Why Opti-Women Instead Of Other Women Vitamins?
* GENDER-SPECIFIC Multivitamin
* 23 Vitamins & Essential Minerals
* Calcium, Iron, & FOLIC ACID
* 17 SPECIALTY INGREDIENTS
* Soy Isoflavones (see below), Ostivone (see below), & Uva Ursi
* Now Made With Vegetarian Society Approved Vcaps

Ostivone which is found in Optiwomen is a new dietary nutrient found in bone health supplements that has been shown in clinical studies to maximize bone mineral density and inhibit bone loss. When taken together, Ostivone and calcium resulted in significantly greater bone mineral density than taking calcium by itself. Ostivone, scientifically known as ipriflavone, is part of the bio-flavonoid family, which are compounds commonly found in plants.

Soy Isoflavones: While Hormone therapy may increase womens chance of heart attack, stroke, breast cancer and dementia. Isoflavones do not seem to have these risks. Isoflavones have an influence on the women’s health during menopause but also before and during the reproductive years. A study showed that of the 1172 women participating in a six year study, the hysterectomy rate was lowest among the women whose diets contained the most soy foods. This study suggests that consuming soy foods, which contain isoflavones, seems to reduce the risk of fibroids and endometriosis.

Uva ursi (Arctostaphylos uva ursi), also known as bearberry because bears like eating the fruit, has been used medicinally since the 2nd century. Native Americans used it as a remedy for urinary tract infections. In fact, until the discovery of sulfa drugs and antibiotics, uva ursi was a common treatment for such bladder and related infections. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, and people with high blood pressure, should not take uva ursi. People who have Crohn’s disease, digestive problems, kidney or liver disease, or ulcers should not take uva ursi.[1]

Some women that might benefit from taking certain nutrients found in multi vitamins are (please check with your doctor first):

Women who might become pregnant should get 400 mcg/day of folic acid from fortified foods and/or dietary supplements to reduce the risk of birth defects of the brain and spine in their newborn babies.

Pregnant women should take an iron supplement as recommended by their health care provider. A prenatal MVM is likely to provide iron.

Breastfed and partially breastfed infants should receive vitamin D supplements of 400 IU/day, as should non-breastfed infants who drink less than about 1 quart per day of vitamin D-fortified formula or milk.

In postmenopausal women, calcium and vitamin D supplements may increase bone strength and reduce the risk of fractures.

You can read user reviews of Opt Women Right Here

Ref:
[1] Read more: http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/uva-ursi-000278.htm#ixzz1nyHfVBYK

First ZMA ON stands for Zinc monomethionine aspartate and Magnesium Aspartate and the ON stands for the company Optimum Nutrition who is one of the better companies out there making it right now.

ZMA (Zinc Magnesium Aspartate) is a supplement used by bodybuilders and athletes (read reviews here). It was developed by Victor Conte (founder of BALCO Laboratories in Burlingame, California) and is a combination of zinc, magnesium and vitamin B6.

ZMA is a combination of two minerals, zinc and magnesium, and vitamin B6 or pyridoxine usually. All three of these compounds are important in biological processes, and while studies have shown that most Americans do get enough zinc and vitamin B6, more than 50% don’t meet the U.S. government’s recommendation for magnesium.

As well, when you are sweating a lot and drinking tons of water, you can start to deplete your mineral stores quicker than the average bear.

The proportion of ingredients generally used in products is 20–30 mg zinc, 400–500 mg magnesium and ~10 mg B6. According to the label directions, ZMA should be taken before bed on an empty stomach (2 hours after eating your last meal and at least 30 minutes prior to any other supplements). Having said this, you should always check the label to make sure you are following the specific brand of ZMA’s directions because they may have a proprietary blend that requires something different.

Effects of ZMA:
ZMA And Sleep: One of the most frequently mentioned benefits of ZMA is sleep. Taken before bedtime, ZMA™ promotes deeper, more restful sleep, which is when maximum healing, and muscle growth takes place. Most people that take ZMA report falling asleep faster and also sleep with better quality and increased dreaming. When looking for a VERY deep sleep and increased recovery process from heavy training it is commonly taken with Melatonin as well.

Recap On The Benefits Of ZMA:

Benefits Of ZMA #1) ZMA has been clinically proven to significantly increase both anabolic hormone levels and muscle strength in trained athletes.

