Xtend-Life Blog

We are extending the Win Your Order Back promotion

Xtend-Life — Mon, 06 May 2013 02:23:00 GMT

Last December we announced two promotions to thank our loyal customers from all over the world for their incredible support.

The first promotion featured a Grand Prize of free return flights for two to Christchurch, New Zealand from any part of the world to participate in the Global Headquarters opening ceremony plus a free accommodation in Christchurch for a week. I am delighted to tell you that we had a pleasure of having Bill and Eithna from Longford, Ireland – the winners of this prize – as our esteemed guests at our opening ceremony on 19th of April.

I was also able to enjoy their company for dinner during the week they were with us.

Bill had a few words to say which were recorded on video which is on a link on an adjoining blog post following up the post I did on the opening recently.

Here you can see Bill and Eithna during a tour of our new facility, wearing protective gowns and hairnets that everyone needs to wear to help us ensure product purity and quality.

You may recollect that when we ran the promotion for the all expenses trip to New Zealand we also ran a series of monthly prize draws with two winners each month. How it worked was that every time you placed an order while the promotion is running you would get a chance to win the price of this order back. While every customer has a chance to win in these promotions, our Loyalty Program members doubled their chances as each purchase gave two chances of winning instead of one.

This specific promotion expired on the last day of April – but because we have had such a lot of great positive comments from our customers, we’ve decided to extend this promotion! It will now run until the end of this year. The official rules are here.

Good luck and good health

Video of our Opening Ceremony

Xtend-Life — Thu, 02 May 2013 01:07:39 GMT

I thought that our readers may like to see a short video of our opening of our new Global Headquarters in Christchurch, New Zealand.

So, here it is...

Once again my deepest thanks to all of our Xtend-Life family which includes all our staff, our many loyal customers and friends all of whom helped in some way to make this become a reality.

Xtend-Life Opens It’s New Global Facilities...

Xtend-Life — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 22:04:00 GMT

On the 22nd February 2011 as many of our customers know we had a major earthquake in Christchurch, New Zealand where our facilities are based. Our factory suffered significant damage but fortunately after some repairs we were able to resume operations. However, extra strengthening and other structural repairs were needed to ensure the building remained safe in the long term for our staff working in it.

This remedial work was only temporary as it was not viable to do a total repair. This triggered off a process for looking for suitable land on which to design a purpose built facility that could house not only our factory, warehouse and QA staff but also our Distribution, , , IT, Marketing, Customer Relations and general administration teams.

At that time we were in four separate buildings and part of our longer term planning was to get all departments under one roof. That has now happened and in a word...we are all...delighted.

It is a major turning point for us and indirectly all our loyal customers throughout the world. We can now compete with the best in the world when it comes to state of the art facilities and we are now in that very small percentage of manufacturers in this industry whose manufacturing facilities and processes can stand the most rigorous inspection.

The leading photo in this post is of the new building with our New Zealand staff. All of these people have played a part in making this project a success. The opening was officiated by the Mayor and Mayoress of Christchurch. Within a couple of days we will post up a video which covers some of the highlights of the event.

Around 100 visitors attended the opening including a couple from Ireland who won the prize for the free trip to New Zealand to be present. My best wishes to all those people who participated but sadly missed out. We will have more about the winners later. For the moment they are included in the video which you will see shortly.

I should explain what the following photos are about.

The first one is ‘redressing’ after coming out from the tour of the factory. You may wonder why we are laughing...it is because I had almost finished putting on the Mayors jacket until the Mayoress pointed it out.

Another photo is after the Mayor had finished addressing the gathering and we were unveiling the plaque.

Then there is a photo in front of the building with the Mayor and Mayoress along with the Xtend-Life Executive Management Team which we call EMT. From left to right is Kane Matthews our Finance Director, then William Malek who is based in Thailand and who is an international strategic consultant, John Cooper our General Manager – International Operations, the Mayor Bob Parker, the Mayoress Jo Nicholls-Parker, myself and Will Parker (no relation to the Mayor), our General Manager - E-Commerce & Innovation.

The last photo is where we plan the strategic direction of Xtend-Life.

Now we are settled in the new facility we are going to start preparing a video tour so you can become more familiar with everyone who helps ensure that we can provide you with the best possible products...and how we do it so you can continue to take them with confidence.

What are the Early Signs of Arthritis?

Xtend-Life — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 03:18:43 GMT

The term “arthritis” simply means “joint inflammation.” Inflammation is the body’s natural reaction to injury or disease. If it persists for a prolonged period of time, inflammation can lead to tissue damage, as in arthritis.

Your joints are places where two or more bones meet. Many bones form joints which are covered with a spongy, fibrous material called cartilage. This material cushions the bone, allows free movement of the joint, and stabilizes the joint.

Also, there is a lining of the joint called the synovium, a thin film of tissue that produces slippery fluid to nourish the joint and ease movement. With arthritis, the structures of the joint are inflamed and diseased, causing pain and stiffness.

Types of Arthritis

There are over 100 different kinds of arthritis, but the two most common types are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Osteoarthritis – This type of arthritis occurs when the cartilage of a joint wears away. Without the protection, bones rub against each other leading to swelling and pain. Osteoarthritis can occur in almost any joint, and as the cartilage breaks down and degenerates with age and overuse, this disease develops.

Rheumatoid Arthritis – This kind of arthritis is a long-lasting, chronic disorder that results in deformities of the joints. With rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues, usually the thin membrane that lines the joints, leading to joint swelling and inflammation. The cartilage and bone is damaged as well as the surrounding joint tissues.

Arthritis Symptoms

Because there are many different types of arthritis, there are also many varying symptoms. Most osteoarthritis causes pain, joint stiffness, and limited mobility. With rheumatoid arthritis, however, the symptoms affect more than just the joint. People with this type of arthritis have fatigue, fever, rashes as well as joint redness, tenderness, stiffness, and swelling.

Early Signs and Symptoms

Some of the early signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis are joint pain, stiffness of the joint, and a decrease in joint range of movement. Later osteoarthritis signs and symptoms include tenderness and swelling of the joint, loss of movement, and Herberden’s nodes. Herberden’s nodes are hard, bony nodules that form on the end of the finger joint. They are due to formation of calcific spurs.

For rheumatoid arthritis, the early symptoms and signs include morning joint stiffness, tender and swollen joints, fatigue, weight loss, and decreased joint mobility. As rheumatoid arthritis progresses, expect to have loss of joint function, severe deformities, large Bouchard’s nodules, and grinding sensations with movement.

Bouchard’s nodes are gelantinous cysts and bony growths on the middle joints of the fingers and toes.

*For more information on Arthritis following on here from Andrei's article, what causes it, and what are some other signs and symptoms, please go to this link on our site Arthritis Information

References:

MayoClinic.com (2013). Rheumatoid arthritis. Retrieved from: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/rheumatoid-arthritis/DS00020/DSECTION=symptoms

Van der Horst, I.E. et al. (1998). Diagnosis and course of early-onset arthritis: results of a special early arthritis clinic compared to routine patient care. Rheumatology, 37(10): 1084 – 1088.

Visser, H. et al. (2002). How to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis early: A prediction model for persistent (erosive) arthritis. Arthritis and Rheumatism, 46(2): 357 – 365. DOI: 10.1002/art.10117

How to Choose An Eye Cream Or Eye Serum

Xtend-Life — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 04:15:47 GMT

With so many eye creams on the market today, it can be hard to tell the good from the bad.

The skin around our eyes is 80% thinner than the skin on the rest of our face, so it is only natural that this is where the first signs of dryness and wrinkling will occur. Add to that the modern day burdens of late nights, pollution and time-stress, and it soon becomes apparent on our faces – particularly in the eye area.

So what should we look for when considering an eye cream or eye serum?

Firstly we need to be aware of our particular eye issues.

•    Are my eyes puffy?
•    Do I have bags under my eyes?
•    Are there fine lines?
•    Do I have discoloration or age spots?

• Do I have lines caused by habitual frowning or concentration?

Now, besides the obvious lifestyle considerations, what causes these things?

• Loss of collagen and elastin;
• Lower levels of hyaluronic acid; and

• Oxidation through the action of free radicals.

Armed with this knowledge, the next thing we need to understand is what the common ingredients in eye creams are, and how they work. For example, if you’re concerned with tiny lines, you will need a product that focuses on hydrating your skin.

An ingredient you will probably see in many eye creams for this purpose is hyaluronic acid – a carbohydrate which maintains moisture levels within the dermis. However clinical trials have proven that simply rubbing this ingredient into our skin is not overly effective. What we really need is a way to help maintain a higher level of hyaluronic acid naturally.

Phytessence Wakame (an extract from sea kelp) inhibits a harmful enzyme (hyaluronidase) from breaking down hyaluronic acid in our skin. Eye creams containing Phytessence Wakame gradually increase hyaluronic acid to levels normally found in young skin.

Another ingredient found in almost every anti-aging cream and eye serum on the market is collagen and elastin. Collagen helps our skin grow and repair itself, while elastin keeps skin flexible and supple. But once again, simply rubbing these proteins into our skin is not going to work.

Another protein called keratin has the ability to stimulate collagen and elastin regrowth and furthermore, innovative skincare ingredient formulators have found a way to convert natural keratin into a form (bio-keratin) that is easily absorbed through the skin.

