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What is your recommended program for starting with the products?
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Why is your Q10 better?
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What are these tabletizing (or encapsulating) aids?
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How do I store your products? How long will they stay fresh?
What is your recommended program for starting with the products? A sound nutritional program is as individual as you are. Powerful Foods, Gentle Beginnings provides several possible programs for starting Simplexity Health products. You can also use our Suggested Use Guidelines document, which includes the product use recommendations that are indicated on our product labels. Remember that flexibility is the key—adjust the quantities as your experience dictates. Your body will tell you if you need to slow down, or if you could benefit from consuming more. Your sponsor may also have additional recommendations to help guide you through your early experiences with our products. In addition to proper diet, remember that wholesome foods, pure water, rest, moderate exercise, and a positive attitude will also help you on your way to feeling your best. If you have any questions relating to your health before beginning such a program, please discuss them with your health care practitioner.
What is the recommended usage for each product? Please see our Suggested Use document for a complete list of guidelines for using each of our products.
How do I convert capsules of algae to grams and teaspoons?
1 gram = 3/4 teaspoon
What do you recommend for children? Please see "Simplexity Health Products for Children" for our suggestions about incorporating our products into your child's diet.
What does it mean for Simplexity Health products to be listed with the Feingold Association®? The Feingold Association of the United States is an organization of families and professionals dedicated to helping children and adults apply proven dietary techniques for better behavior, learning, and health. As the organization's website states, "Numerous studies show that certain synthetic food additives can have serious learning, behavior, and/or health effects for sensitive people. The Feingold Program itself is a test to determine if certain foods or food additives are triggering particular symptoms." As requested by the organization, Simplexity Health submitted forms that detail the composition of each of our nutritional products. Subsequently, the Feingold Association notified us that all of these products are acceptable for use in the Feingold Program. Simplexity nutritional products are now included in the extensive Foodlist & Shopping Guide and Supplement Guide that Feingold provides members, of brand name foods and supplements that have been found to be free of synthetic colors, flavors, fragrances, and certain preservatives. Simplexity is also listed on Feingold's resources page (http://www.feingold.org/resources-pg.html). Check out the organization's website for yourself, and find out why we are pleased to have our products listed by the Feingold Association.
How does the algae affect pregnant and/or nursing mothers? Super Blue Green Algae is a nutrient-dense food that has been consumed, with beneficial results, by hundreds of thousands of our customers, including pregnant and nursing women. However, since individual results may vary, we recommend that a pregnant or lactating woman postpone adding any new supplement to her dietary regimen, except on the advice of her medical practitioner.
What do you recommend for my medical condition? We are sincerely glad that you are interested in supporting your body's own ability to defend, repair, and regulate itself. As a company distributing a dietary supplement, Simplexity Health cannot offer medical advice of any kind. We encourage consumers who are concerned about any health condition, or about how any of our products may interact with a particular medication, to discuss with their health care provider the incorporation of any new food or dietary supplement into their regimen.
Should I eat Enzymes if I have an ulcer or suspect that I do? If you suspect you have a stomach ulcer, you should definitely make an appointment to see your primary health care provider and find out for sure. A lesion and possible perforation of your stomach lining (stomach ulcer) is a serious problem and could lead to more serious problems if it is not accurately diagnosed and properly treated immediately. So, if this is your suspicion, we recommend that you suspend the use of all possible irritants to your stomach until you know for sure. And, until you know for sure, you may want to consider the following suggestions:
Under normal conditions supplemental digestive enzymes are not irritants, and are essential in assisting the digestive breakdown of all types of macro-nutrients: carbohydrates, fats, protein, and fiber. The healthy stomach produces large quantities of hydrochloric acid which kills many pathogenic bacteria, viruses, and parasites that may arrive with our food or drink. Normal stomach conditions include the production of the digestive enzyme pepsin, which is a powerful enzyme designed to break down the protein portions of our food. Normal stomach conditions also include the maintenance of a very important mucous layer, which completely covers and protects the delicate lining of the many fleshy folds of the stomach. This protective layer is a gel formed from mucous, made by mucous cells deep in the folds in the stomach lining. This mucous lining protects the stomach from its own hydrochloric acid secretions...the biggest potential stomach irritant of all! Indigestion occurs and sometimes ulcers will form, when conditions inside the stomach are not in order and remain disorderly for relatively long periods of time. It doesn't usually happen overnight. Under abnormal conditions supplemental digestive enzymes could be irritating, especially if a capsule were to dissolve near the site of an existing or impending ulcer. If the protective stomach mucous layer is thin, then the underlying stomach lining (which is mostly composed of protein) could become exposed, irritated, or perforated. If the mostly protein-composed lining of the stomach is exposed directly to supplemental digestive enzymes containing protein-eating enzymes (such as protease), this could easily cause further irritation and discomfort. Keep in mind that the body continues to produce digestive enzymes of its own throughout this entire process. So it is not so much the presence of digestive enzymes that is the primary cause of irritation...it is the lack of proper nutrition and water on the one hand (contributing to a weaker and increasingly susceptible stomach lining) and the presence of many irritating substances in the diet on the other hand that are the primary causative factors. What dietary and lifestyle factors can contribute to the formation of ulcers in particular, and chronic indigestion or dyspepsia in general?
