exercise, supplements, and stress management techniques to help you control cortisol and lose stubborn belly fat – but also to feel good while you’re doing it.

I talked with Dr. Oz about how unrealistic it is to “avoid stress” and how instead, we need to educate people about helping their bodies to mount an appropriate stress response (with anti-stress adaptogenic herbs), and how to reduce oxidation and inflammation with natural antioxidants (such as carotenoids and flavonoids).

The show aired on February 5^th as part of Dr. Oz’s “Weight Loss Week” – and you can watch the show at these links:

• Part 1: http://www.doctoroz.com/episode/dr-ozs-flat-belly-plan
• Part 2: http://www.doctoroz.com/episode/dr-ozs-flat-belly-plan?video=16770
• Part 3: http://www.doctoroz.com/episode/dr-ozs-flat-belly-plan?video=16771
• Part 4: http://www.doctoroz.com/episode/dr-ozs-flat-belly-plan?video=16768
• Some additional “special tips” that I filmed in the dressing room for ShareCare: http://www.doctoroz.com/episode/dr-ozs-flat-belly-plan?video=16767

Summary

I don’t think I could be more energized about the possibilities ahead of us for expanding on the Science of Feeling Your Best. Nobody is going to wake up 10 – 0r 20 – or 30 years from now and decide that they want to feel worse! Even if we feel great now, we want to do whatever we can to remain that way. Unfortunately, however, most people don’t feel great – they feel “off” – and by restoring biochemical balance in their body, they can begin Feeling Their Best again.

Thanks for reading,

Shawn

Follow me at:

YouTube

Amazon

Twitter

LinkedIn 

Facebook 

ShareCare 

My books related to stress, cortisol, vigor, and Feeling Your Best:

• Vigor Diet – The New Science of Feeling Your Best

• The Secret of Vigor - How to Overcome Burnout, Restore Biochemical Balance, and Reclaim Your Natural Energy

• Killer at Large - Why Obesity is America’s Greatest Threat - an award-winning documentary film exploring the causes and solutions underlying the American obesity epidemic. FREE versions at  http://www.KilleratLarge.com

• The Cortisol Connection - Why Stress Makes You Fat and Ruins Your Health (Hunter House) – FREE text at http://www.cortisolconnection.com/

• The Cortisol Connection Diet - The Breakthrough Program to Control Stress and Lose Weight (Hunter House) – FREE text at http://www.cortisolconnectiondiet.com/

• Cortisol Control and the Beauty Connection - The All-Natural Inside-Out Approach to Reversing Wrinkles, Preventing Acne, And Improving Skin Tone (Hunter House) – FREE text at http://www.cortisolcontrol.com/

Last year, I appeared on The Dr. Oz Show to talk about having low testosterone (which often accompanies high cortisol) can lead to exhaustion. That show featured my book, The Secret of Vigor, that educates about balancing cortisol/testosterone to help you feel better (with higher “vigor”). Since that show, I’ve written articles for Dr. Oz’s ShareCare website and consulted with producers on numerous segments related to nutrition and dietary supplements (you could say that I’m a huge fan of Dr. Oz and his mission of educating people about health).

This coming Monday, I’m heading back to NYC to be with Dr. Oz again!

On Tuesday and Wednesday, we’ll film a show about cortisol and belly fat. The items that we’ll be discussing will include diet, exercise, supplements, and stress management techniques to help you control cortisol and lose stubborn belly fat.

I’m not sure when the show will air, but stay tuned to this blog for updates.

Here are the books that I’ll be bringing to the show (all related to stress, cortisol, belly fat, and vigor):

▪       The Secret of Vigor - How to Overcome Burnout, Restore Biochemical Balance, and Reclaim Your Natural Energy

▪       Killer at Large - Why Obesity is America’s Greatest Threat - an award-winning documentary film exploring the causes and solutions underlying the American obesity epidemic. FREE versions at  http://www.KilleratLarge.com

▪       The Cortisol Connection - Why Stress Makes You Fat and Ruins Your Health (Hunter House) – FREE text at http://www.cortisolconnection.com/

▪       The Cortisol Connection Diet - The Breakthrough Program to Control Stress and Lose Weight (Hunter House) – FREE text at http://www.cortisolconnectiondiet.com/

▪       Cortisol Control and the Beauty Connection - The All-Natural Inside-Out Approach to Reversing Wrinkles, Preventing Acne, And Improving Skin Tone (Hunter House) – FREE text at http://www.cortisolcontrol.com/

Please also stay tuned for the February 1 release of my newest book, “The Vigor Diet – The New Science of Feeling Your Best” – it goes on sale on Feb 1st (exclusively on Amazon.com) with all proceeds to benefit the MORE Project children’s charity.

