LEAN
Q: The shake lists soy protein, which I avoid. If I am supplementing my protein, it's definitely whey. Soy is the cheapest and most processed form of protein, which also contains phytoestrogens which are potentially cancer causing. So I try to avoid it. :) I do like that it is sweetened with stevia though!
A: The soy powder used in our product is a natural, non-gmo soy. This in combination with our whey isolate provides a combination of proteins that provide an immediate absorption (whey isolate), with an extended absorption (soy powder). The argument of the effect of estrogen levels from the ingestion of natural soy (such as soy beans, tofu, edamame) is inconclusive as to whether is elevates or suppresses estrogen at all.
Q: A couple of weeks ago I asked about the "Artificial Vanilla Pralin" in Lean. Laci suggested I email Jim about it and this was his response:
A: We use as many natural ingredients as we possibly can. In the case of Lean, we focused on performance in the body and making something taste great so there would be continued use of the product. By utilizing Sucralose in Lean as a sweetener, we were able to achieve a sweetness profile that made the product very palatable while not impacting the formula with sugar. In fact, Lean contains 0 sugar and only 44 cal in water making it ideal for those trying to lose unwanted fat and is also diabetic friendly.
Yours in health, Jim Ayres
XYNG
Q: Do any of the products contain iodine?
There is a trace amount of iodine in the Kelp in Xyng.
-Jim Ayers 5/24/12
Q: Please explain the pseudo ephedrine and caffeine warnings on Xyng.
A: The pseudo ephedrine warning is due to the potentially compounding effect from using both the allergy medicine and the natural decongestant of XYNG. In this case, she should discuss with her physician prior to taking XYNG.
The caffeine warnings are required for products containing 100mg or more of caffeine per dose. Even though XYNG contains only 90mg we made the prudent decision to include the warning as our dose was close. We always want to error on the side of caution. For your reference a cup of regular coffee (average blend) contains between 100-110mg of caffeine.
Yours in health, Jim Ayres
WORKING OUT DURING IGNITE WEEK
Q: Most of my clients are Zumba Instructors (some of them teach everyday or teach 2 classes a day!) or workout regularly. I've heard you mentioned that when working out and doing Ignite, every day is a eating day. Is that correct? How about the 2 first days of detoxing?
A: Yes. Any day that involves exercise should be an eating day. The products themselves will detox the body all the way through Ignite. Yours in health, Jim Ayres
Soy V. Whey in LEAN
Q: Can you tell me what % of our LEAN is soy based versus whey? I have women tell me that they're not interested in taking soy due to the fact that it increases estrogen levels.....which, as you know, leads to other issues.
Any information and/or opinion would be appreciated.
A: Part of our formula protection is our blend of proteins. I can tell you the balance is very close to each other. With regard to soy and raising estrogen levels, this is where soy gets a bad rap. Fact is there is no conclusive evidence that soy adjusts estrogen levels at all… up or down. Our soy is made from natural powders that are non-GMO and act in the body similar to that of eating a good serving of edamame (soy beans).
With this said if she's not interested we have several other products in our family that may interest her.
Yours in health,
Jim Ayres
Accelerate
Q: After mentioning to a potential customer about the products, specifically Accelerate, not having anything "dangerous" in it, he looked at the ingredients and immediately mentioned Green Tea, Kola, Guarana (all forms of caffeine).
How do I address this? I'm telling people it's not caffeine, but it is.
A: Yes, there is caffeine in the formula all coming from these natural ingredients. The amount is very low. Two tablets contains approximately 40mg; which is equivalent to 1 cup of strained green tea or less than ½ cup of average regular coffee.
“Dangerous?” I surely would not classify ACCELERATE as such. Let’s not ignore the powerful antioxidant and thermogenic benefits to these ingredients listed as well.
Yours in health,
Jim Ayres
CHEAT
Q: Is there any possibility that CHEAT could have the same concern as the following paragraphs? Your thoughts, please.
Widely marketed as a weight-loss supplement, the fiber from konjac root, also known as glucomannan, appears to have some other medicinal properties of interest. These include the ability to inhibit absorption of cholesterol and glucose by the gastrointestinal system, as well as strong laxative effects. However, glucomannan is not without potential side effects, some of which can be serious, particularly for those with certain preexisting conditions.
Blockages of Esophagus, Throat or Intestine
The very characteristics that make konjac root attractive for weight-loss applications in rare circumstances can cause potentially life-threatening blockages of the esophagus, throat or intestine. Glucomannan absorbs large quantities of water, helping to give weight-loss candidates a feeling of fullness and thus reducing their appetite for more food. If the fiber becomes lodged in the esophagus before it reaches the stomach, its intended destination, then it can become a choking hazard, particularly as it swells with any liquid it may pick up. In "The Complete Guide to Herbal Medicine," authors Charles W. Fetrow and Juan R. Avila cite rare cases in which such blockages caused perforation of the esophagus, necessitating surgical removal of the fibrous mass under general anesthesia. Anyone with preexisting esophageal problems should avoid glucomannan in all forms.