Understanding these active ingredients and how they work is crucial, but keep in mind the best eye creams also contain high-quality supportive ingredients such as Manuka Honey, Shea Butter, Avocado Oil and other emollients.

So at the end of the day, how do you know if you’ve chosen the best eye cream? Well the proof is you should notice a difference within a few weeks of starting. When you look in the mirror, you’ll see those dark circles and wrinkles progressively getting smaller and smaller!

*If you are in the market for a high quality eye contour serum that contains the ingredients outlined in the article, please go to this page Eye Contour Serum

Can You Treat Age Spots Naturally with Extrapone Nutgrass?

Xtend-Life — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 22:40:55 GMT

It is often the tiny humble looking plants that turn out to be the most extraordinary, either nutritionally or medicinally.

Extrapone Nutgrass is one of those plants.

Native to China and India, this small grassy plant has been used for thousands of years as a natural skin whitener and as a natural way to lighten the skin. This is due to its melanin inhibiting qualities. However, Nutgrass doesn’t just lighten and remove freckles and age spots; it can also help even the skin tone, resulting in a more balanced complexion.

Extrapone Nutgrass, also known as Cyperus Rotundus, contains several pharmacologically active ingredients, including β-pinene, cyperene, α-cyperone, β-cyperone and α-cyperol. It also contains alkaloids, flavonoids and triterpenes. It is not toxic.

So what are age spots and how does Extrapone Nutgrass work?
What we have come to know as ‘age spots’ are actually small areas of sun-damaged skin. Exposure to ultraviolet rays damages our skin cells and after prolonged & repeated exposure, our skin defence system short-circuits and produces what is known as melanin hyper-pigmentation. A similar mechanism also causes people with pale, sun-sensitive skin to develop freckles and those with olive skin – to develop a tan.

As we get older, our skin’s ability to repair itself diminishes so we need the support of a good quality, skincare cream to support the skin and ward off uneven pigmentation.

The Indian and Chinese people have known for centuries that the rejuvenating qualities of Extrapone Nutgrass are not just cosmetic. Extrapone Nutgrass actually contains anti-aging properties for the skin. However, to activate these properties, Nutgrass creams must contain a powdered extract of the roots, prepared in water and glycerine. In this form the effect of the nutgrass root is enhanced.

So what’s the catch? There isn’t one. Except we must remember, no matter how effective a nutgrass cream may be in warding off the effects of exposure, or aging - to get the most out of any skincare product, we should avoid basking in the sun, never use tanning beds, eat a nutritious diet and get plenty of rest.

*Xtend-Life’s Natural Whitening Day Cream contains high-quality Extrapone Nutgrass Root, you can view it this product at this link here Whitening Day Cream

Diabet-Eze Becomes Systemic Care

Xtend-Life — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 02:11:08 GMT

Same health benefits, new supplement name.

On 26th March 2013 one of our popular supplements, Diabet-Eze will be changing to a new name: Systemic Care.

Why the need to change?

Our supplements are made from our R&D and manufacturing base in Christchurch, New Zealand and are sold to customers right around the world. As you can imagine, every country has different rules and regulations around the way supplements can be sold and the names that can be used.

In order to make the names more consistent and acceptable in all markets, we needed to make this change.

Rest assured it's only the names that is changing.

We want to assure you that it's only the name that is changing. The quality manufacturing process, the ingredients and most importantly the benefits for your health remain exactly the same.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our Customer Relations team at any time.

Does Taking Fish Oil Offer Benefits for People with Eczema?

Xtend-Life — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 01:56:57 GMT

Eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that causes blisters, crusting, and scaly skin rashes. Also called atopic dermatitis, eczema affects more than 80 million people worldwide. The skin itches and has thick, dry patches spread over it. Most eczema sufferers have itching that is unbearable.

Nutritional and dietary research studies have shown that fish oil with high content of Omega 3 DHA and EPA fatty acids has numerous benefits for people with eczema.

Eczema Symptoms
Young children typically have skin symptoms on the face, knees, and elbows. Adults have rashes in the same areas plus on the inside surfaces of the knees and elbows. The most common signs and symptoms of eczema include:
•   Redness and blistering
•   Dry, itchy skin
•   Leathery areas either lighter or darker than normal skin tone
•   Scaling and thickened skin
•   Oozing and crusting lesions

Eczema Causes
Skin disorder researchers are still investigating the causes of eczema, but believe that the condition is both hereditary and environmental. While you can’t change your genes, you can avoid certain allergens and skin irritants that make the disorder worse. These include temperature changes, excessive water exposure, and stress. The risk factors for eczema include a young age, living in a low-humidity climate, personal and family history, living in an urban area, and exposing skin to harsh conditions.

Fish Oil and Eczema: Research Findings
Nutritional researcher Dr. Horrobin [1] reviewed the clinical studies and medical reports on the relationship between eczema and omega-3 fatty acids. People with this common inherited skin condition were found to have low blood levels of essential fatty acids.

Administration of linoleic acid (a by-product of omega-3) was thought to improve eczema, particularly by eliminating skin roughness. Dr. Horrobin concluded that atopic dermatitis and eczema could be a minor inherited abnormality of essential fatty acid metabolism.

A team of researchers headed by Dr. Morse [2] studied gamma-linolenic acid in the form of primrose oil because it was thought to treat eczema symptoms. Several trials were conducted at different research centers. The doctors rated the patients according to severity of eczema. These nutritional experts found that there was a positive association between a rise in essential fatty acid levels and improvement of eczema.

Another study reported in a Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center article [3] found that people taking fish oil had a remarkable reduction in eczema symptoms after 12 weeks of therapy. The dietary experts think that this was due to a reduction of leukotriene B4, an inflammatory substance that plays a role in eczema and that fish oil helps eczema sufferers by cutting down the amount of leukotriene B4 bloodstream.

German researchers, whose work was published in the British Journal of Dermatology (reported by The Telegraph [4)], gave 44 patients with atopic eczema aged between 18- and 40-years-old daily tablets of either 5.7g Omega 3 supplements or placebos for eight weeks.

Those on the supplements recorded an average 18 per cent reduction in their symptoms, measured on a standard scale known as Severity Scoring of Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD), by the end of the trial.

How exactly does fish oil benefit eczema patients?

The body does not produce its own omega-3 fatty acids and relies on other sources. Because fish oil rich in omega-3s reduces swelling, pain, and inflammation, experts believe it also reduces the inflammatory changes associated with eczema.

When you eat fish or consume fish oil, it benefits the body with anti-inflammatory benefits. The three most important fatty acids in fish oil are docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), eicosapentanoic acid (EPA), and linolenic acid. All three substances are thought to be key factors in diminishing the discomfort caused by eczema.

The human body needs both DHA and EPA. DHA can be easily converted by the body to EPA; on the other hand it is very difficult for the body to convert EPA to DHA. If the body needs more EPA it can easily get it from DHA so that has always been the main rationale for going to the extra effort and focusing on DHA in Xtend-Life Omega 3 fish oil supplements.

References:
[1] Horrobin, D. (2000).Essential fatty acid metabolism and its modification in atopic eczema. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 71(1): 367 - 372.

[2] Morse, P.F. et al. (1996). Meta-analysis of placebo-controlled studies of the efficacy of Epogam in the treatment of atopic eczema. Relationship between plasma essential fatty acid changes and clinical response. British Journal of Dermatology, 121(1): 75 – 90.

[3] http://pennstatehershey.adam.com/content.aspx?productId=107&pid=33&gid=000054

[4] http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/science-news/3337461/Omega-3-can-help-eczema.html

Date Set For Our Global Headquarters Opening. You May Be On A Plane Soon!

Xtend-Life — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 23:59:14 GMT

In December I posted an entry on our blog about the two promotions we're running to show our appreciation for the incredible support we are receiving from our loyal customers and to celebrate the move into our new Global Headquarters.

As you may recall, I mentioned that "we are right on track for an official opening to be held in April 2013"…well, I can now confirm that the project is being successfully completed and that the official opening will be held on Friday, 19th April.

Many of you have supported us for many years and will now automatically get dozens of entries into the draw for the grand prize - return flights for two to Christchurch, New Zealand to participate in the Global Headquarters opening ceremony, plus free accommodation in Christchurch for a week.

As explained in my previous post, while every customer has a chance to win, our loyal customers will have a higher chance of winning. If this is the first time you've heard about the grand prize, here's a quick explanation of how it'll work:

Any customer who places at least one order while the promotion is running will get one chance to win the prize for each order ever placed...even years before the promotion started. For Loyalty Program orders this will be doubled: two chances to win the prize for each Loyalty Program order ever placed.

However, that's just one of the two promotions…we're also running a parallel promotion allowing a total of 10 people to win the value of their order back. This promotion runs through until the end of April this year.

On behalf of the Xtend-Life team, I would like to personally thank all of our customers for their continued support. Our new Global Headquarters will herald a new chapter in the company's history and it's all thanks to you, our customers, who have enabled us to take Xtend-Life to the next level. I look forward to celebrating the official opening with the Grand Prize winners.

PS: The official opening is just over a month away and everyone has a chance to win, so be sure to check that your passport is up-to-date and that you can travel between the dates mentioned in the promotion's rules and conditions.