Thanks for reading,

Shawn

Follow me at:

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▪       Amazon

▪       Twitter

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▪       Facebook 

▪       ShareCare 

The new book is FINISHED! It’s called “The Vigor Diet – The New Science of Feeling Your Best” – and it goes on sale on February 1^st (exclusively on Amazon.com)

This is my 11^th book, and it’s the shortest. I’ve written 10 other books, with 5 different publishers, and sold close to a million copies in nearly a dozen languages. I like to write and like to communicate ideas about health and wellness that individuals can use to help themselves, and those around them, to feel better.

I’ll get right to the point. The Vigor Diet can help you feel a lot better than you do right now. Perhaps even help you feel better than you ever have before.

Many of the reasons that we feel “off” and not at our best are due to subtle disruptions in our body’s biochemistry. It might be overexposure to a stress hormone such as cortisol – or excessive fluctuations in your blood sugar – or even imbalances in your antioxidant protection – but each of these can lead us to feel “blah” in certain ways.

One of my specialty areas of research is called “vigor” – which, in psychology research, is an overall measurement of physical energy, mental acuity, and emotional wellbeing. The opposite of vigor is “burnout” (physical fatigue, mental confusion, and emotional exhaustion).

The Vigor Diet is about eating and supplementing in a way that restores biochemical balance to your body – and in doing so, helps us to reclaim our natural levels of energy, vigor, and vitality.

I’ve delivered numerous scientific presentations around the world about natural approaches to restoring vigor and helping people to feel their best. You can read the scientific abstracts and see my slides at the following links:

Psychological Vigor is Associated with Stress Hormone Profile

Here is the research abstract from my 2011 presentation entitled, “Psychological Vigor is Associated with Stress Hormone Profile” at the American College of Nutrition Annual Scientific Conference:

INTRODUCTION: Chronic stress plays a major role in the pathophysiology of many disease states, particularly psychological disorders including depression, chronic fatigue syndrome, anxiety, fibromyalgia, and burnout. 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 focus, and (3) cognitive liveliness. Vigor can also be described as the opposite of “Burnout” (physical fatigue, mental exhaustion, cognitive weariness).

PURPOSE: Our objective was to assess changes in Vigor and Metabolic Hormone Profile (cortisol & testosterone) in response to a modest lifestyle intervention including a dietary supplement based on Tongkat ali root extract (Eurycoma longifolia) – used in traditional Malaysian medicine to improve “life force” in fatigued individuals.

METHODS: We report on 153 subjects (103 women/50 men) – displaying moderate levels of psychological stress. We measured endocrine parameters (salivary cortisol to testosterone (C:T) ratio) and Vigor (V, using the Profile of Mood States (POMS) psychological survey) before and after the supplementation intervention. Depending on the cohort, subjects followed one of several different supplementation periods, including 24-hour, 6-wks, 8-wks, or 12-wks.

RESULTS: Compared to pre-supplementation values, post-supplementation measurements indicated significant changes for C:T ratio (reduced by 15-19%) and Vigor (increased by 27-29%).

CONCLUSION: These data indicate that factors that are typically disrupted during periods of chronic stress (stress hormone profile and psychological mood state) may be positively and significantly impacted by relatively short-term supplementation with Tongkat ali root extract (Eurycoma longifolia). Additional research is warranted to determine the precise relationship between stress hormones and mood state.

