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Advocare Spark Energy Drink Review

Have you ever been to an electronics store and found a great deal on men’s cologne?

No?  Well how about a two-for-one deal at a car lot, have you seen one?  I wish.

What about a farmer’s market?  Ever been to one and found an incredible energy drink product you’ve never seen before?  No?  Well nah nah in your face I have!

This summer I took a trip to the local farmer’s market with my mom, my greatest excitement being the possibility of finding a flawless eggplant to complete my cornucopia crafting project.  Sarcasm.  Anywho, I walked by a table where a nice lady was selling Advocare performance products.

This table just reeked of multi-level marketing, but I couldn’t resist inquiring about the “Spark” energy drink powder packets.  Without even telling the saleswoman about my status as an EF writer, she grabbed a bottle of water, filled it with a whole packet of Spark, and let me continue on my way while I drank the bottle down.  < 20 minutes: holy organic cucumbers Batman!

Taste

I later bought three flavors of my own Spark packets: grape, fruit punch, and mandarin orange.  They also offer citrus and cherry.  All you need is a cold bottle of water,  one of these packets mixed into it, and it will plaster a smile onto your lethargic face.  The experience was better than I could have even expected, especially after E-Boost set my standards so low.  Not one stage of the show can be categorized as bitter, transparent, overly sweet, or overly tart.  Delish!

Ingredients

/begin list/ 120mg caffeine, 750% B12, 750% B6, 300% niacin, GABA /end list/

Effect

No matter how you consume a packet of Spark, whether it be straight, snorted, mixed into your Easy Mac flavor packet, or… oh ya mixed into water, you are guaranteed the perfect long-lasting energy boost.  No joking around here, these packets are simply the perfect pick me up.  This will be my first product review where I end up purchasing more of what I sampled.

Verdict

Advocare Spark changed my energy drink life.  I can now truthfully say that given the immediate availability of a Spark packet, I would choose a bottle of water from a cooler instead a stand-by favorite energy drink.  That’s right, a flavored bottle of water over, say, a NOS or Rockstar Punched Citrus.  Up until Spark, that’d just be crazy talk.

Women’s Health

1.  

   Supplement Use During Pregnancy – Dr. Judith Smith

   In the United States there is a nationwide campaign to promote health and disease prevention called “Healthy People 2010″ and the health of mothers and their infants is a priority to be addressed in this campaign.

   During pregnancy, the developing baby gets “dibs” on all the nutrients it requires so it becomes critically important the mom-to-be is getting all the nutritional requirements to support fetal development and growth as well as her own body’s requirements to support maternal tissues (i.e. placenta and breast), metabolism and reproduction changes.

   In the National Diet and Nutrition Survey that was reported in 2005, it found over 80% of women failed to achieve even the Reference Nutrient Intake (which has replaced the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA)) of folic acid, omega-3 fatty acids, or antioxidants from their daily diet. Hence, the use of supplements is highly recommended during pregnancy to meet all the nutritional requirements for mom and baby!

   There are many vitamins and minerals that are important to supplement during pregnancy including: folic acid, B vitamins, vitamin A, magnesium, calcium, iron, and zinc. In a healthy diet vitamins and minerals work synergistically so the mimic the ideal healthy diet, it is recommended to use supplement with a balanced combination of vitamins and minerals and omega-3 fatty acids rather than trying to just take a few separate ones.

   Similar to the “foundation” we discussed last month, implementing or continuing to take “The Core Three” including CorePlex with iron; OmegaPlex; and Calcium Plus during pregnancy is a good place to start. CorePlex with iron with provide a well-balanced vitamin/mineral supplement during pregnancy and continue with three tablets once daily, or as recommended by your physician.

   OmegaPlex is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids that has optimal bioavailability (absorption). During pregnancy the requirement for omega-3 fatty acids dramatically increase, especially during the third trimester. Omega-3 fatty acids play an important role in the development of fetal brain, eyes, and cognitive ability. Helland and colleagues conducted long term study that found that women that had omega-3 supplementation during pregnancy had children improved intelligence which was evident as early as age four years old! Initially pregnant mom’s can start with two OmegaPlex capsules twice daily but by third trimester increasing to two OmegaPlex capsules three times a day is recommended.