PPS: Good luck!

What Skincare Manufacturers Aren’t Telling You About Products Containing Collagen

Xtend-Life — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 23:16:52 GMT

As we get older we tend to gravitate towards skincare products that nourish and replenish the skin - and let’s face it – help to reduce the appearance of fine lines.

One of the first things we’ve been taught to look for in a product is the presence of collagen and elastin. These two very important proteins have enjoyed a well-established reputation as the guardians of youthful skin.

However, what many of us haven’t been told is the collagen and elastin proteins used in most skin care products are too large to be absorbed through the skin. What we really need are products that stimulate the production of new collagen and elastin proteins within the dermis, or outer layer of skin.

Before we consider the key ingredient required to achieve this regrowth effect, it’s important to note just how important collagen and elastin production is when it comes to the health and appearance of our skin.

What Is Collagen?

Collagen is one of the most plentiful proteins in the human body and is known as the glue that holds everything together. It connects and supports bodily tissues such as skin, bone, tendons, cartilage and muscle.

There are many types of collagen proteins - some responsible for growth, others for repair. Over the course of our lives different types of collagen come to the fore – but by age 65, all types of collagen are dramatically reduced.

What Is Elastin?

Elastin is another protein found in skin and tissue, helping to keep skin flexible and smooth as it stretches to accommodate normal activities like walking, lifting, talking and eating. When we flex our limbs or pull our skin in any way, it’s elastin that returns our skin to its proper shape.

Collagen works together with elastin, which is why most collagen creams contain elastin too. But as useful as these naturally-occurring proteins are, if they can’t be absorbed through the skin – their presence in skincare products is useless.

How Can We Stimulate Our Own Supply Of Collagen And Elastin?

Leading dermatologists in New Zealand have found that it is actually another protein called keratin that has the ability to stimulate collagen and elastin production and furthermore they have found a way to convert natural keratin into a form that is easily absorbed through the skin.

Based on this remarkable research, Xtend Life’s skincare range contains a key ingredient known as Xtend TK*, which includes bio-keratin - clinically proven to stimulate not only the production of both collagen and elastin, but also the production of new skin cells – leading to healthier, radiant-looking skin.

In addition to any clinically-proven skincare product or supplement, it’s important to remember that many lifestyle factors also influence the performance of collagen in our bodies, so we must ensure that our health regime includes a nourishing diet, regular exercise and ample rest – if we are to obtain the maximum benefits possible.

*To find out more about the remarkable properties of Xtend TK, click here.

Natural Supplements and Skincare: an Update for Smokers

Xtend-Life — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 03:26:28 GMT

An article we published some time ago about smoking (http://www.xtend-life.com/Blog/11-09-21/The_Health_Benefits_of_Smoking.aspx) has generated a lot of interest. We continue to get questions about smoking and how our supplements and skincare products could benefit smokers or people who have smoked, so we’ve decided to do an update for you.

We know that smoking is the number one cause of preventable diseases and deaths worldwide and that has again been confirmed in the latest studies of the American Lung Association (http://www.lung.org/stop-smoking/about-smoking/health-effects/smoking.html).

Smoking is associated with a number of serious health issues in both men and women and harms almost every organ in the human body especially the heart and lungs. Less known health issues caused by smoking include but are not limited to the following: wrinkles, premature aging and even skin deterioration diseases including skin cancer and psoriasis.

Some other recent medical studies into the effects and mechanisms of smoking are covered below.

Smoking: the Leading Reason for Male Impotence and Sexual Problems

Male smokers are susceptible to impotency due to tobacco usage. Smoking has a direct effect on the coronary artery by narrowing the arterial blood and reducing the blood stream to other organs. The causes for impotence (http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hc-ps/tobac-tabac/body-corps/disease-maladie/infertilit-eng.php#a2) may vary, but smoking is considered the major factor leading to sexual problems in men. To add more, it reduces the level of ejaculation and it influences the formation of sperm.

Sperm concentration, motility and morphology are also affected. Tobacco smokers show abnormal hormone levels, which have a negative impact on the fertility level. The good news is that, according to the study, it is possible to fully or partially recover erectile function by just quitting smoking and men who have reported losing their erections before orgasm have completely reversed this situation by quitting smoking.

Quitting Smoking Is Harder for Women in Comparison to Men

Studies show that women have a harder time in quitting smoking (http://archpsyc.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=1151055 ) in comparison to men. Even though the emotional and the habitual aspects of smoking are not related to nicotine itself, the psychological factors turn cigarettes into a stronger addiction. The findings are important because they show a difference in the main type of treatment for women smokers such as replacing nicotine with behavioral therapies, exercise and relaxation techniques.

Smoking Can Damage Women’s Health in Unique Ways

Women are more vulnerable to tobacco carcinogens and the cancer-causing effects of smoking (http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090503082340.htm), according to a study shown at the European Multidisciplinary Conference in Thoracic Oncology (EMCTO). The many dangerous risks of smoking affect both genders, but men and women do face some type of unique effects (http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736%2811%2960781-2/fulltext#article_upsell).

When it comes to women, studies have shown that female smokers have increased risks of developing cardiovascular diseases, especially when combined with oral contraceptive (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2204902). Smoking also leads to cervical cancer, early menopause and bone fractures. The effects of tobacco inhalation show early damage to skin, leading to premature wrinkles, high skin sensitivity and even skin cancer. Smoking affects the skin (http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/healthandlifestyle/how-smoking-affects-skin-health/205) by decreasing the capillary and the arteriolar blood flow, damaging the tissues that are responsible for maintaining elasticity.

The values of collagen and elastin in the skin tissues are modified by substances found in tobacco cigarettes, leading to wrinkles and even to the slowdown of wound healing and tissue recovery. Not only that, but effects are also visible in terms of skin color and skin tone, in psoriasis, skin lesions and skin carcinoma. Smoking also doubles women’s risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. Nicotine leads to irregular heartbeats, causing sudden cardiac problems.

An early conclusion can be that female smokers are more vulnerable to these risks even in terms of social smoking or passive smoking in comparison to women who do not smoke and do not expose themselves to smoke at all.

New Studies Show the Benefits of Supplements for Smokers

Nicotine transforms smoke cessation into an extremely difficult goal. And although quitting smoking is the most recommended solution, those who don’t, have to at least support their health with relevant supplement and skincare products as well as regular exercise.

Men concerned about sexual problems caused by smoking would benefit from supplements such as Male Rejuvenator and Omega 3 fish oil products (Omega 3 Fish Oil Supplements) and Total Balance Men's The fish oil has anti-inflammatory features, common in oxidative stress (http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/Research/CoQ10-may-boost-semen-parameters-Study/ ) within the body.

And the effective blend of nutrients for men in Total Balance may promote a healthy, balanced level of testosterone in the male body

Women who smoke would benefit from the Omega 3/QH Ultra supplement. The ingredients contained in this supplement help maintain healthy cardiovascular system as this study is showing (http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/Research/CoQ10-can-boost-heart-function-in-heart-failure-patients-Meta-analysis/ ).. Astaxanthin, an ingredient which is included in our Omega3 Premium & Omega3 QH Ultra, also provides significant skin benefits: it increases the skin moisture while reducing the appearance of wrinkles.

Benefits Of A Proper Skincare Regimen For Smokers

Quitting smoking is the best way to arrest or avoid the visible signs of aging caused by smoking. But if that is not possible, then a proper skincare regimen will delay the onset of wrinkles and skin deterioration. A Day Cream that boost elastin and collagen regrowth in the skin is ideal for protecting the skin from wrinkles and fine lines during the day.

Ingredients like Xtend-TK, found in Age Defense Active Day Cream for women and Age Defense Active Facial Fluid for men, protect against such aging of the skin. Nano-Lipobelle H EQ10, found in the Women’s Night Cream and the Body Lotions for Men and Women, is a special ‘nano-emulsion’ form of CoenzymeQ10, which penetrates deeply into your skin. It has been shown in scientific studies to produce quite a dramatic anti-wrinkle effect. This is due to its ability to increase collagen and elastin production in the skin.

Eyeliss™ along with Halyoxl™ present in Eye Contour serum for men and women, contains peptides - small fragments of proteins, which are a vital part of the skin, and they affect collagen production and other vital skin functions and help reduce wrinkles from around the eyes as well as dark circles and puffiness.

All these ingredients and products help minimize the effects of smoking.

Congratulations to Our January Prize Draw Winners!

Xtend-Life — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 01:34:37 GMT

We have just done two prize draws. The first draw was for the "Win Your Order Back" promotion for December (all entries also automatically went into the "Win Free Flights to New Zealand" promotion; you can read about both here) .

The second draw was for a $100 prize. The entries were selected from our newsletter subscribers who took the survey published in our January newsletter issue.

Watch Kane, our Finance Director, and Chris, our IT Manager, do the draw:

We congratulate the winners and will contact them shortly.

Our next draw will be held in February, with March, April and May draws to follow. Good luck to all!

FDA Recognizes New Zealand as Having a Comparable Food Safety System

Xtend-Life — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 04:35:04 GMT

On December 10, 2012 the US FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and the New Zealand Government signed an agreement in which the FDA recognizes New Zealand's food safety systems to be comparable to its own. The Food Safety Systems Recognition Arrangement was signed at a meeting in Washington DC by delegations from the NZ Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) and FDA. It covers all foods and animal feeds regulated by the FDA, including nutritional supplements such as those created by Xtend-Life.