Zinc the first ingredient, is essential to numerous chemical reactions in the body, including protein synthesis and cellular energy.

Zinc has ability to regulate the production of T cells.

Zinc also helps provide protection to the liver, deters enlargement of the prostate gland, and is essential in maintaining reproductive organ health. Zinc has also been shown to reduce the length and severity of common cold symptoms by 45-50%

Benefits of ZMA #2) Magnesium the second ingredient, is essential for normal heart function, transporting neurochemicals essential in muscle function and mood regulation, and in the critical balance of sodium and potassium within our cells.

ZMA Benefit #3) Helps with better quality sleep. Lester Archambeau of the NFC Champion Atlanta Falcons, says he is “ZMA definitely helps me recover! I can tell when I take it and when I don’t. There is no doubt that it makes me sleep better.”

Take a look at user review of ZMA here

By the way, if you really want to see the best results from the supplements you buy, this is what I use The Top Ten Supplements For Muscle Growth And Fat Fat Loss And Why – Free Report

This is one of the best tasting protein out there and since it’s all natural, your body uses and digests everything in it. Which is only a few natural ingredients. After all, if you’re in this for health, you don’t want to add garbage into your system if you have a choice.

I have been comparing all natural whey proteins for awhile since all the fancy flavours started hitting the market. . ON Natural Whey Protein 100 is in my top three. I started working out to gain muscle at 126lbs and in almost a year with just a good natural protein powder and eating right I shot up to 174lbs. Keep your body clean, feed it what it needs and train short and intense.

Allergen Information: This product contains whey derived from dairy and lecithin (to improve mixability) derived from soybeans. Keep out of reach of children.

ON Natural Whey Protein Ingredients:
Protein Blend (Whey Protein Isolate, Whey Protein Concentrate, Whey Peptides), Fructose, Natural Beet Color, Lecithin, Natural Flavor. Enzyme Blend: Aminogen, Lactase (Standardized to 100,000 Fcc Units/G).

My favorite protein shake mix with this product:
Add one scoop of ON Natural 100% Whey Gold Standard (chocolate for me) to a blender filled with cups of water or naturally sweetened vanilla almond milk.
Add 1 cup of frozen blueberries
Add 4 frozen strawberries
Add 1 Banana
1 Tablespoon of Coconut oil
Cover and blend until everything is mixed.
Protein Shake #2 For Travelers:
Put 1 scoop of ON Natural whey in to a shaker pro 40 bottle filled with water, shake it for 20 seconds… done.

Rays Take ON Natural Whey Protein 100: Being the owner of the shop and a trainer, I have tried dozens if not hundreds of different proteins over the years. This one has been the best and doesn’t have any of the artificial sweeteners and other ingredients which can cause digestion problems. It mixes easily and has a very versatile and enjoyable taste. It is probably best as a postworkout or early morning protein source due to its rapid digestion. I will often take along with some omega-3-6-9, coconut oil or almonds to slow absorption and feel satisfied longer.

Order ON Natural Whey Protein 100 Through Our Amazon Store And Get Free Shipping!

As well, if you really like knowing about your supplements, you’ll LOVE this if you want to know which ones will work best for you and your goals, this is a free report to check out The Best Supplements For You And Why – Free Report

The shake bottle is BPA free so no chemicals in the bottle. It’s about a 550 ml cup so holds plenty of liquid and yes the protein shaker is dishwasher safe.

Rays Take On The Shaker Pro 40 Protein Shaker Bottle: Works perfect if you follow the instructions. The instructions that come with it say to make sure the lid makes 2 clicks when you close it so make sure you do that. Also screw the lid on tight and you won’t have to worry about any leaks. The lid will hold 1 scoop of protein loose and two if you give it a little pack down.

I can walk a couple miles to work with this bottle in my backpack and the powder stays separate from the liquid after bouncing around on my back the whole way.

The Shaker Pro 40 Protein Shaker Bottle has been very popular at the gym for the guys that have to get right back to work after the lunch time class. They can have their shake in their bags and drink it while on their way back to work.

Order The Shaker Pro 40 Protein Shaker Bottle Through Our Amazon Store And Get Free Shipping! Click Here: Shaker Pro 40 Protein Shaker

What’s so good this protein bar?

