Your Cat Living Longer with Better Nutrition

In recent veterinarian research, scientists studied the effects of improved nutrition on the lives of 90 senior cats. All of the cats were between ages 7-17, and the new diets were fed over the remaining course of their lifetimes. The cats were separated into three groups: one received a standardized, nutritionally-balanced diet; one received the same diet with increased levels of antioxidants; and the last received the same diet supplemented with increased levels of antioxidants, Omega-3 essential fatty acids and probiotics. Comprehensive tests were conducted over the five-year period of the study, including various blood, urinalysis and body composition measures. Results strongly indicated a correlation between the diet of the third group (the one with the highest level of nutrition) and measures of health and longevity.For more information about our Life’s Abundance Premium Health Food for Kittens and Adult Cats, which contains antioxidants, Omega-3 essential fatty acids, probiotics and other important nutritional health boosters, please see our section on What Makes Life’s Abundance Better.

Cranberry Benefits

Imagine a little red berry that fights cancer, age-related diseases like loss of memory, heart disease, ulcers, and even cavities. Sound to good to be true? Allow us to introduce our friend, the Cranberry!
In 1996 laboratory studies conducted by University of Illinois scientists and published in Planta Medica demonstrated the potential anti-cancer properties of cranberries. More recently researchers at the University of Western Ontario demonstrated, in animal models, that human breast cancer cells showed significantly lower incidence of tumor development when the experimental group's diet was supplemented with cranberries.
USDA scientists at the Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University have been finding promising results associated with diets high in antioxidants and other phytonutrients. Preliminary studies suggest that diets containing fruits and vegetables with high ORAC values may provide protection against chronic age-related afflictions like loss of coordination and loss of memory. ORAC stands for Oxygen Radical Absorption Capacity which is a measure of the antioxidant activity for a particular food. Cranberries score very high on the ORAC scale at 1750 ORAC units per 3.5 oz. serving.
A study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association reported that a unique cranberry juice component, a high-molecular-weight nondialysable material (NDM), has the ability to reverse and inhibit the coaggregation of certain oral bacteria responsible for dental plaque and periodontal disease in vitro. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition reported on a preliminary clinical trial using a mouthwash containing cranberry NDM. Saliva samples of the experimental group showed a two order of magnitude reduction in Streptococcus Mutans compared with the placebo group. This is exciting news because a large percentage of cavities can be attributed to Streptococcus Mutans.
Flavonoids have been shown to function as potent antioxidants both in vitro and in vivo and may reduce the risk of atherosclerosis (clogged arteries). Cranberries contain significant amounts of flavonoids and polyphenolic compounds that have been demonstrated to inhibit LDL (bad cholesterol) oxidation. Ongoing research continues to suggest that cranberries may offer a natural defense against atherosclerosis.
Peptic ulcers are increasingly being attributed to infection by Helicobacter pylori bacteria, as opposed to stress and/or stomach acidity. A high-molecular-weight nondialysable constituent of cranberry juice has been shown to inhibit the adhesion of H. pylori to human gastric mucus in vitro. These preliminary results suggest that cranberry may be beneficial in the prevention of peptic ulcers through the inhibition of H. pylori adhesion to gastric mucus and stomach tissue.

You can find cranberries in your favorite Wholefood Farmacy foods such as, Cranberry Phi , Phi Plus, Fruitalicious, and Fruitalicious Plus. Cranberries are also an awesome addition to a smoothie made from any of our fruit based Farinas such as BeautiPhi, ClariPhi, ElectriPhi, FructiPhi & GloriPhi. Here’s an idea to try – in blender, add 2 tbsp of your choice of Farina, a little ice water, a couple of ice cubes and a handful of cranberries. Blend on high for about 30 seconds and enjoy!