History was made that day-never before has the FDA recognized the food safety system of a foreign country.

On the photo: Ministry for Primary Industries Deputy Director General Standards Carol Barnao (left) and US Food and Drug Administration Deputy Commissioner for Food Michael R. Taylor sign a systems recognition agreement at a meeting in Washington DC.

Why is such an agreement so momentous?

It's simply not possible for a country's border control to scrutinize every food product brought into the country, or to inspect the premises of every foreign manufacturer. So how do countries such as the US and NZ more optimally ensure the safety of imported foods? Answer: By strengthening the global food safety net through closer collaboration with regulators around the world.

The US - New Zealand agreement was achieved after years of inspector training, procedures for identifying and responding to food safety issues, and legal authority, to name a few. With assurances of the quality of these in place, border inspectors can now use these assurances to assist decision making and risk assessment. To illustrate, inspectors can determine that the risk from items imported from a partner country is sufficiently low that they do not need to scrutinize each item. Instead, they can dedicate time and costs to imports that present a higher risk.

The agreement also prevents the duplication of effort on both sides, even saving costs to manufacturers. When the process is more streamlined, the potential regulatory burden for traded foods is lessened, and costs are lowered; goods offered by manufacturers in partner countries will appear more attractive to importers. So more business opportunities can be anticipated.

How does it apply to Xtend-Life supplement products?

Dietary supplements developed and manufactured in New Zealand are covered by this country's food safety system, including relevant laws and regulations, inspection programs, compliance and enforcement, and laboratory support.

Xtend-Life fully meets all requirements of the New Zealand food safety system and now, by default, all the requirements of the US FDA. For example, every year, Xtend-Life undergoes a full "Quality and Production Facility Audit" by Asurequality, a New Zealand Government agency. Following our most recent audit, Asurequality concluded that the cleanliness of our factory and the practices of our staff were highly commendable. Our systems, from receipt of ingredients to release of finished product, were excellent. The auditor also commented that the traceability (a very important factor in ensuring a high quality of finished products) was very well managed. The audit confirmed that our products were safe to consume under New Zealand Food Safety law, and are therefore safe to sell to our customers all over the world.

What about skin care products?

Although skin care products are not monitored as stringently as supplements are, Xtend-Life recognizes that any products applied to the skin will be absorbed by the body. For this reason, Xtend-Life develops skin care products by the same standards that we do our supplements, including formulation, ingredients, and manufacturing.

You can learn more here:

NZ food safety recognition by United States momentous (MPI news release)

A New Partnership with New Zealand (FDA blog)

Arthrit-Eze Becomes Not Just Joints

Xtend-Life — Mon, 21 Jan 2013 05:58:46 GMT

Same health benefits, new supplement name.

On 21st January 2013 one of our popular supplements, Arthrit-Eze will be changing to a new name: Not Just Joints.

Why the need to change?

In order to make the names more consistent and acceptable in all markets, we needed to make this change.

The new name also reflects that this 'power-combo' of specific nutrients is formulated to support the health of your joints as well as muscles, tissues, other organs and systems of your body.

Rest assured it's only the names that is changing.

We want to assure you that it's only the name that is changing. The quality manufacturing process, the ingredients and most importantly the benefits for your health remain exactly the same.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our Customer Relations team at any time.

Same Health Benefits, New Names

Xtend-Life — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 01:09:47 GMT

Two of our popular supplements, Viral-Protec and Cholest-Natural will be changing to new names:

Viral-Protec becomes Immu-Stay; and

Cholest-Natural becomes Lipi-Rite

Why the need to change?

Our supplements are made from our R&D and manufacturing base in Christchurch, New Zealand and are sold into markets right around the world. As you can imagine, every market has different rules and regulations around the way supplements can be sold and the names that can be used.

In order to make the names more consistent and acceptable in all markets, we needed to make this change.

Rest assured it's only the names that are changing

We want to assure you that it's only the names that are changing. The quality manufacturing process, the ingredients and most importantly the benefits for your health remain exactly the same.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our Customer Relations team at any time.

Taking Omega-3 Fish Oil May Lower the Risk of Postpartum Depression for Pregnant Women

Xtend-Life — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 21:42:54 GMT

This is a true story told me by a friend and Xtend-Life customer... Australian couple Sandy and Derek had been trying to have a baby for over three years, so when their first child Justin was conceived they were thrilled. Sandy's pregnancy was relatively uneventful, but after a difficult delivery which resulted in an emergency caesarean, Sandy found the demands of new motherhood overwhelming.

Friends and family reassured her that her feelings of fatigue, melancholy and helplessness were natural. "It's just your hormones" they said, "don't worry, it'll fix itself." But Sandy found herself sinking deeper and deeper into the grey fog of depression.

Faced with the grim reality of getting through each day, Sandy sought help from her doctor who suggested some relaxation techniques and prescribed anti-depressants as a treatment for depression. Eventually Sandy recovered, but the experience left her feeling anxious about having another child.

Unfortunately, Sandy's story is not uncommon. Women are most vulnerable to depression during their childbearing years and the birth of a child can trigger an episode of Postpartum Depression (also known as Postnatal Depression).

Left untreated, the symptoms of Postpartum Depression can last for months, even years, interfering with the bond between mother and child and leading to the diminished health of both.

A recent study, published in the Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, suggests increasing the intake of Omega-3 Fatty Acids during and after pregnancy, may help to prevent Postpartum Depression in vulnerable women.

A team of psychiatrists, led by Dr Shapiro from the University of Montreal in Canada, examined the findings of 75 previous studies in Postpartum Depression, to identify emerging risk factors associated with the illness.

The literature suggested a combination of two major risk factors may be involved:

The intake of Omega-3 Fatty Acids during and after pregnancy; and
A serotonin transporter gene known as 5-HTT (serotonin is a mood-regulating neurotransmitter).

What they identified was a possible relationship between pregnancy, the intake of Omega-3 Fatty Acids and a chemical reaction in the brain responsible for mood regulation. Basically, those women who had less Omega-3 Fatty Acids in their system had a reduced capacity to transport serotonin throughout their brain, resulting in a higher risk of developing Postpartum Depression.

"Omega-3 is transferred from the mother to her foetus and later to her breastfeeding infant. Maternal Omega-3 levels decrease during pregnancy and remain lowered for at least six-weeks after birth," Dr Shapiro said.

So what does this mean for women like Sandy? Dr Shapiro suggests that while the initial findings require further investigation, there is evidence to suggest pregnant women would benefit from bringing their intake of Omega-3 up to recommended levels, as a precautionary measure.

Source: Canadian Journal of Psychiatry Volume 57, Number 11, Pages 704-712, doi: "Emerging Risk Factors for Postpartum Depression: Serotonin Transporter Genotype and Omega-3 Fatty Acid Status" Authors: Gabriel D Shapiro, William D Fraser, Jean R Seguin Abstract available at http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23149286

* Omega-3 is naturally found in fish and some other food. However a good quality Omega-3 fish oil supplement is the best way to ensure dietary intake is adequate, particularly during periods of high demand such as pregnancy and after childbirth.

Promotions to Say Thank You

Xtend-Life — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 02:47:51 GMT

If you have been following this blog and reading our newsletter, you may recall that we are currently building new offices a short distance from our current premises. We are making excellent progress in getting the new building completed...in fact, we are right on track for an official opening to be held in April 2013. It will definitely be a huge milestone in Xtend-Life's history.

This has only been made possible because of the incredible support we've always had from you - our loyal customers from all over the world.

To show our appreciation for this support and as part of celebrating the move into our new global headquarters, we are starting two promotions.

The first promotion will offer you a chance to win free return flights for two to Christchurch, New Zealand from any part of the world to participate in the Global Headquarters opening ceremony plus a free accommodation in Christchurch for a week.

While every customer has a chance to win, our loyal customers will have a greater chance to win. Many of you have supported us for years and will now automatically get dozens of entries into the prize draw. This is how it works:

Here's an example...if you placed two orders before joining our Loyalty Program and further two orders after joining the program, you will get a total of six entries into the prize draw.

The second promotion is a series of monthly prize draws with two winners each month. Any customer who places an order while the promotion is running will get a chance to win the price of their order back. Again, this will be doubled for Loyalty Program orders - each of those will give you two automatic entries into the prize draw. There is no restriction on the number of entries that may be earned in any month.

Our second promotion increases the chances of winning a prize for everyone, and as with our first promotion, our most loyal customers will have higher chances of winning.

You can read the full rules and conditions here: "Win Free Flights to New Zealand" promotion rules, "Win Your Order Back" promotion rules.

I am excited about these two promotions giving us a way to thank you. The whole Xtend-Life team and I look forward to congratulating all prize winners and welcoming the first promotion winners to our new Global Headquarters and sharing with them our plans for the new chapter in the company's history.

Health Highlights: Why Women Need Testosterone too

Xtend-Life — Wed, 05 Dec 2012 21:47:48 GMT

Testosterone, also known as the male hormone has always been associated with manhood, potency, power, bodybuilding, fitness training and supplementation for muscle growth. The majority of people might think there isn't anything new here, but there is more to it than meets the eye. Testosterone is made naturally by women too (albeit in much smaller doses compared to men), so women also need to be aware of its benefits. Here are a series of health highlights as to why women should also show interest in testosterone.