   Every pregnant mom will quickly notice the increase energy expenditures during pregnancy too. As fetus develops, energy requirements continue to increase each trimester and many find it difficult to make health food choices to keep up with the increased calorie requirements. For many, it’s the first time they have been told
   “you need to eat more”!

   However, caution you don’t want to eat “empty calories” such as foods high in fat and sugars. AdvoCare Meal Replacement shakes offer a well balanced snack during pregnancy (Please NOTE: not be used as a meal replacement during pregnancy – also should not be considered “snack” outside of pregnancy!) The recently introduced “Chocolate Nougat Bars” or Breakfast Bars, or Fruit and Fiber bars are also good sources of the extra calories and great sources of protein and fiber too!

   Constipation is very common during pregnancy because hormonal changes that weaken the smooth muscles of the bowel making it more difficult for passage of food. Increasing fiber intake with the AdvoCare Fruit & Fiber Bars or AdvoCare Fiber Drink can help alleviate symptoms of constipation.

   Healthy nutrition is always important but ever so more critical during the delicate time of pregnancy when vitamin and mineral deficiencies can directly impact the development of the growing fetus. It is great if women can prepare and start increasing supplementation for three to four months prior to pregnancy or at minimum initiating immediately when pregnancy is discovered then continuing through lactation phase before resuming previous supplement regimens!

   References:

   1. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Healthy People 2010. 2nd Ed with Understand and Improving Health and Objectives for Improving Health. 2 vols. Washington DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, 2000.
   2. Hoare J, Henderson L, Bates CJ, et al. The National Diet and Nutrition Survey: adults aged 19-64 years. Volume 5: summary report. London: HMSO; 2005.
   3. San Giovanni JP, Berkey CS, Dwyer JT, Colditz GA. Dietary essential fatty acids, and visual resolution acuity in healthy full term infants” A systematic review. Early Human Development, 2000;57:165-168.

The Latest on A-Supreme™ – Dr. Sidney Stohs

Managing stress is one of our most important health needs. The buildup of stress leads to fatigue, irritability, difficulty in sleeping, weakened immune system and increased susceptibility to cardiovascular diseases.

A-Supreme™, Nature’s Solution for StressTM, is a unique blend of adaptogens, B vitamins and other nutrients that address stress-related needs of the body.* Adaptogens are herbal substances that help the body increase resistance to physical, mental and chemical stressors.

The efficacy of A-Supreme™ was recently affirmed by a double blind placebo-controlled study involving human subjects at Creighton University. The subjects did not know whether they were taking one ounce of A-Supreme™ or the placebo (control), a product that looked and tasted like A-Supreme™ but did not contain any of the active ingredients. A series of tests were conducted at the start of the study and after the subjects had used the products daily for one month.

As expected, a decrease in stress levels was observed in the group of subjects taking A-Supreme™ as compared to the control group, based on the results of a standardized questionnaire which measured subjective perceptions of stress.

Equally exciting is that the study data demonstrates a positive impact that A-Supreme™ has on blood levels of CRP and homocysteine, two important factors in evaluating an individual’s risk for certain cardiovascular conditions.

Numerous studies have documented elevated CRP and homocysteine levels in individuals experiencing symptoms associated with conditions such as cardiovascular illness, metabolic syndrome, osteoporosis and depression. While the exact association is not yet understood, having a healthy lifestyle in conjunction with dietary nutrients such as A-Supreme™ contribute positively toward keeping CRP and homocysteine levels in the normal range.*

These results obtained under carefully controlled scientific conditions demonstrate the beneficial effects of A-Supreme™ in addressing stress and its related conditions*. The importance of proper nutrition in helping our bodies and minds deal with the consequences of stress cannot be overemphasized. Stress will catch up with each of us unless we do something about it. Using A-Supreme™ regularly is a fundamental step in overcoming these adverse effects and gaining improved health and wellness.*

*This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. this product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Safe, Non-Caloric Sweetener – Sucralose

June 19, 2007 by advocare07

We’ve all heard about the artificial sweetener Sucralose and it’s use is the subject of much debate especially in the on-line community. AdvoCare selects ingredients for our products based on detailed, in-depth reviews and analysis of research, epidemiological, toxological and regulatory data. Today, we would like to provide a summary of our assessment of Sucralose written by our noted Vice President of Research and Development, Dr. Sidney Stohs, Ph.D.