First is the amazing taste. A not too sweet but totally yummy flavour with a crunch. Great for a before the workout pick up or starting the recovery process after.

The Marshmallow Treat Flavour specifically contains:
Protein: 26 Grams (all whey)
Fat: 2.5 Grams
Carbohydrates: 34 Grams of fast and slow burning
Calories: 250

There are 12 bars per box.
You can also buy them individually at our Calgary Supplements store.

Rays Take:
This is one of the best tasting protein bars I’ve ever tried. Not your normal brick of “after tasting” protein bar. By far the most popular bar we carry right now.

There are peanut ingredients in this bar for those of you with allergies. It also contains milk, soy, wheat and tree nuts. There is also sucralose as a sweetener for those of you sensitive to it.

If you would like to have a box of whey crisp bars shipped to you click here:
Optimum 100% Whey Crisp Bars – 12 Bars – Marshmallow Treat ADD TO CART

By the way, if you really want to get great results from your supplements and know which ones will work best for you and your goals, this is a free report to check out The Best Supplements For You And Why – Free Report

* Increased strength potential
* Prolonged energy system realization
* Potent cell volumizing

PhD Wired has a Plasma NO-Activation System™ that has scientifically enhanced ingredients for more anabolic pumps. Not just a feeling…actual results.

PHD Wired also gives you a shot of Magnesium creatine chelate increases so your body can synthesize and regenerate the ATP required for supplying the energy needed for muscle effort.

Ramps up Nitric Oxide increasing blood flow for increased oxygen and nutrient uptake. This is where the tingles in the hands and scalp come in.

PhD WIRED powers your work out to a higher level before the negative effects of increased acidity affect lifting performance. This means you get to go harder for longer for some kick ass workouts.

PHD wired taken before your workout will improve the mind-muscle connection and deliver a powerful jolt of pharmaceutical grade caffeine to spike your energy level.

The science shows a measurable increase in norepinephrine and epinephrine (adrenaline) release with these pharmaceutical ingredients.

PHD Wired Is For Those That Want:

Intense and lasting pumps.
Direct type 2 muscle fibre stimulation and growth support.
Instant clean energy and single-minded focus.
Accelerated post performance recovery.
More energy for more reps and sets.

The PhD Wired Pre Workout drink is great tasting with no after taste.

Wired is very STRONG so make sure you only use it for working out. If you use it for a mid afternoon pick me up then you may end up going postal at your desk.

Rays Review: This is over the top jacked. If red bull and ephedrine used to be your pre workout drink or pick me up… PHD Wired is a whole new level above. You will actually tingle in your hands and head with this one. In all honesty, it’s too much for me. The increased blood flow and intensity of the work out is crazy.

To have PHD WIRED shipped to your door click here:

The best anyone like myself can do is share the results of the studies as they surface. The truth of the matter is that no one really knows how anything works in the body for certain. The earth used to be scientifically proven to be flat… could be for all I know.

Today, when you want to do some research, you’ll probably jump on the internet or pick up a muscle magazine for the answers to this question and get what you think are solid answers but you are not. What you are getting with the answers on the Internet is someone that is doing their research on the internet and then giving you the answer based on what they found. This is not a good way to try and find answers. If you don’t know the source, then you can not accept the answers as true.

This goes for the muscle magazines as well. You should not take advice on how much of a product to take, how to take it, or how effective it is from the same people that have a financial interest in selling more of it. Yes, I sell supplements and that means that no matter how unbiased I try to be, there will still be an unconscious slant towards me thinking positively about the products I choose to sell. The products I choose to sell and suggest however are ones that I personally use and put into my most precious asset… my body. So that that however you want.

Best case scenario is that you will end up with some university studies, studies on youth and elderly and a few muscle guru’s who pretty much contradict each other. They will also be using different protein sources and looking at protein as an entity and not if it was cooked, it’s sources or further down the road at the amino acids and availability. In addition, some of the studies will be based in relation to heavy physical training and some will not.

Clearly, it is a hard issue to get facts on.

If you doubt me, lets start at the very beginning of this question. First, how does muscle growth occur? Then, what causes the process to start to happen and why? I think that these are very good questions to know the answers to yourself. Because if this is the process you are trying to accelerate by consuming more protein then you are going to want to know if taking protein is even going to help that. If it does, what kind is best?