Psychological Effects Of Testosterone Deficiency

Effects On All-Age Women

Testosterone has different effects on men in comparison to women. From a psychological point of view, it helps men with energy levels and builds up their self-esteem. For women it contributes to libido and sexual desire. This is actually extremely beneficial for the female mind, mainly because it may, in turn, help to fight back frustrations, meaning an improved sexual response. Both physical and psychological issues can limit the sexual response of the female body leading to women who may rarely or never have an orgasm. It is likely to conclude therefore that improved sexual activity and awareness comes with tremendous positive benefits.

Significant drops in testosterone, coupled with a general imbalance of both male and female hormonal levels, may also be linked to low self confidence, depression and even obesity. Taken separately, each of these aspects is harmful: while low self confidence leads to unsuccessful professional activities, depression also causes psychological trauma. Obesity itself implies a fight between a woman's looks and feels, not to mention the society bullying and judgmental surroundings. Any type of imbalance between body and mind can damage an individual's general state of well-being.

Aging Women: Post Menopause Testosterone Deficiency

Aging women struggle even more with testosterone deficiency. During menopause, the levels of testosterone in the female body tend to decrease along with the more commonly known imbalances in oestrogen and progesterone. This also happens during post-operatory situations of ovaries removal or Hysterectomy. This drop in testosterone (and female hormones), along with an increased risk of conditions such as osteoporosis, can put older women at greater risk of, for example, bone fracture. Older women suffering from testosterone deficiency may also experience breast tissue sensitivity and cardiovascular diseases.

Beneficial Effects Of Testosterone Rebalancing

The medical world supports the use of short-term testosterone supplementation for women with severe deficiencies or related conditions. Older women with osteoporosis and low testosterone, for example, may benefit from testosterone supplementation to help strengthen her bones and muscle mass. Or women who struggle with draining menstrual irregularities due to diagnosed testosterone deficiency. For women who take such supplementation it is also thought to improve concentration and memory, reduce irritability and depression, while also increasing the general state of well-being.

Solutions And Alternatives

Luckily, today's modern technology and scientific discoveries allow us to fear less the imminent severity of health conditions and gives us solutions and alternatives to fight back, in order to save or prevent pain and struggles.

Men have started taking testosterone supplements and vitamins - an example is the Male Rejuvenator - in order to increase their self-esteem, body image, concentration and erectile functions. Successful businessmen have shown increased testosterone levels, which leads to the conclusion that job performance and professional commitment is linked to energy levels and self confidence.

Women have also made their move in this direction. More women are drawn in by vitamins and supplements that are rich in Tribulus, an extract that naturally boosts and balances testosterone. An example would be the Female Rejuvenator, a product rich in Tribulus extract, which helps women increase their libido and sexual activity, generates energy by fighting fatigue and improves concentration and memory.

It is important to point out that the majority of women need a healthy natural testosterone level, not direct testosterone use. The aim of supplementation is to maintain and optimise natural function. Excessive direct testosterone intake by women could lead to excessive body hair growth, acne, and scalp baldness. It is all about balance. The Tribulus in Female Rejuvenator, for example, is part of a 'balance' of natural testosterone levels, along with the other ingredients for female hormonal balance. It doesn't 'pump' testosterone into the body, but helps to balance it naturally.

As a general conclusion, we can say that both younger and older women must take into consideration the effects testosterone deficiency has on their body and mind, alongside other hormonal imbalances. All there is left is to find the proper ways to fight any type of deficiency, in order to feel good, healthy and to maintain a positive reasoning. Female Rejuvenator, along with other of our supplements, may be a helpful step in this direction.

New study shows benefits of multi-vitamin supplements

Xtend-Life — Tue, 27 Nov 2012 23:51:23 GMT

A new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association has shown that taking multi-vitamin supplements may reduce the risk of cancer. The 14 year long study took place between 1997 and 2011 and had close to 15,000 participants. Compared with placebo, men taking a daily multivitamin had a statistically significant reduction in the incidence of total cancer. The study conclusion: "In this large prevention trial of male physicians, daily multivitamin supplementation modestly but significantly reduced the risk of total cancer."

The study was authored by researchers and practitioners working at Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, VA Boston Healthcare System, and Harvard School of Public Health.

A summary of the study is available at the National Institutes of Health web site.

Recovery from alcohol abuse

Xtend-Life — Sun, 25 Nov 2012 07:15:23 GMT

We've got a question asking us to recommend the best products to support recovery from long term alcohol abuse. Excessive drinking can cause major health problems. Every situation is different and we would encourage everyone to seek advice from a qualified medical professional, but numerous studies have confirmed that alcohol affects all major systems and organs of the body including:

immune system

bones and muscles

brain and nervous system

eyes and hearing

heart and blood pressure

digestive system

liver and kidneys

mental health

sexual and reproductive system (both men and women)

skin and hair

In other words, anyone recovering from long term alcohol abuse needs a steady source of vital nutrients supporting general health as well as those organs and systems that are most affected. A solid foundation for this can be put together with a product from out Total Balance range, an Omega 3 fish oil product, and Kiwi-Klenz. While this in itself will provide an exceptionally strong combination, specific needs may also need to be catered for with one or more of our specialty supplements.

Holiday Shipping

Xtend-Life — Thu, 22 Nov 2012 22:59:28 GMT

It is getting close to that time of year again when many of our customers world-wide celebrate Christmas and other holidays.

A large number of our customers send some of our products to family and friends as gifts. Sometimes because of delays in the mail, the packages may arrive late which could lead to disappointment.

We have checked with New Zealand Post as to the last day that we could ship packages and guarantee delivery by 25 December. These dates are:

USA, Canada, UK and other European countries, Asia/Pacific: 3rd December (NZ time) / December 2 (US time)
Australia: 10th December
All other countries: 30th November

If you have a regular scheduled order and you want to ensure that you have it before Christmas, please go into your account and adjust the shipping date just for your next order. Alternatively, contact one of our customer relations staff on customer.service@xtend-life.com and they will arrange it for you.

Our products promise and guarantee

Xtend-Life — Tue, 02 Oct 2012 03:40:00 GMT

Last week we have launched new packaging for our skincare products. This is another step on the journey of continuous improvement and we are very excited about this. As part of celebrating this launch, we've decided to enhance our 100% satisfaction program and increase the refund period.

If you have been following this blog you may have read the 5-part series of entries I did on Xtend-Life's manufacturing process. As many of our customers already know, we pride ourselves in manufacturing only the finest, purest, safest and most effective supplements and skincare products possible.

The series of articles I wrote were well received because it enabled our customers to get a better understanding of the processes we go through to ensure that our products are the best they can possibly be. We don't take any shortcuts. If you happened to have missed those blog entries please click here.

During the first half of next year we will becoming even more intimate with our customers because we are going to put together a video which will enable you to meet all the staff by 'walking' into their offices and standing by the equipment as the products are produced.

We do take great pride in our methodical and quality-driven approach. We can promise our customers confidence in the safety, efficacy, purity and overall quality of every batch of every product in our range.

Not only do we do testing of raw ingredients, we also test every single batch of every product that we produce. This testing is done specialist internationally certified laboratories. We regularly use 8 independent labs in the USA, New Zealand and Australia If any batch did not meet our very stringent specifications it would not be released.

Over the years, I've personally received hundreds of emails from customers who have commented on the benefits they have received by using our products and how they feel part of the Xtend-Life family.

If you are an existing customer you will know that we have always had a very fair refund policy. We always take out customer’s position on these matters. However, it is necessary to have an official policy with a time limit. This has previously been 6 months. We have now decided to double that period to a full year!

Basically this means that if for any reason you're not 100% happy with your purchase from us, simply send it back within a year of the purchase for a full refund. For full details…click here.

The reason why we have such a generous refund policy is that we do not want you to have any product from us which does not fully meet or exceed your expectations.

Changes to the Blog and newsletters

Xtend-Life — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT

A little over a month ago I mentioned in a blog entry ‘A Voyage’ that the blog posts from myself (and others) would be somewhat irregular for the next few months whilst I sail my boat to Thailand from New Zealand. Unfortunately I lost some time due to running into a storm between NZ and New Caledonia which has necessitated about three weeks of repairs.

These disruptions to my ‘normal’ program have prompted me to discuss with senior managements a plan to make some changes to the structure of the blog and the newsletter. The objective of these changes are to improve the relevance and variety of the blog posts and articles that we publish for you…whilst at the same time taking some of the pressure off me and ensuring regularity of postings.

One of the strategies to help us achieve this is to invite ‘outside’ contributors to submit articles and blog posts. We will have an editorial team to check any material that is published for accuracy so we can be sure that you are getting good information that you can use and rely on, as well as giving you some variety.

The guidelines for contributors will be prepared over the coming weeks along with the new structure. We won’t put a specific date on when these changes will take place as there is a lot of preparation work to be done.

Oh…we will also set up a personal blog for me on the company website so I can do personal posts on various things that I come across and which I think our readers may be interested in. Until then please bear with us during this period of irregular blog postings.

Thanks for your understanding.

The International Super Junk Foods...