This pathogenic bacterium literally feeds on and eats away at area(s) of unprotected stomach lining. In some cases it causes minor irritation and discomfort (dyspepsia, heartburn, indigestion). In other cases, the stomach lining becomes perforated. This is called an ulcer. In the most extreme cases, the perforation goes so deep that blood vessels are affected too. This is a bleeding ulcer. In the worst case scenario, the perforation extends completely through the entire stomach lining, allowing gastric juices and partially digested food particles to spill out into the abdominal cavity. This is not supposed to happen...ever! This situation can rapidly lead to a massive abdominal infection called "peritonitis," which is life-threatening. This kind of infection and this condition is similar to the massive life-threatening infection that someone experiences in the aftermath of a burst appendix. So you can see, if you suspect that any of these things may be going on in your stomach, the most common sense advice is this: Go see your health care provider! As you can imagine, there are many other dietary and lifestyle indiscretions not mentioned here, that may also contribute to the formation of ulcers in particular and chronic indigestion in general. On the other hand, there are many dietary and lifestyle complementary habits that contribute to the normal, if not optimal functioning of the stomach and the entire body. We invite you to participate with many of our customers and Business Associates in a series of online "conversations" called The Journey to Better Nutrition. The purpose of these discussions is to assist you in experiencing optimum product benefits and results. This is a comprehensive online educational program about the vital connections between nutrition, health, and our fabulous Simplexity Health products. Join us! You'll be glad you did.
Why are consumers cautioned about taking enzyme supplements along with time-release medications? Time-release medications use a variety of time-release agents, and it is possible that enzymes may interfere with a medication's time-release mechanism. We encourage customers to seek the advice of the health care professional who prescribed the medication before taking enzyme supplements.
Why is your Q10 better? Simplexity Health's Super Q10 is unique. Our liquid emulsion formula with companion antioxidants is a product of high value and maximum effectiveness. Super Q10 is emulsified in organic, cold-pressed flaxseed oil and combined with organic essential oils, carotenoids from the red beta algae Dunaliella salina, and Super Blue Green Alpha Sun® Algae. We use flaxseed oil that is high in omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids, which promote the synthesis of the "good" HDL (High Density Lipoprotein) cholesterol. We add the essential oils of rosemary, fennel, ginger, and cinnamon, each of which has health benefits of its own. Finally, as extra insurance against harmful free radicals, we add a carotenoid extract that includes lutein and lycopene, which are especially active in the retina of the eye and the prostate gland, respectively. This is an absolutely remarkable combination of antioxidants, coenzyme Q10, and Super Blue Green Algae.
Why are your enzymes better? Many enzyme supplements on the market today are either created by chemical synthesis or made from animal organs (as denoted on the labels by the designation "PGU"). Simplexity Health's enzyme products are 100% vegetarian. We use only plant-based enzymes that are cultivated on a plant medium. Animal-based enzymes tend to work in a narrow pH range and are usually capable of digesting only proteins. Plant-based enzymes, on the other hand, have a wider pH range of activity, allowing them to function throughout the digestive tract. Plant-based enzymes are capable of digesting the full range of food groups (fats, carbohydrates, proteins, and fiber). Enzyme effectiveness is best described in terms of activity, not weight. Enzymatic activity is measured in Units according to standardized assays, but there is no regulation stating how activity levels must be reported on labels. Therefore, a listing of enzymes in a weight measurement, such as milligrams, does not mean that the enzyme present is active. It just means that a certain quantity is included in the product but not that the enzyme is effective. Finally, an effective enzyme product will include enzymes with high activity levels as well as a broad range of enzymes. For example, there are numerous types of proteins found in foods; therefore an effective enzyme product will include several types of protein-splitting enzymes. Simplexity Health's SBG Zymes Plus have very high activity levels of each enzyme, as well as a broad range of enzymes to digest the widest range of foods.