Health Canada, the federal agency charged with helping Canadians to maintain and improve their health, considered such blockages a serious enough threat to issue a health advisory in January 2010. The agency warned that products containing glucomannan pose "a potential for harm if taken without at least eight ounces of water or other fluid. The risk to Canadians includes choking and/or blockage of the throat, esophagus or intestine, according to international adverse reaction case reports." Australia banned glucomannan products in 1985 because of the potential for obstruction of the esophagus or intestines.
A: Thank you for this article. There is absolutely no chance of blockage when used as directed. The choking concerns for this ingredient began when candy makers made a gel out of glucomannan in the shape of Dots candy (like a small bullet) and packed them in a loose gel. The fiber in its expanded state shot to the back of the throat and cause a choking reflex. Not a smart design for this candy.
Again, I can’t express this enough, CHEAT when used as directed is a very safe product. My kids use it as a fiber source.
Best regards,
Jim Ayres
XYNG
Q: XYNG I have heard claims that people taking Xyng have noticed almost immediate results (energy, feel good, etc...) I purchased Xyng, used it for a couple weeks, and to be perfectly honest......didn't notice any difference. Is it possible that I just don't have a serotonin deficiency? Why else would I not experience the same effects as others did?
A: Yes, it is quite possible that you have a natural high energy level, low stress and do not have a serotonin deficiency… good for youJ As you know, all bodies are unique in their physical and chemical make ups. For most XYNG kicks in within 45 min. Personally, I take only 1 XYNG capsule and feel the neurons kicking in very quickly which boosts mental alertness. I too do not have a deficiency and feel less of the energy kick.
Best regards,
Jim Ayres
Natural/herbal supplements
Q: There's always been a huge controversy regarding the use of "natural/herbal supplements." I believe that multi vitamins, etc.... are fine, however, products with high doses of certain vitamins could be dangerous to people when mixing with certain prescription drugs. I will put 100% behind something if I believe in it. I don't want to be disingenuous to friends and/or coworkers. So my advice while marketing this would be to let others know that if taking prescription meds, they would be wise to consult their doctor; would you agree? Please share any thoughts you may have.
A: I agree completely. We always want to stay above board with our approach and it is obvious that you are taking a very ethical approach.
Best regards,
Jim Ayres
Axion
Q: What is Axion's absorption rate?
A: The first layer (orange) breakdown within 20 min and the extended release layer (green) releases over a period of 4 – 6 hours depending on ingested content accompanying the tablets.
Q: I Actually need to know the absorption rate. Most over the counter multi vitamins are 7-10%. Pharmaceutical grade supplements are around 80%. What actual percentage of Axion is absorbed into the body?
A: It is really not possible to give you an actual absorption rate as this usually depends on the individual as much as the product; however, I can give you our estimated absorption rate of 50-70% for the 1st layer (orange - immediate release) and 30–40% for the second (green). Extremely high in our category and exceptionally high for a tablet. Some of the factors that determine absorption is the interaction between ingredients, frequency of use, and binders used. We do not use a shellack with Axion. The coating is aqueous base and we use the absolute minimal amounts of binders in order to meet the hardness spec to ensure that the tablet breaks down properly in the intestine.
Other factors that affect absorption include the following:
1) Stress restricts the flow of blood in the body by tightening muscles, and restricting the free flow of fluids. Meditation, yoga, tai chi or even daily walks in nature can all help reduce stress significantly.
2) Eating slowly We should be eating our food slowly and thoughtfully. Try never to eat on the run, and don’t eat while conversing, writing, doing work, etc. Make eating a special time for yourself.
3) Exercise helps the body rid itself of harmful toxins that build-up daily.
4) Positive thinking In Chinese medicine, excessive thoughts of anger, worry, resentment, grief and fear all have significant effects on the free flow of “energy” in our body.
5) Eating healthy food Our bodies crave fresh food, particularly fruits, vegetables and grains. These foods provide energy to our bodies in the form of vitamins, minerals, and natural enzymes. Excessive intake of “dead” food such as fast foods, or highly processed foods, requires our bodies to use its own enzymes and energy to digest food in an attempt to separate whatever limited nutrients may be available.
Yours in health,
Jim
Building Lean Muscle
Q: There seems to be some confusion regarding how a person builds/gains lean muscle by using our products.
I say: You gain lean muscle through the recovery period after the muscle has been broken down by some sort of exercise. Protein for recovery, whether from food or supplements is vital for the purpose of lean muscle growth (after it's been broken down)
I argue that you cannot gain lean muscle just by eating or drinking protein. However, I continue to see posts about people saying that you're gaining muscle during the 8 day Ignite program (which is why the scale won't reflect accurately)
How can you gain/build muscle just by eating or drinking protein? I haven't read one thing that validates their claim.
Who's right?
A: Lean muscle fibers need to first be damaged, then repaired in order to generate lean muscle tissue. The fuel for regenerating lean muscle fibers is protein backed by amino acids. When the muscle tissue is repaired, it becomes firmer and stronger. Regular consumption of LEAN shakes repairs it.
Yours in health,
Jim