Sucralose is a sweetener made from table sugar (sucrose) by chlorinating it in three positions on the molecule. This provides a substance which is approximately 600 times sweeter than sucrose and is very poorly absorbed. Therefore, the body does not metabolize it for energy, and only a small amount is needed to effectively sweeten a substance.

Sucralose has over a twenty-year history of safe and effective use. Over 100 scientific research articles have documented its safety. It carries no warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is approved by the FDA as well as the World Health Organization Expert Committee on Food Additives. It is approved by food and health agencies of over 40 countries. It can be used by pregnant and nursing women since very little is absorbed. Over 400 food and beverage products around the world contain sucralose. AdvoCare is not aware of any peer-reviewed information published in reputable, well-recognized scientific journals demonstrating toxic or adverse effects.

The research studies which have been conducted to investigate the safety of sucralose have demonstrated no effects on organs, growth weight, blood chemistry or fertility, and sucralose is not carcinogenic, teratogenic, or mutagenic. Sucralose does not produce diarrhea, affect the immune system, alter hormonal systems, cause headaches, produce fatigue or skin conditions. In well-controlled studies, no adverse effects have been found.

The small amount of chlorine present on the sucrose molecule is a tiny fraction of the amount of chlorine already present in our stomachs in the form of hydrochloric acid which aids digestion. Furthermore, the amount of chlorine present is an even smaller fraction of the amount consumed daily in the form of table salt (sodium chloride).

There are a number of prominent websites regarding sucralose and other substances that contain extensive amounts of misinformation. The information provided is not based on sound scientific studies. All of the information on these websites is anecdotal and has never been published in any reputable journal, does not involve any reputable research studies, and has never been demonstrated in research studies. Furthermore, the websites reference each other in an effort to create credibility.

AdvoCare does not use any ingredient deemed to be unsafe or harmful based on sound scientific evidence and we are proud to provide high quality, safe and effective products.

 

How consumerism will change healthcare?
- Dr. Michael Flemming

We will spend over $2.1 trillion dollars in 2008 – that’s 16.5% of our gross domestic product – on healthcare this year in the United States. Actually that is mis-stated: we will spend over $2.1 trillion on sick care and healthcare this year, with over half of that on sick care. If unchecked it has been predicted by actuaries that by 2014 this number will be well over 25% of our GDP – that’s a number that is neither sustainable nor tolerable.

With the costs of defense and healthcare, there would be no dollars left for almost anything else in the US! Additionally, as we’ve said before it has been estimated by the US Surgeon-General’s office that at least one-third of these sick care expenses are preventable. The costs are rising at such a rapid rate that nearly one-fourth of all employers have limited or completely dropped health coverage for their employees, and all of the rest have put more and more responsibility on the employees.

The short answer to fixing this seemingly insurmountable problem is for all of us to become good healthcare consumers, taking responsibility for our own health and wellness, and not depending on others – our employers, our government, or anyone else to be responsible. The longer answer is that we have no choice, and we must start now. If we could only cut the expected increase in half, we’d have more than enough to fix our social security crisis with more left over for research into things like Alzheimer’s and cancer.

So how do we do this? To be sure it will take a culture change, but we might as well start right now.

First, we have to be serious about wellness – about not being sick. Over a third of chronic illness is preventable, even with bad family histories, if we are serious about it. Diet and physical activity are the first place to start. Our diets have become saturated with fats (pun fully intentional!). The average American daily intake of fat is nearly quadruple the amount recommended. Our natural human urge for survival has encoded in our genetic make-up an appetite for both fats and salt.

However, few of us fight for simple dietary survival like our ancestors. Early man got from point A to points B and C by walking, requiring large sums of energy intake. It takes very little energy to turn on the ignition in our cars today (although I have difficulty finding the ignition on some!)

Average life expectancy has increased enormously in the past 50 years, and even more in the last 25 because of improved nutrition. Our ancestors from 100 generations ago died very early because they lacked the nutrients that we take for granted today. But as much as we consume, we still fail to get anywhere near enough of many vital chemicals, so supplements take care of this need – something unheard of even 75 years ago.

There are more people living to be productive into their later years than ever before, and study after study has linked this to improved nutrition. At the same time there are more type 2 diabetics than ever before for the exact same reason, and the rate of death from heart disease has stayed consistent despite incredible leaps in medical knowledge.

Unfortunately, this is no one’s fault but ours. We have not been very good at taking responsibility for our own health and wellbeing, but now that must change.