Xtend-Life — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 22:22:52 GMT

Despite the media coverage that the US gets about its ever increasing obesity epidemic, it seems that the trend of eating ourselves to death is a worldwide problem. There are many international meals which have more trans fats and other potentially fatal ingredients than one would like to imagine.

America is known for its gigantic proportions and its junk food culture...there’s even a restaurant called the Heart Attack Grill. With the world focusing its attention the expanding waistlines of Americans, many other countries seemed to have flown under the ‘Fat Radar’.

These countries hail from all four corners of the globe and the meals that have originated from these countries are really scary indeed! This article on the Huffington Post website, reveals the ugly truth behind these meals. Some people believe that all Eastern cuisine is healthy (and most of the time this is true), however four of the culprits in this list originate from Asian cities.

My wife actually asked what I was reading about when she saw the dropped-lipped shocked expression on my face. She soon mirrored this expression when I showed her the article.

Take a deep breath and hold onto your stomach, here’s a list of the ‘meals’:

Foie Gras Poutine - If it wasn’t already Canada’s favorite junk food, poutine (an artery-clogging combo of french fries, gravy, and cheese) just got worse...with the addition of a rich thick slab of foie gras.

Hot Dog Wrapped in French Fries - In Seoul, South Korea, this junk food hardly seems fitting for the foodstalls that make up the city’s Myeongdong region. It’s basically a hot dog covered in batter and a layer of french fries. Don’t worry...it gets much worse! This crazy combination is then deep-fried and served on a stick to the poor person who actually paid money for it.

Pai Gu Nian Gao - Another Asian city, this time Shanghai. Pai Gu Nian Gao, which is a deep-fried pork chop served with a greasy rice cake and drowned in gravy (yes, it wasn’t a typo...gravy!), is one of the city’s most popular foods. In fact, it’s been around for more than 50 years now.

True Love Roast - Anyone heard of the turducken? It’s one bird stuffed with other birds smaller in size. At England’s Heal Farm, the turducken is called a True Love Roast (the name still baffles me) starts with a turkey on the outside. It’s then stuffed with a goose, then a chicken, then a pheasant, then an Aylesbury duck, then a Barbary duck, then a Poussin and guinea fowl. Oh yeah, it doesn’t stop there! The poultry list continues with a partridge and a pigeon squab, then a Mallard duck and finally a boned quail. I forgot to mention that each bird comes with its own flavored stuffing. Tipping the scales at an eye-watering 50,000 calories, the True Love Roast should be renamed to something more appropriate

Deep-Fried Pizza - Scotland is the land of deep-fried food...whether its chocolate or ice-cream, they love it. It should then come as no surprise that the Scots have perfected the junk food meal...a deep fried pizza! You can either have it drenched in batter first or go for the ‘healthier’ option and just deep-fry the pizza on its own. To top it off, you get fries with that...loads of them. In fact, if you don’t want them on the side, you could always ask to have them shoved into the deep fried pizza. Yes I’m serious, people actually do this!

How’s the stomach feeling? How are you holding up? Take a few more breaths, sip some water and let’s carry on...

Foie Gras Burger - Who thought Japan was the land of just sushi and sashimi? Nope, there’s loads of different restaurants and menus throughout the country. The standard of food in Japan is some of the best in the world, with Tokyo getting bragging-rights for having the most Michelin-starred restaurants than anywhere else in the world. Unfortunately, even a country like Japan has a few bad apples when it comes to the food industry. Introducing Wendy’s foie gras burger...a regular beef burger with small pieces of foie gras on top. This isn’t necessarily the worst meal on the list, especially when you consider the price of a burger ($16)...it’s safe to assume that the masses won’t be wolfing it down anytime soon.

Deep-Fried Ham Rolls in Condensed Milk - In Kunming, China, the salty-sweet combination has joined the dark side with a dessert made up of sliced ham and sweet dough, all rolled up and plunged into condensed milk (one of my absolute worst things in the world). Okay, that’s not too bad you may think. Well, think again. The whole thing gets deep-fried (as its name suggests) before being served.

Crema de Vie - Off we go to Cuba where the Crema de Vie is a popular holiday drink. By the term ‘holiday’, I hope its only a few-times-a-year beverage because drinking this stuff on a daily basis cannot be good for you. Don’t let the name tempt you either...Cuba’s ‘cream of life’ is similar to an eggnog. It’s a thick, super-sweet drink made from condensed milk (not condensed milk again!), sugar, rum, egg yolks, lemon rinds, and vanilla. If there’s any saving grace, it’s a slight positive that this drink is served in shot glasses.

Chorrillana - From the above list, it’s safe to assume that anything containing french fries isn’t exactly the healthiest dish around. Well, in Chile the Chorrillana doesn’t disappoint in this regard...how do you make it? Easy, take a giant pile of fries, slap in a fried egg or two, loads of caramelized onions and a thick sirloin steak.

Loukoumades - Greece’s version of the donut may be small but it’s a potent sweet that punches above its weight in the trans fats division. Loukoumades is made of puffed up deep-fried pastry balls soaked in sweet syrup, honey, and cinnamon, and often served with a coating of powdered sugar.

Melkkos - Having been born and raised in South Africa, I must admit I was surprised to see this included on the list. Melkkos is a far cry from some other traditional South African meals which in my opinion are worse in terms of trans fats. Melkkos is basically milk that is thickened and cooked with flour and butter flavored with cinnamon, vanilla, sugar, and other spices. One of the fattiest South African meals I’ve had owes its name to its reputation...Vetkoek literally translates as ‘fat cake’ and is a traditional Afrikaner pastry. It is dough deep-fried and often filled with mince or with syrup or jam. Magwenya is another version of the vetkoek and originates from the townships throughout Gauteng in South Africa.

After reading this list, it’s clear to see that we have a worldwide problem when it comes to junk food. The real problem however comes down to the choices people make. No one forces them to eat these meals, just like no one forces them to smoke cigarettes or drink alcohol. Tempting advertising and other marketing ploys can influence some people but at the end of the day, the decision is up to the individual.

Fish that Glow in the Dark

Xtend-Life — Thu, 28 Jun 2012 04:06:00 GMT

Well not quite, but that’s what you would think if one was to believe some news reports! What are the reports? Very simply, blue fin tuna have been caught off the San Diego coast which contain ten times the level of Ceisum that the same species had in previous years.

What some news reports are not saying is that even these levels are still well below the limits considered to be safe by the US Government.

The Ceisum is considered to be in the Bluefin tuna as a result of them eating contaminated squid etc. in the vicinity of the Fukushima Nuclear Reactor in Japan which had a meltdown after the Tsunami in March 2011. Whereas it is credible that the radioactive contamination in these fish was brought about by the Fukushima disaster I would question that it was from squid because of the very short life cycle of squid. But, that is irrelevant as the Bluefin do have an increased level of Cesium.

Many of our customers are well aware that we use concentrated tuna as a component of our Omega 3 fish oils. Naturally after reading some of the news reports about these Bluefin tuna, concerns were raised by some customers. I can categorically assure you that there is nothing to be concerned about when taking our oil, for the following reasons.

The contamination has only been found in blue fin tuna caught off the Californian Coast.
Blue fin tuna is never caught and used for its oil. It is a very expensive fish and used for sushi and every bit of the flesh is used.
The tuna that we use are much smaller tuna called albacore and skipjack. These are caught in the Southern Hemisphere.
The albacore and skipjack do not migrate into the northern hemisphere. Neither do the northern versions migrate south across the equator. The equatorial region acts as a barrier.
Contamination in the ocean is largely kept in specific areas. It is not surprising that there is contaminated fish off the coast of California. If you have a look at the above diagram of the world’s ocean currents you can see that a current flows directly from Japan down the California coast and it does not cross over the equator.

I can assure you that if there was the slightest hint that any of our raw fish was contaminated in any way we would discontinue using it immediately and use a different source.

For more info on one of the article that triggered this off please click here.

Skin Care by Seasons

Xtend-Life — Thu, 21 Jun 2012 05:23:00 GMT

Summer. Fall (Autumn). Winter...

While many of our customers are enjoying the glorious days of summer, cold winter days are upon us here in New Zealand. And my skin is feeling it.

Changes in the environment especially the weather, impact our skin. The skin can even change its type with the changing weather. My normally combination skin is showing definite signs of dryness around my cheeks. My body is also absorbing all the body lotion that I apply.

Sometimes irritation, flaking and break outs also result from the skin trying to adapt changing seasons. And that’s why it is important to understand the effects of seasonal change on the skin and why your skin care regimen needs to change with the changing weather.

Summer

The increase in temperature causes the skin to secrete more oil and that’s why in the summer, your skin type tends to change from dry to normal or normal to oily. This oil clogs your pores. To clean them up use a deep cleanser to ensure that the pores are not only clean but the pH balance of the skin is maintained too.

It is time to use your moisturizer differently. Moisturize with less skin care product but moisturize more often. Summer is the time when the skin responds well to extra moisture.

Fall (Autumn)

Due to the exposure to the elements and skin dehydration during summer, the skin feels and looks dry. Fine lines appear and become visible, giving the skin an aged look. This is also called photo-aging. So during fall (autumn), make sure you get rid of the dead and damaged cells with exfoliation. This will prepare the skin to take in the moisture and nutrition that a good moisturizer provides.