Electrolytes

The human body is an “electrical machine”. All vital bodily functions happen as a result of electrical signals being sent between the various parts of your body and your brain. In order for your body to operate at peak performance, these electrical signals must be conducted in an efficient manner- this is where electrolytes come in. Electrolytes are substances that will conduct electricity when dissolved in water – the most common electrolyte in your body is salt. Your body is 70% water, about two-thirds of the water resides inside your cells, (intracellular fluid) and about one-third resides outside of your cells, (extra cellular fluid). Your body works constantly to make sure that the intracellular fluid and extra cellular fluid have the same amount of electrolyte concentration – this is a very important component of homeostasis or your body’s inner balance.

The mechanisms that monitor and adjust the balance of electrolytes respond only to changes in extra cellular fluid such as blood. When someone is ill or injured and taken to the hospital, one of the first and most common procedures is to hang an I.V. which simply means injecting salt water directly into the blood stream. Doing so helps the body to operate better because electrical signals moving between the brain and the body can be better conducted. In addition, when salt is added to the extra cellular fluid it causes water to move between the intracellular and extra cellular areas allowing the body to become properly hydrated. This is why athletes, for example, take salt pills or drink “sports drinks” during work-outs. Sports drinks are simply salt water, or other electrolyte solutions, mixed with artificial colorings, artificial flavorings, artificial sweeteners and chemical preservatives. The Wholefood Farmacy offers a wonderful product called Stardust 2 Hydr8 for only $8 and it allows you to make 20 gallons of a pure, hydrating electrolyte solution.

When mixed with water, Stardust 2 Hydr8 offers you all of the benefits of a saline or electrolyte solution without any needles or artificial additives. It is made from pure salt and bicarbonate which are the main components of extra cellular fluid. Stardust 2 Hydra8 is mixed one tea spoon to a gallon of water creating a mildly saline solution - also referred to as an "electrolyte solution". Stardust 2 Hydr8 is a great way to help your body to operate at peak performance and to maintain proper hydration. Mixing one level teaspoon of Stardust 2 Hydr8 with a gallon of water and then drinking one or two glasses per day is a wonderful way to keep up your levels of electrolyte and to stay properly hydrated.
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Parents everywhere love the exercise and fitness offered by organized sports, but many wonder about the best way to provide the proper nutrition and fluids for their young athletes.

Sports nutrition experts recommend eating from two to three hours before game time. For morning games, that means getting up early enough to eat two hours before game time. For events in the early to mid-afternoon, breakfast and lunch are important. For late-afternoon games add a light afternoon snack and for evening games, all of these meals plus an early light supper is recommended.

Oily, greasy fast foods such as burgers, fries, chips, or pizza can take up to three hours to digest so it’s best to choose healthy, nutrient-dense whole foods. You might also include 100% fruit juice or some fruit such as applesauce, an apple, some grapes, or a banana. It’s also a good idea to provide a modest amount of low-fat protein in pre-game meals. For vegetarian families, whole grains, legumes, soy products, and nuts and seeds are great protein sources. Other good choices include fat free or low-fat milk or yogurt, one egg, or a sandwich on whole grain bread made with a quality lean meat.

An equally important part of pre-game nutrition is drinking enough fluid. Dehydration is uncomfortable, hampers performance and in extreme cases, can be dangerous. Pre-game meals should include one or two cups of water. Then, about 30 minutes before the activity, youths should drink one to two cups of cool water to arrive fully hydrated.

It’s best to avoid sodas, energy drinks and other high-sugar drinks right before the event because the high sugar content can cause stomach cramps and nausea during strenuous game activity. Outside of sports time, the preferred beverage to relieve and prevent thirst is water as well.

Some parents find it helpful to mark lines on kids’ drink bottles as a guide to help them drink enough throughout the game or practice. By half-time, for example, they should have consumed half of their water. Some professionals recommend weighing your child before and after a sports event. Weight lost in such a short time is fluid loss, and your child can re-hydrate by drinking one cup of water for every half-pound lost. Weighing also helps you learn how much fluid is needed for your young athletes to stay properly hydrated.

All of your favorite Wholefood Farmacy foods are perfect for pre-game meals and post-game snacks. Farmacy Pro Power and Stardust 2 Hydr8 are also wonderful ways to stay properly hydrated before, during and after game time.

As always, we are at your service,
The Wholefood Farmacy Team
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