ACN 2011 Stress Vigor Slides

Impact of Chronic Stress & Nutrition on Vigor

Here is the scientific abstract from my 2012 presentation entitled, “Impact of Chronic Stress & Nutrition on Vigor” at the American College of Nutrition Annual Scientific Conference:

Chronic stress plays a major role in the pathophysiology of many disease states, particularly psychological disorders including depression, chronic fatigue syndrome, anxiety, fibromyalgia, and burnout – but also including “somatic” dysfunction including hypertension, loss of libido, abdominal obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. These stress-related changes in mental and physical function may be due to both endocrine and behavioral factors – and may be mediated or attenuated by lifestyle factors including diet, exercise, sleep patterns, stress management, and dietary supplements.

Vigor is defined as a 3-tiered sustained mood-state that is characterized by (1) physical energy, (2) mental focus, and (3) cognitive liveliness. Vigor can also be described as the opposite of “Burnout” (physical fatigue, mental exhaustion, cognitive weariness).

Through a series of studies ranging from 4-12 weeks, we have assessed changes in psychological mood state (vigor) and metabolic hormone profile (cortisol/testosterone) in response to a variety of modest lifestyle interventions in groups of moderately stressed subjects. Results have clearly demonstrated that factors that are typically disrupted during periods of chronic stress (stress hormone profile and psychological mood state) may be positively and significantly impacted by relatively short-term lifestyle interventions. These interventions may incorporate various aspects of dietary guidelines, moderate exercise, sleep/stress management techniques, and certain dietary supplements to favorably modify both biochemistry and behavior and help stressed subjects move from a mood state characterized by low vigor (burnout/exhaustion) toward one of high vigor (liveliness/motivation).

Since a majority of patient visits to primary healthcare providers are for conditions related to chronic stress, such modest lifestyle interventions will be of meaningful benefit to quality of life for health professionals and their clients.

Talbott Vigor ACN2012

Effect of Eurycoma longifolia on Stress Hormones and Psychological Mood State in Moderately Stressed Subjects

Here is the research abstract from my 2012 presentation entitled, “Effect of Eurycoma longifolia on Stress Hormones and Psychological Mood State in Moderately Stressed Subjects” from the International Sports & Exercise Nutrition Conference (ISENC).

Eurycoma longifolia is a medicinal plant commonly called Tongkat ali and “Malaysian ginseng.” The roots are used as a traditional “anti-aging” remedy, while modern dietary supplements are intended to improve libido/energy, restore hormonal balance (cortisol/testosterone levels) and enhance sports performance and weight loss.

Laboratory evidence shows that Eurycoma peptides may stimulate release of free testosterone from its binding protein (SHBG) and improve hormone profiles. Rodent feeding studies have demonstrated improved sex drive, balanced hormone profiles, and enhanced physical function. Human supplementation trials show reduced fatigue, heightened energy/mood, and improved well-being in subjects consuming Tongkat ali.

In the present study, 63 subjects (32 men and 31 women) were pre-screened for moderate levels of psychological stress and supplemented with a standardized hot-water extract of Tongkat ali root (200mg/day Physta^TM, Biotropics Malaysia) or a look-alike placebo for 4 weeks. There were no significant changes in markers of liver function (AST/ALT), body weight, or body fat percentage. Mood State parameters (POMS) showed mixed results, with no effect observed for subscales of Depression, Vigor, or Fatigue, whereas significant (p<0.05) improvements were found in the Physta group for Tension (-11%), Anger (-12%), and Confusion (-15%). Hormone profile (salivary cortisol and testosterone) was significantly (p<0.05) improved by Physta supplementation, with reduced cortisol exposure (-16%), increased testosterone status (+37%) and improved cortisol:testosterone ratio (-36%). These results indicate that daily supplementation with Tongkat ali (Physta) improves stress hormone profile and certain mood state parameters, suggesting that this “ancient” remedy may be an effective approach to shielding the body from the detrimental effects of “modern” chronic stress.