Another consideration is your goal. Are you primarily interested in performance enhancement, health, body composition or muscle growth? They sound similar but if health is more important than body composition to you then that may change the amount of protein that would be a “suggested serving size”.

For example if body composition is most important than you may do a diet that consists mainly of protein and skipping carbohydrates and the benefits they contain in favor of staying in a state of ketosis.

If a certain amount of protein or perhaps simply available amino acids in the body is what sets up a favorable environment for muscle growth to occur, then how much is the exact amount based on body weight? If that question can’t be answered then how does a protein manufacturer get to state that you should consume one scoop or two without knowing your activity level or muscle weight?

I’ve had people ask me why I would talk so straight forward about supplements if I sell them. Doesn’t that affect my bottom line? Sure it does but lying to your customer and embellishing the facts can hurt you in other ways. I know that I do not need to have all the answers. You can still sell cars even if you personally prefer to walk as long as you know what you are talking about. People will still want to buy these and if I don’t sell them, then they will simply buy them somewhere else.

So I can tell you what I feel is your best course of action and if you disagree with me, then I will still provide you with the service you are requesting. If you want to buy cheap protein powder with chemical additives despite my recommendation to go with something higher quality, I will still get it in stock for you. Why? Well, because maybe you are only concerned with muscle size and appearance, not health.

Because I took every supplement under the sun for years and wouldn’t listen a lick to anyone who told me anything other than what I knew was “the real truth” because I read muscles magazines and they were the best source of information… vomit.

So to make a long story short, you will always get conflicting opinions. After 20 years doing this as a fitness coach, here is where I stand at this moment.

‘Evaluation of protein requirements for trained strength athletes (November 1992)’ has suggested that protein intakes greater than 1.8 g per kilogram of body weight showed to have no greater effect on muscle hypertrophy. In the end, I have found that if I get about .8 grams per pound of lean body mass evenly space through out the day then I am more than covering my basis for increased muscle growth. This total includes the food I am eating combined with protein supplements.

When given the opportunity, I work to get the majority of my protein from plant based whole food sources, then to brown rice protein and finally to a natural whey protein.

This is very close to eating on “The Zone” which has proven VERY successful for athletes at our facility.

As a fitness trainer not a day goes by when one of my clients says,”There are tons of supplements I can take but which ones have worked the best for other people?” Supplement facts can be hard to come by so you need an opinion you can trust. Do you know which ones work and which supplements you’re wasting your money on?

The fact of the matter is that supplement can be quite expensive and if you only have a few dollars to invest in them, where is that money best spent? You don’t want to waste you time and money on dietary supplements if they don’t give you any good results.

Just like everything, an accurate answer to a question depends on the circumstance. So telling you which nutritional supplements are going to work best for you depends on your goals and what kind of lifestyle you lead. For example are you a bodybuilder who seldom has time to prepare meals, wants to build muscle but it a vegetarian? Those are specific lifestyle demands where nutritional supplements like vitamins and protein powders can come in real handy.

Having said that, there are a few supplements that almost everyone can benefit from and one of them (besides the most important of having a great training program, eating well to start with and drinking lots of water but not bottled) is a good multimineral and multivitamin complex.

In this day and age almost no one eats 7 servings of fruits and vegetables per day. A balanced diet is not the norm any more so if this is the case for you then at the minimum you should consider taking a multivitamin multimineral. Further to that you may want to consider source if you are really into the healthiest possible choices. If that’s the case then organic minerals and vitamins allthough more expensive should be considered. Natural is always better than synthetic. Besides the normal full spectrum general vitamin supplement you can also get specific formulas for men and for women.

By the way, if you really want to get great results from your supplements and know which ones will work best for you and your goals, this is a great place to check out The Best Supplements For You And Why – Free Report

Next up, we will look at protein powders and weight gainers. (link coming soon)

On Melatonin Effects
• Supports More Restful SLEEP
• 3 mg of PURE MELATONIN
• Small, Easy-to-Swallow Tablets

Being on Melatonin can cause drowsiness of course , and, therefore, caution should not be taken when driving, operating machinery, piloting a bomber or doing night time security

The hormone melatonin is used to treat circadian rhythm sleep disorders and some types of insomnia.