Let’s start by taking inventory of ourselves and our families: an inventory on our physical health, and a close assessment of our emotional wellbeing. They are absolutely interconnected, and next time we’ll take a look at some of the research on this topic.

Power Foods – Dr. Ken Goldberg

In the best of all possible worlds, we’d always have the time to choose, find and prepare healthful balanced meals. As a result, we’d be lean and mean, full of energy, and stocked with the vitamins and minerals we need to live well longer.

Right. Let’s face it, guys: In this most real of all worlds, eating properly sometimes takes back seat to work, family, friends, or even play. And when we eat on the run, nutrition is usually the last thing on our minds. We eat what’s easy, and it generally offers the minimal daily requirement of little but fat and simple carbohydrates.

Next time you’re in rush at mealtime, instead of settling for a stomach-pounder and fries, look for a power food-one that will get you going and keep you there. Try:

Baked Potatoes
Because of french fries, too many people dismiss potatoes as healthful food. Without the grease, potatoes are nonfat and loaded with complex carbohydrates, potassium (a mineral important to blood pressure regulation), vitamin C, and copper. (Stick to margarine or, better yet, salsa for toppings, though.)

Bananas
They’re packed with fiber and potassium. Along with dried fruit, they make ideal portable snacks.

Beans
Fiber, protein, complex carbohydrates, and folate (a B vitamin) all in one package. Prefer whole beans to refried, which usually add fattening oil.

Broccoli
All the green vegetables are winners, but this one may be tops. Its list includes fiber, vitamin C, folate, and the minerals magnesium and iron.

Corn
An unsung hero, this is an excellent source of fiber and complex carbohydrates for sustained energy.

Fruit
Fiber, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals-almost anything except fat. Dried fruits are a particularly intense source of energy. And in a pinch, an apple can sub for a toothbrush.

Fish
Usually a lower-fat source of quality protein than meat dishes. Stick with baked, broiled or poached though, since the fish plays second fiddle to fat when it’s fried.

Pasta
A great source of complex carbohydrates that also offers iron and B vitamins when it’s enriched. Stick with tomato or marinara sauce to keep fat low.

Peppers
Jalapeños and the hundreds of other types of chiles are great sources of vitamin C, and the spiciness may raise metabolism, enhancing weight loss.

Soup
Broth-based soups help you get your vegetables in a tasty mixture. Unless meat or dairy is added, it’s dependably low in fat.

Notice anything that nearly all these entries have in common? They’re basics-not complicated recipes. For nutrition, simple may simply be the best.

Men’s Health

Preventing Boomeritis – Dr. Ken Goldberg

It’s becoming all too common to see men—especially middle-aged men—become so obsessed with their fitness that they push themselves to the point of injury. Typically, it’s a runner looking to trim a minute from his marathon, a tennis player looking for another mile per hour in his serve, or a weight lifter going for ten more pounds–a man who is pushing the limits in one sport and becomes a prime candidate for what Dr. Nicholas calls “boomeritis.”

By their 40th birthday, people often have vulnerabilities — weak links — and as the first generation that is trying to stay active in droves, baby boomers are pushing their frames to the breakpoint,” Dr. DiNubile reported.   

In response to this growing trend, Dr. Goldberg advises that if you’ve been concentrating on just one sport, consider substituting one or two others in your weekly workout schedule. Cross training not only improves overall fitness while reducing the risk of injury, it also can actually help heal damage already done.

Variety—what exercise physiologists call cross-training—is the key to safely improving fitness. Enjoying several sports helps protect you from injury and improves your overall fitness. With whatever exercise you chose, always remember that stretching muscles and stretching exercises will prevent injury and help prepare your body for the exercise to follow. Plan on spending time in your workout for stretching, both at the beginning and the end.

Here are few options to consider:

• Cross-country skiing or in-line skating: Either of these smooth aerobic sports can be good alternatives for runners and a fine aerobic option for weight lifters.
• Cycling: Cycling helps develop the quadriceps while putting minimal strain on ankles and knees. That makes it a good change of pace for runners and people who do aerobics or use stair-climbing machines.
• Running: Fanatical runners are some of the most injury-prone athletes, but running can be a great alternative—taken in moderation—for cyclists, skiers, in-line skaters, and rowers.
• Swimming: Swimming helps add upper body strength and develop flexibility for runners, cyclists, skiers, and people who use stair-climbing machines or do aerobics. It’s also an excellent low-impact aerobic activity for weight lifters.
• Weight lifting: Although any weight-training program should be accompanied by aerobic activity, the opposite is also true. Lifting weights can help a swimmer develop upper-body strength, a cyclist balance out leg muscle development to fully protect knees, or a skier develop shoulder strength.