It is important to give your skin the moisture it needs, so moisturize at least twice daily – in the morning and at night. To address and reverse the signs of sun damage, use a moisturizer that contains antioxidants that nourish your skin. Also apply a hydrating mask once a week.

Winter

During winter the skin goes through a lot of stress.

When outside, due to the cold temperatures, blood circulation in your facial skin is poor, slowing down the regenerative processes in your skin. The skin loses its healthy color and becomes dull or pale. Indoor heating during winter creates a dry environment that adversely affects the skin. The skin loses its moisture leaving it tight, dry and flaky.

This difference between cold outdoors and warm and dry indoors stresses the skin. It cannot naturally maintain a balance between these two environments and results in loss of hydration, irritation, widened capillaries and redness. As experienced in summer, the winter months can also cause changes in skin type - oily skin becomes normal, while normal displays signs of being dry, and can become very sensitive and often irritated.

During winter

Go easier with skin cleansing. Extreme weather weakens the skin’s balance and protective barriers. Intensive cleaning with strong alcohol based cleansers will only worsen your skin’s health. The best cleansers are foaming cleansers that are natural one with no harsh chemical.
Moisturize more often. To combat dry and stressed skin during the day, pick moisturizers that have natural softening ingredients like oil and wax. At night, pick moisturizers that have humectants which help retain moisture. It is very important to remember that the whole body needs moisturizing especially in winter, and not just your face. Use body lotion on your whole body frequently

My daily regimen includes the day cream and the night cream after a clean with foaming cleanser.

Xtend-Life skin care products have a strong nutritional foundation. Extensive research and development goes into making these products safe. After all you are indirectly eating the products and ingredients that you apply on your skin – the largest organ in your body.

Xtend-Life’s skin care range for men and women has products that nourish the skin through all seasons. Quality essential humectants such as natural vitamin E, manuka honey, essential oils such as macadamia oil, grapeseed oil, avocado oil, Shea butter, Jojoba oil and most importantly, the most effective form of CoenzymeQ10 - Nano-Lipobelle H-EQ10 make this skin care range very effective across all seasons and for all skin types.

All year round, help your skin to regain its energy and strength by taking an antioxidant supplement. Important antioxidants for the skin are Vitamin B and E. Nourish the skin from inside by taking a high quality fish oil supplement. Xtend-Life’s Total Balance range has all the essential vitamins, while Omega 3 Premium and Omega 3 QH/Ultra fulfill the skin’s need for effective and quality fish oil. Lycopene and the astaxanthin present in these products acts as natural sunscreen protecting your skin from photo-aging.

Our skin care solution is based on nutrition from inside and outside.

To learn more about Xtend-Life skin care range and supplements, feel free to call us toll-free and speak with any of our customer relations staff who will gladly answer any questions you may have.

New Zealand Southern Skies: The Least Polluted In The World?

Xtend-Life — Tue, 19 Jun 2012 21:27:00 GMT

The Mackenzie Basin, a region of the South Island in New Zealand that's just down the road from us in Christchurch, has just been approved as the home of the biggest and best dark-sky reserve in the world.

Being a bit of a space and star geek, I have often taken the short drive to the Mackenzie Basin to gaze in awe and wonder at the night sky. It’s like watching any normal night sky...but in super high definition!

This is because the air down here over the vast majority of the South Island is so clean and pristine - it’s almost totally free from not just light pollution but also air pollution and smog.

Now you may be wondering why I’m talking about this considering this is a health blog...

Well, the minute I read this article that Aoraki-Mackenzie Dark-Sky Reserve had been officially approved by International Dark-Sky Association, I immediately thought about our Xtend-Life Natural Energy with NZ Bee Pollen supplement.

Natural Energy is a supplement that uses the potent and beneficial properties of bee pollen along with special synergistic enzymes. The bee pollen found in Natural Energy comes from the pollen that worker bees collect as that go about their work.

If the air is polluted and contains contaminants, the source of the pollen would be compromised and may affect the efficacy of the ingredient, not to mention your health.

This is why Natural Energy with NZ Bee Pollen is not just your average supermarket energy supplement. We source our bee pollen from one of the most pristine areas of New Zealand. Like the Mackenzie Basin in Canterbury, the north-west corner of the South Island is also pristine and free from air pollution.

This is because the area borders one of the biggest national parks in New Zealand...the Abel Tasman National Park.

There are no industrial factories in this area and the prevailing winds come from the south west. If you look at a map of New Zealand, you’ll see this area at the top left of the South Island with the Southern Alps to the right.

The Southern Alps act like a channel for the prevailing winds coming from the south west, ensuring that nothing but the air from the remote Southern Ocean pass over this area.

The Southern Ocean is the only thing that separates this area from Antarctica...the least industrial and populated place in the world. The air down here on the South Island has to be seen (and inhaled) to be believed.

Not only can you see the evidence of this clean air by the stunning night sky, you can also receive the benefits of some of the purest bee pollen on the planet.

An Insider's View of the Supplement Manufacturing Process Part 5.

Xtend-Life — Thu, 31 May 2012 21:32:00 GMT

Last week we got to the stage of completing the manufacture of the tablets in bulk. Now we have to prepare the tablets for sale which first means putting them into bottles.

The bottling process is a pretty straightforward one. The bottles are supplied to us in two parts. One part being the body of the bottle itself and the other being the cap and tamper ring. The tops are tipped into a sorting machine and the bottles are arranged at start of the bottling line. The tablets, soft gels or capsules are tipped into a hopper and then fed down a vibrating stainless chute.

The tablets or capsules pass through counting sensors which ensure that each bottle contains the correct number of tablets or capsules. These sensors are very accurate but occasionally they may count 1 tablet as two. We test the counter accuracy on a regular basis, but occasionally an incomplete tablet can sneak through. We compensate by setting the counter to always add 1 extra tablet/capsule…

So, if you count the number of tablets/capsules in your bottle, you will probably have one extra…and yes, some people do count them.

Photos of the Bottling Line

After the bottling and labelling is complete the batch is quarantined whilst further tests are carried out.

These additional tests are similar to those that we have previously carried out on the raw ingredients…namely microbiological and heavy metals.

Some of these tests are over and above what is required for GMP compliance. They are part of our internal quality system and provide us with peace of mind that everything is in order before product is released to our customers. Although it is unlikely, there is always the possibility of contamination at some point during production, so by doing this we can be 100% confident that we are supplying a pure, safe product.

After these tests are completed and the results confirm that the product has passed all testing, the Quality Assurance team release it from our factory to our distribution department.

Example of a COA

The distribution warehouse is set up so that all of the previous batch is shipped out to customers before the latest batch is used. This ensures that customers always get fresh product. Also, we can track which customers received which batch.

OK…that completes this little series of how we manufacture our supplements. Of course the focus of this series was the tablets. At a later time we will go through the process for the manufacture of the soft gels for our fish oil products.

Also, if we get expressions of interest from readers wishing to know how we manufacture our skin care products I will write a series on that as well. There are some similarities in that we apply many of the same principles when producing our skin care products as we do for our supplements.

In that respect we differ from many skin care manufacturers who are only loosely regulated. However, we take the position from a nutritional point of view in that the skin is the largest organ in the body and you are indirectly ingesting the ingredients in the skin care products. Therefore they should be manufactured with the same care and attention to safety and hygiene.

I hope that these series of articles have helped gain a better insight in what goes into the supplements that you and I take every day.

A Voyage...

Xtend-Life — Wed, 23 May 2012 21:14:00 GMT

You will notice some changes in the frequency of the blog postings by me personally over the next few months. This is because I have just embarked on a significant voyage in my boat from New Zealand to Thailand, a distance of around 15,000kms. This is something that I have wanted to do all my life but because of business commitments it has not been practical.

However, now with an excellent management team in place at Xtend-Life, I am now able to do this. I will still be reviewing emails and responding but it won’t be as quick as normal, because I will be somewhere in the middle of the ocean. Systems have been set up for my emails to be reviewed and passed on to the appropriate staff member to respond on my behalf, so there will be no reduction in service. If a communication is directed to be personally I will still get it when I am back on land.

Not only will this ‘adventure’ fulfill some of my personal objectives, it will directly benefit Xtend-Life and all our customers. This is because for the first time for some years, I will have the time during the ‘settled’ parts of the trip to focus more of my energy to research about various health issues that I can pass on to readers and help in our on-going efforts to improve our products.

Some customers have expressed an interest in following the voyage which can be done through my personal blog I have set up to follow the trip’s progress. If you wish to subscribe to updates you can do so through the website www.naturalhigh-adventures.com

An Insider's View of the Supplement Manufacturing Process Part 4.

Xtend-Life — Wed, 23 May 2012 04:54:18 GMT

Last week I took you through the process of how we prepare the powdered blends of our formulas in preparation for tableting using the 3D blender. You may recollect that the last process discussed was the blending of the powders in our 3D blender. If you didn't see that post you may like to have a look at the blender video which was posted on the 16th May.

OK, now we have to turn the blended powder into tablets. In some ways this is a bit like baking a cake. They must disintegrate according to specification detailed in the BP (British Pharmacopeia) and the tablets must not be too hard or too soft. This means monitoring closely as the tablets are being produced and constantly taking samples and testing them for hardness as the process goes on.