ISENC Talbott Eurycoma 2012

Because our ability to improve how we feel (vigor) is so intricately connected to our biochemical balance, I’ll refer interested readers to a more detailed overview of the scientific relationships between stress, biochemistry, and disease in any of my previous books on these topics:

• The Secret of Vigor - How to Overcome Burnout, Restore Biochemical Balance, and Reclaim Your Natural Energy
• Killer at Large - Why Obesity is America’s Greatest Threat - an award-winning documentary film exploring the causes and solutions underlying the American obesity epidemic  (http://www.KilleratLarge.com)
• The Cortisol Connection - Why Stress Makes You Fat and Ruins Your Health (Hunter House) - http://www.cortisolconnection.com/
• The Cortisol Connection Diet - The Breakthrough Program to Control Stress and Lose Weight (Hunter House) - http://www.cortisolconnectiondiet.com/
• Cortisol Control and the Beauty Connection - The All-Natural Inside-Out Approach to Reversing Wrinkles, Preventing Acne, And Improving Skin Tone (Hunter House) - http://www.cortisolcontrol.com/
• Natural Solutions for Pain-Free Living - Lasting Relief for Flexible Joints, Strong Bones and Ache-Free Muscles (Chronicle Publishers – Currant Books) - http://painfreelivingbook.com/
• The Immune Miracle - The All-Natural Approach for Better Health, Increased Energy and Improved Mood (GLH Productions)
• The Health Professionals Guide to Dietary Supplements (Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins)
• A Guide to Understanding Dietary Supplements - an Outstanding Academic Text of 2004 (Haworth Press)

About the Author:

Dr. Talbott is trained in Sports Medicine (BS – Marietta), Fitness Management (BA – Marietta), Exercise Science (MS – Massachusetts) Nutritional Biochemistry (PhD – Rutgers) and Entrepreneurship (EMP – MIT). He has served as a nutrition consultant and educator for elite-level athletes in a variety of sports including professional triathletes, NBA basketball, US Ski Team, US Track & Field, and the US Olympic Training Centers.

Shawn has a consistent track record of creating leading nutrition products and new platforms that help people feel better, look better, and perform better.

As a product developer, Dr. Talbott has created and researched some of the leading nutritional products on the market, generating nearly $1 billion in combined sales across retail, direct-selling, infomercial, and network marketing channels.

Currently, Dr. Talbott serves as Chief Scientific Officer at MonaVie.

Dr. Talbott’s most recent projects include the award-winning documentary film, Killer At Large—Why Obesity is America’s Greatest Threat (screened for First Lady Michelle Obama at the White House) and his 10th book, The Secret of Vigor (about the detrimental effects of chronic stress- which has been featured on The Dr. Oz Show).

Dr. Talbott is the past Director of the University of Utah Nutrition Clinic and taught as an Associate Clinical Professor in the Department of Nutrition, where he received the Outstanding Instructor Award. He is a Fellow of the American College of Nutrition (ACN), American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the American Institute of Stress (AIS).

As an athlete himself, Shawn has competed at the national and international level in Rowing, Cycling, and Triathlon.

You can follow Dr. Talbott’s work at:

• YouTube http://www.youtube.com/user/smtalbott?feature=mhee
• Amazon http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B001IU0YV6
• Twitter  http://twitter.com/DocTalbott
• LinkedIn http://www.linkedin.com/in/ShawnTalbott
• Facebook http://www.facebook.com/DocTalbott
• ShareCare http://www.sharecare.com/user/shawn-talbott/blog

We’re just about to introduce an updated version of the popular RVL Nutrition Shake Mix. Keep in mind that the shakes were already amazing in terms of overall “nutrient density” and balance between protein/carbohydrates/fat/fiber – but we took this opportunity to make them even better.

At the company, we refer to this revision as RVL “3.0” because it is the 3^rd time we’ve determined that the science of nutrition had progressed enough to warrant an update to the formula. Based on that new science, we adjusted the protein level and source, we slightly tweaked the carbohydrate blend, and we updated and improved the antioxidant profile. What this means is a formula that tastes better, stabilizes blood sugar more effectively, and controls appetite even more effectively than ever before – so you can lose the fat and keep the lean to look and feel your best.

The new RVL Nutrition Shake Mix is based on a formula that I submitted as part of an International Olympic Committee (IOC) sports nutrition program that I’m a part of. Around the same time that I submitted this formula to the IOC program (May 2012), we were also in the process at MonaVie of updating the “2.0” RVL Shakes. So, when my IOC program colleagues came back with such positive feedback on the formula I submitted (top score based on overall balance from among approximately 100 submissions from around the world), I figured, that if it’s good enough for the IOC, and good enough to recommend to the world’s top athletes, then it’s probably a great place for MonaVie to be as well. So, we decided to use this same formula as the basis for our RVL 3.0 Nutrition Shake update.