Studies have found that the use of melatonin can help entrain the circadian clock to environmental cycles and have beneficial effects for the treatment of certain forms of insomnia. Prolonged release melatonin has shown good results in treating insomnia in older adults.

A 2004 review found that melatonin significantly increased total sleep time in people suffering from sleep restriction.

Other studies have found that for certain types of sleep disorders, melatonin is not effective. A 2006 review found that although it is safe for short term use (of three months or less), there is “no evidence that melatonin is effective in treating secondary sleep disorders or sleep disorders accompanying sleep restriction, such as jet lag and shiftwork disorder.”

Looks like this comes down to a battle of the reviews just like everything else.

Where To Get Melatonin In Calgary:

You can get on melatonin in Calgary at our location which is 7730 Macleod trail S. If you are in Canada, you can also get it mailed to you. We will ship it out.

Negative Side Effects From Melatonin:

Because of the potential for side effects and interactions with medications, always check with a qualified health provider before taking any supplements.

Intense dreams or nightmares have been reported as side effects of melatonin.

Of course one big side effect of Melatonin is that it can cause drowsiness if taken during the day. If you find yourself sluggish the next day after taking melatonin then just try a smaller dose because taking too much melatonin may have the opposite effect and disrupt circadian rhythms (your internal clock that tells you when you are tired or should be awake). On Melatonin tablets and most melatonin capsules often contain three to ten times the amount needed to increase melatonin for sleep benefits. Studies suggest that smaller doses (for example 0.3-5 mg as opposed to 3 mg) are just as effective.

Additional side effects of melatonin can include stomach cramps, dizziness, headache, irritability, decreased libido, breast enlargement in men and decreased sperm count.

Pregnant or nursing women should not take melatonin because it could interfere with fertility.

One interesting possible side effect of melatonin is that some studies show melatonin supplements can worsen symptoms of depression so if you are prone to depression make sure you check with your doctor before taking on melatonin.

Rays Opinion On Melatonin?

Great supplement to have on hand if you need a restful nights sleep or are tying to get back on track from jet lag. I use it to relax if a little wound up.

To Have On Melatonin Shipped To Your House Now Click Here

Melatonin Resources:
http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/melatonin-000315.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melatonin

By hydrolyzing the protein in the platinum hydro whey premium formula, Optimun Nutrition created their fastest-acting whey protein ever. Hydrolysates are whey proteins that are predigested and partially hydrolyzed for the purpose of easier metabolizing, but their cost is generally higher. Highly-hydrolysed whey may be less allergenic than other forms of whey.

Hydrolyzing breaks larger proteins down into smaller pieces that are able to get into your system rapidly, enabling your muscles to start rebuilding quickly. In addition to being fast, Platinum Hydrowhey is also ultra-pure. That’s because it’s made entirely with hydrolyzed whey protein isolates. So there’s no excess fat, cholesterol, or lactose to slow down your progress.

A significant portion of the population experiences severe digestive issues following consumption of regular whey protein powder. These may include gas, bloating, cramps, tiredness, weakness, fatigue, headaches, and irritability. The cause of these digestive problems has not yet been determined, but is reported frequently on strength training forums. These digestive problems, however, may be primarily caused by the user’s lactose intolerance and not the whey protein itself.

It should be noted that similar symptoms can be caused by ingredients found in lower quality protein powders such as lactose in whey protein concentrate or artificial sweeteners in most commercial protein powders (take a look at our on natural whey line here and Kaizen Natural Whey here). The effects of these substances can be distinguished from the effects of whey alone by switching to an unsweetened whey isolate or hydrolysate.

Rays Bottom Line On Platinum Hydro Whey on:

Platinum Whey Hydro Pros:
* Made With advanced Hydrolyzed Whey Protein Isolates for Faster Delivery
* 30 Grams of Ultra-Pure Protein Per Serving
* Nearly 9 Grams of Leucine, Isoleucine, and Valine (BCAAs)
* No Lactose, Cholesterol, or Sugar
* Contains Digestive Enzymes for Enhanced Utilization
* Instantized to Mix Easily With a Spoon
* Tastes great

Platinum Whey Hydro Cons:
Artificially sweetened
More expensive than our regular whey proteins.