The tablet press has a series of ‘molds’ and the powder flows into the molds and then is pressed into the tablet shape.

Photo of the Tablet Shoot on the Tablet Press

As mentioned we test for tablet hardness as they are being produced.

The Hardness Test

We also have to do what’s called a ‘friability’ test which is done in a little tumbler machine to confirm that they won’t break apart, particularly during the enteric coating process.

Friability Test

Samples of the tablets from each batch are kept as retention samples so that if we ever needed product from any batch for testing of any sort they are available. The two tests above are carried out multiple times during the tableting of each batch.

After the batch has been tableted it is still not finished. However, before going to the next step we have to carry out another test which is disintegration. This confirms that that the tablets will disintegrate in the body and disperse the active ingredients. I am sure that you have heard stories about tablets passing through someone’s body intact! That would never happen if the tablets passed this test. The results of all tests are fully documented.

Example of the Test Records

There are standards for disintegration set out by the US and British Pharmacopeia’s which we adhere to. If the tablets do not pass this test (as is the case with other tests), they cannot be released and used.

Disintegration Equipment

The manufacturing process for our tablet products do not stop here. We then have to either put a pharmaceutical ‘glaze’ on them to make them easier to swallow, or, in the case of many of our complex products we need to enteric coat them.

I am sure that most of our readers are familiar with the reasons why we enteric coat many of our tablets and that we are one of very few dietary supplement manufacturers in the world that do this. The reason is that we use a range of sophisticated and very expensive nutrients which are sensitive to stomach acid. The enteric coating protects these nutrients and enables them to be safely released in the upper intestine.

The coating process is carried out under controlled conditions in a special enclosed machine. It involves tumbling the tablets and spraying an aqueous solution on to the tablets with gentle heat that does not affect any of the ingredients. We use a special natural enteric coating solution which is clear. Although it looks the same as the other non-enteric coated tablets it is quite different.

Enteric Coating Process

One of the problems with the enteric coating process is that occasionally some tablets may break during the tumbling process. We remove any broken tablets during the bottling process, but sometimes the odd half tablet sneaks through. We compensate for that possibility by setting the counter for an extra tablet just in case a half tablet was counted as one!

Remember the disintegration test? Well after doing the enteric coating we have to go through that process again. This time the tablets are tested in both acid and alkaline environments which simulate the conditions in the stomach and the upper intestine respectively. This is to ensure that the coating remains intact in the stomach, but begins to breakdown efficiently in the upper intestine.

So, now we have finished producing the product in bulk form, but, there is still more to go before we can ship out to our customers. I will finish that part next week.

An Insider's View of the Supplement Manufacturing Process Part 3.

Xtend-Life — Wed, 16 May 2012 00:02:00 GMT

Following on from Part 2, we will now go through the process of preparing the approved ingredients. I will show you how we 'blend' them and then make them into tablets and prepare them for enteric coating (in the case of Total Balance and some of our other products).

Before the manufacture of any product can commence, we must have a BMR which is short for ‘Batch Manufacturing Record’. This is quite an extensive group of documents relating to each batch. Without such a record there can be no guarantee that the end product will meet the specifications laid out for that formula.

The BMR covers every step of the process and is designed to pick up any potential errors along the way and spells out clearly the instructions that have to be completed at every stage and ensures full traceability with regards to the technicians, ingredients, equipment etc.

Examples of BMR

OK, we start by collecting the ingredients from the approved ingredient storage area in the factory.

Ingredients Being Selected Using the Pallet Truck

We now come to a critical part of the process, dispensing of the ingredients prior to blending. Under GMP rules this process has to be performed by two technicians so that each ingredient can be independently verified. There is no room for error with this process. Now, it is often stated that dietary supplements are safe, and so they are if the correct ingredients are used in the right amounts.

Some manufacturers have been quite critical of the requirement to have two people carrying out this process as it effectively doubles the labour cost of this process, but, that criticism is not warranted because without this requirement mistakes could be made due to human error.

For example, a formula may contain both Manganese Citrate and Magnesium Citrate. Magnesium Citrate is harmless and used in large amounts in many formulas. Manganese on the other hand is an important mineral which must only be used in minute amounts. There is a potential for the names of the two ingredients to be confused with each other. That would be a serious mistake which would mean that the product could not be released. Therefore, every ingredient is given a unique code in addition to the ingredient name. Both of these are always checked by the second operator and by QC at a later stage.

So, the rules are justified and should be followed meticulously!

The Dispensing Process

When the ingredients are dispensed, we do things a little differently at Xtend-Life, particularly when we are manufacturing our complex formulations such as Total Balance.

Instead of putting all the ingredients together we have a complex protocol for blending which takes several hours longer per batch than ‘conventional blending processes’. We group various ingredients together and for the very low dose ones we blend them separately with some of the other low dose ingredients. These ‘pre-blends’ are then added to the main blend as per a protocol which we have developed for each product.

How that is done is by doing test blends with specific markers at various ‘doses’ and then taking samples and sending to a lab to check the uniformity of the markers in the blend. This provides valuable information on the effectiveness of the blending protocol, allowing adjustment to be made if required.

Grouping of Low Dose Ingredients

After all the ingredients have been weighed out and put together in their respective groups we pass all of them through a sieve so we can view all the powders to ensure that they are free flowing.

Passing the Group Through the Sieve

The next step is to start the blending process. As I mentioned earlier, this is a complex process and one which we have developed and refined over the years. It is crucially important to the end product because if this step is not done correctly you will end up with a substandard product due to uneven distribution of ingredients.

This is one of the reasons why when some manufacturers products are tested by third parties that they sometimes find that there may be too little of some ingredients or too much of another. It is possible they put the correct amount of the ingredient in but it hasn’t been blended evenly. This is very common when a manufacturer uses a ribbon blender which is the type widely used in the industry. The problem with this type of blender is that the ingredients ‘stratify’ which means heavier particles settle to the bottom.

It is often a problem with products that are produced by contract manufacturers who produce a wide range of products and may not have had the time or the margins on a particular batch are too slim to establish proper blending protocols for that particular product.

To overcome the problem of stratification we had built a special ‘3D’ blender which has a rather odd motion but is the most effective means of blending powders. It doesn’t have baffles but rather uses gravity to do the mixing.

Here is a short video of it in motion:

At the presentation at A4M when I showed this blender, I suggested it was a good unit to wash cats or dogs! Some attendees enjoyed that, but some didn’t! Don’t worry, I don’t wash my dog in it!

That will do for this post. Next week I will explain what we have to do to ensure that the tablets we produce from the blend meet required specification.

When Your Skin Starts To Age

Xtend-Life — Tue, 15 May 2012 04:55:54 GMT

With the aging process, changes occur in the body. When it comes to the skin, these changes can be internal and external. External changes are associated with the skin's appearance while internal changes occur beneath the skin’s surface on a cellular level.

As you may know. the skin has three layers:

The Epidermis (Outermost layer)
The Dermis (Middle layer)
The Subcutaneous layer (Below the Dermis)

As we age, the epidermis begins to thin and melanocytes start decreasing in number...giving the skin a pale appearance.

As we age, our skin also loses its suppleness, texture and strength. This is associated with the Five Main Causes Of Aging...resulting in sagging appearances, wrinkles, fine lines and other visible signs of aging.

Here is the progression of the visible signs of aging characterized by age group:

Age 20-25: Vertical wrinkles start appearing on one's forehead and even lines between the eyebrows may already be visible. Fine lines at the external edges of the eyes are not yet noticeable...however, a history of heavy smoking, drinking and/or excessive exposure to the sun may result in these signs of premature aging starting to appear early in life.

Age 25-40: In the epidermis, wrinkles begin to deepen and more fine lines start appearing. Wrinkles are less than 0.0005 mm in depth and are usually caused by the superficial drying out of one's skin, damage and loss of collagen in the skin, as well as the slowing down of cellular renewal.

Age 40-50: Fine lines start appearing around the lips, crow's feet around the eyes, lines parallel to the nose and the line separating the eyebrows are all beginning to deepen and widen. The skin is now losing more of its natural strength and elasticity while shape of the face starts changing as the skin begins to sag...resulting in less defined facial contours.

Age 50 and over: Hormonal changes associated with menopause in women and the conversion of testosterone into estrogen in men accelerates the aging process. The skin's surface now shows clear and distinct signs of aging...these signs are only exacerbated by lifestyle factors like smoking, drinking, environmental elements, excessive junk food etc.

Regardless of your age, your skin needs a healthy foundation and the best way to nourish this foundation is through natural effective skincare products as well as dietary supplements formulated to contain ingredients that have proven efficacy when it comes to supporting skin health.

This one-two-punch combination is a great way to ensure your skin is getting the best nourishment it can.

Fight the Five Main Causes of Aging with the Xtend-Life skincare range. We have a women’s and a men’s range of products specifically formulated to suit the specific skin physiology and differences between the two genders.

Complementing this with products like the Total Balance range to nourish your skin from the inside out with Omega 3 / DHA Fish Oil Premium. You’ll be building the ideal foundation on which youthful, healthy skin can be built…regardless of your current age.

It’s never too late to start a complete skincare regime so why not give your skin the health and appearance it deserves by visiting the Xtend-Life skincare and Total Balance pages right now!