I’ve been part of the “Olympic” movement for a lot of years – first as a rower in the Olympic development program (1989), then as a cyclist at the Olympic training center (OTC) in Lake Placid (1991), then as a consultant to the U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC) and the U.S. Ski Team (2002), then part of the Performance Enhancement Team (PET) for the U.S. Track & Field Association and the OTC in Chula Vista (2003), and now part of this IOC sports nutrition group (2012-2013).

I’ve worked with lots of elite athletes and coaches and it is always a challenge to provide those athletes with proper nutrition to support the demands of their intense training and competition. Those athletes have the same “needs” as the rest of us. They want something that tastes great (and the 3.0 shakes taste amazing); and they want optimal nutrition to help them lose fat, maintain muscle, curb hunger, and help them feel their best (and RVL 3.0 accomplishes each of these factors with flying colors).

One thing that’s important to keep in mind is that although I’m a part of this IOC group, and the group “likes” the balance and content of the formula found in the MonaVie RVL Shakes, the IOC is not officially “endorsing” MonaVie products. In some ways, this situation is similar to the relationship that my good friend and MonaVie fitness & nutrition spokesperson, Mark MacDonald, has with the CNN news channel. Mark is a NY Times bestselling author and a frequent contributor to CNN’s healthy living segments, but CNN does not officially “endorse” MonaVie products.

I couldn’t be more excited for you to come to Orlando for the MonaVie Convention on January 31 – February 2 to hear more about the amazing new update to our RVL Nutrition Shakes (and taste them too)!

Thanks for reading,

Dr. Shawn Talbott is MonaVie’s Chief Science Officer. He holds a PhD in Nutritional Biochemistry (Rutgers), a MS in Exercise Science (UMass Amherst), and an EMP in Entrepreneurship (MIT). His work focuses on natural products to restore biochemical balance, restore vigor, and help people feel their best.

The conference ran in two simultaneous tracks – one focused on improving sports performance and the other focused on promoting healthy lifestyles. The only drawback to the conference was the difficulty in choosing which lecture to attend in which track – because they were all so good.

One of the common themes that I noticed among the speakers was the growing realization among researchers across the globe that so many aspects of metabolism are intricately related and interconnected. For example, my own presentation focused on the relationship between stress, stress hormones (cortisol/testosterone), and psychological mood state (how we feel) – basically, that being under stress changes our stress hormone levels and leads us to feel tired/depressed.

Other presenters talked about how both psychological and physical stress (e.g. too little sleep or too much exercise) can increase oxidation and suppress immune system function. There were presentations about how inflammation (from injury or poor diet) could damage cells and tissues directly, as well as lead indirectly to further oxidative damage in various tissues throughout the body. Still other presentations focused on the link between blood sugar disruptions and inflammation. None of these findings are necessarily “new” on their own – but the dawning realization that they are all linked is what gets me excited (especially since I’ve been writing about it and developing natural products to help address such problems for the last 15 years)!

While all of the presentations were excellent – there were a few that stood out for me as particularly relevant to the unique “metabolic stressors” that so many of us are faced with on a daily basis. My own presentation about stress hormone balance and Vigor (especially interesting to me!) described how even moderate levels of chronic stress (including inadequate sleep, dieting for weight loss, and worry about bills) can disrupt stress hormone balance (elevated cortisol and suppressed testosterone) and lead to lower vigor scores (low energy, poor mood, and foggy mental function). I talked about a number of natural solutions for rebalancing stress hormones and restoring vigor – including traditional adaptogens such as magnolia (for cortisol and stress), eurycoma (for testosterone and energy), cordyceps (for oxygen utilization and stamina), and BCAAs (for muscle metabolism and recovery).

Dr. David Nieman, an expert in immune system function from Appalachian State University and the North Carolina Research University, talked about new research showing how flavonoids might be the key for optimal immune system function. Importantly, some of his latest research points to the bioactivity of flavonoids being potentiated when provided as a cocktail of small amounts of several different flavonoids – rather than as large amounts of any single flavonoid. This means that a small dose of several complementary flavonoids can provide a superior benefits for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects as well as immune system support, compared to a large dose of any single flavonoid. Dr. Nieman even suggested that specialized combinations of flavonoids and low-glycemic carbohydrates might even someday serve as a replacement for dangerous painkillers such as ibuprofen. That sounds pretty good – getting antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, pain-killing, immune supporting benefits in an all-natural blend of naturally-derived flavonoids and natural sugars from fruit. Where do you think we might find such a natural fruit?