Try mixing up your weekly workout sessions, and you’ll enjoy more than a reduced risk of injury.

You’ll also find yourself becoming better fit for a wider variety of day-to-day tasks. Cross training simply builds a better balanced body.

Stress

Air Travel Facts and Tips – Dr. Ken Goldberg

If you’ve flown anywhere lately you probably already know this but recent reports are confirming that this year’s on time record industry wide is the worst since the government started tracking performance. U.S. airline delays are at their highest level in at least 13 years, and analysts say fliers can expect more of the same for the rest of the summer.The Department of Transportation on recently reported that the industry’s on-time performance in the first six months of the year was its worst since the agency began gathering comparable data in 1995. In June, nearly a third of domestic flights on major U.S. airlines were late.

Part of the explanation for the worsening delays is that demand for air travel is rising, both on major airlines and on smaller regional carriers. In addition, the government said weather-related delays in June were up 7 percent from a year ago. Reports of mishandled baggage and complaints filed with the government also rose.

For June, U.S. airlines’ on-time arrival rate was just above 68 percent, compared with roughly 73 percent a year earlier, according to Department of Transportation data. So far in 2007, nearly 25 percent of flights on the 20 largest carriers have arrived late, the agency said.

Reports of lost, damaged, delayed or stolen baggage rose to 7.9 per 1,000 passengers in June, up from 6.3 per 1,000 last year. Complaints about airline service filed with the government rose 43 percent from last June. Canceled trips rose to 2.7 percent of domestic flights in June, up from 1.7 percent last June.

Keeping in mind the delays and crowding involved with air travel today, AdvoCare’s Scientific and Advisory Board member, Dr. Ken Goldberg, M.D. has provided us with the following information on how to fly safely with a few simple tips that take some of the pain and suffering out of travel.

When most people think of air safety, it’s falling out of the sky they worry about. Truth be told, though, the most likely hazards in air travel don’t arise from meeting the ground or another aircraft unexpectedly. They come from being shoe-horned into a limited space with a large number of people and spending several hours in an environment that is less than ideal.

At 35,000 or so feet up, you are exposed to air that is excessively dry and not as fresh as you might like, and more than the usual amount of ionizing radiation. Plus you’re very likely to be cramped. It’s no recipe for fun, but there are ways to pamper yourself:

• To feel less cramped, opt for an aisle seat. You’ll be able to stretch your legs a bit, and you can easily get up once an hour to stretch.
• Give your back a break by putting a pillow in the small of your back and perhaps one behind your neck.
• Avoid dehydration by drinking 8 ounces of water (as a “just in case” measure – purchase a bottle of water once through security in the airport and keep it with you for the flight) or another nonalcoholic, noncaffeinated, nonsalty beverage each hour.
• Avoid the salty snacks so many airlines like to provide. (Remember, it’s probably a good idea to bring some healthy snacks of your own along for the flight)
• Order a special meal. Standard airline fare is notorious, but you can request low- salt, low-fat, vegetarian, kosher, or diabetic-designed meals at least 24 hours in advance.
• If you tend to have ear problems on ascent or descent, or if you’re suffering from congestion, consider taking a decongestant beforehand and an hour before landing if the flight lasts longer than the duration of the medicine. Nasal sprays also may be helpful. Even if you’re having a good ear day, chew gum or swallow often to equalize the pressure; this problem is easier to solve before it becomes severe.
• Take good care of yourself before and after your trip. Exercise and a healthful diet- especially one rich in antioxidant vitamins such as vitamins C and E and beta carotene-will help protect you against both the unusual concentration of infectious agents in a crowded passenger compartment and the higher than normal radiation levels at altitude.

AdvoCare’s Breakfast bars (Apple Cinnamon, Berry) and Fruit & Fiber Bar make great, healthy snacks to take with you in your carry on bag while you’re on the plane or stuck at the airport.

Even if you don’t sit in First Class, you can pamper yourself with first-class treatment.

Follow these tips, and you’re in for much happier landings.