Another fantastic presentation was delivered by Dr. Mark Davis from the University of South Carolina. Professor Davis talked about the unique benefits of flavonoids for improving brain function and possibly treating conditions related to chronic stress and inflammation such as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia.  In Dr. Davis’ research, it seems that small amounts of caffeine can enhance the brain-protecting benefits of flavonoids (because caffeine blocks adenosine receptors in the brain) – so the brain-performance effects of flavonoids plus caffeine extend to reduced inflammation, increased mitochondria, and improved endurance – almost like “exercise in a pill” in certain ways.

Imagine if you could find all of these amazing health benefits in one place – immune support, improved antioxidant protection, balanced inflammation, lower stress, improved energy and stamina, and enhanced mental and physical performance. It sounds like a magic bullet doesn’t it? Well, it’s not at all “magic” – instead, it’s the latest science supporting the health benefits of properly-balanced flavonoids and related antioxidants. Since it’s founding, MonaVie has been the leader in providing well-balanced flavonoids (from Acai and other exotic rainforest superfruits) as part of an overall approach to supporting antioxidant nutrition.  Again and again, we find that the science is on MonaVie’s side – and the numerous presentations from this most recent ISENC is yet another example.

In addition to these presentations, were outstanding lectures by Dr. Emma Stevenson (Northumbria University, Newcastle UK), an expert in glycemic index and mental/physical performance; Professor Victor Matsudo (University Gama Filho, Sao Paulo, Brazil); an expert in promoting physical activity; and Professor Romain Meeusen (Vrije Universiteit, Brussels, Belgium); an expert on the effects of exercise on the brain. Collectively, these global experts in nutrition, exercise, and health promotion provided one of the most outstanding scientific conferences in recent memory (and I attend a LOT of research conferences).

Look for future blogs and newsletters to cover some of the highlights from other presentations at ISENC, American College of Nutrition (ACN), and other scientific conferences.

Thanks for reading,

Shawn

==================================

Dr. Shawn Talbott is MonaVie’s Chief Science Officer. He holds a PhD in Nutritional Biochemistry (Rutgers), MS in Exercise Science (UMass Amherst), and EMP in Entrepreneurship (MIT). His work focuses on natural products to restore metabolic balance and help people feel, look, and perform better.

NEW BOOK: The Secret of Vigor - How to Overcome Burnout, Restore Biochemical Balance, and Reclaim Your Natural Energy

Order at Amazon = http://amzn.to/ovkwJf

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-Killer at Large - Why Obesity is America’s Greatest Threat - an award-winning documentary film exploring the causes and solutions underlying the American obesity epidemic  (http://www.KilleratLarge.com)

-The Cortisol Connection - Why Stress Makes You Fat and Ruins Your Health (Hunter House) - http://www.cortisolconnection.com/

-The Cortisol Connection Diet - The Breakthrough Program to Control Stress and Lose Weight (Hunter House) - http://www.cortisolconnectiondiet.com/

-Cortisol Control and the Beauty Connection - The All-Natural Inside-Out Approach to Reversing Wrinkles, Preventing Acne, And Improving Skin Tone (Hunter House) - http://www.cortisolcontrol.com/

-Natural Solutions for Pain-Free Living - Lasting Relief for Flexible Joints, Strong Bones and Ache-Free Muscles (Chronicle Publishers – Currant Books) - http://painfreelivingbook.com/

-The Immune Miracle – The All-Natural Approach for Better Health, Increased Energy and Improved Mood (GLH Nutrition, 2012) – http://amzn.to/SPLV4W

-The Health Professionals Guide to Dietary Supplements (Lippincott, Williams & Wilkens) - http://www.supplementwatch.com/

-A Guide to Understanding Dietary Supplements - an Outstanding Academic Text of 2004 (Haworth Press) - http://www.supplementwatch.com/