Are your products organic? Blue-green algae harvested by Simplexity Health is certified organic. We work closely with our organic certifier, and are pleased to have our processes continue to meet the stringent regulations. Our labeling is up to date, so in order to see if the product you have purchased includes any organic ingredients, please refer to the label. As we work on new products, we do try to formulate with organic ingredients whenever possible. Organic certification can be a lengthy, complicated, and expensive process, and it may not always be possible to find certified organic ingredients. Even so, any time we can get certified organic ingredients and at the same time keep the products at an affordable price, we will definitely do our best to include them. Although some ingredients may not actually be officially certified organic, be assured that we deal only with reputable vendors whose standards for production meet those for which Simplexity Health is known, including adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices as well as to regulations established by federal agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration.
Many of your products are kosher certified. Why do some of the products have the kosher dairy certification? Simplexity Health is proud to offer many kosher products. The following products are Star K kosher certified:
Alpha Sun capsules and tablets The following products are Star K Dairy kosher certified. (The kosher dairy certification is determined by the classification of the production facility.)
Acidophilus
What is the nature of the B12 in Super Blue Green Algae, and is the vitamin bioactive? (posted 9-12-00, updated 7-28-04) It is known that generally only bacteria (not plants) synthesize vitamin B12. In line with this, it should be remembered that Aphanizomenon flos-aquae is not a typical "plant," but is instead technically termed a "cyanobacterium." While it is possible, then, that Aph. flos-aquae synthesizes B12, based on the best evidence available, algologists are inclined to believe that Aph. flos-aquae accumulates B12 that has been synthesized by other bacteria, much as animals do by assimilating it from their environment. By whatever method Aph. flos-aquae obtains vitamin B12, numerous microbiological tests approved by the Association of Analytical Chemists (AOAC) demonstrate that Aph. flos-aquae does indeed contain significant amounts of this vital nutrient. Specifically, Aph. flos-aquae has been tested by Lancaster Labs for B12 levels using AOAC microbiological testing methods 952.20 and 960.46. Vitamin B12, which is in the corrinoid family, contains many variations or "analogs," some of which are active in humans and some of which are not active in humans. The testing results on Aph. flos-aquae, while not discerning exactly which B12 analogs are present, indicate significant B12 activity. It should be noted that this is an ongoing area of study, and at this time we have no further information on this topic. We present the facts as we know them and allow each individual to use the available data to choose a dietary regimen that fulfills his or her needs.
What is ubiquinone (Q10) derived from? Since this product is provided by a vendor, the exact source of the coenzyme Q10 is proprietary. As you no doubt appreciate, formulations and processing methods are carefully devised by manufacturers and must be as carefully protected. We can tell you that the coenzyme Q10 in Simplexity Health's Super Q10 is obtained by a fermentation process from a plant-based source, then purified by crystallization. Be assured that we deal only with reputable vendors whose standards adhere to the Good Manufacturing Practices established by federal guidelines.
Do probiotics need to be specially prepared in order to survive the acidic environment of the stomach? During the past few years, consumers have been misled by reports that probiotics must be specially prepared in order to survive the acidic environment of the stomach. We must keep in mind that beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus acidophilus are natural inhabitants of the stomach and intestines. These bacteria come from the foods we eat, then journey through our upper digestive tract into the intestine. Foods are not specially prepared in order to allow the bacteria to survive this trip. When we take encapsulated probiotics, the capsule is digested and then the bacteria implant in the stomach and intestines. Once there, they begin to multiply and perform important functions, such as assisting in the digestion and absorption of nutrients. We can assure you that the probiotic colonies within our Spectrabiotic, Acidophilus, and Bifidus will, indeed, survive the action of stomach acids and implant in their respective areas of the intestinal tract.
Is Simplexity Health's Acidophilus from a dairy source? While the exact process is proprietary with the manufacturer, we can tell you that the DDS-1 strain of Lactobacillus acidophilus--from which Simplexity Health's Acidophilus is made--is grown like almost all probiotic strains on a medium of enzyme-modified dairy proteins (not the same as whole milk or cheese) fortified with natural proteoses, peptones, vitamins, amino acids, minerals, enzymes, and growth-promoting and stabilizing nutrients. In the past, the manufacturer has stated that Simplexity's Acidophilus contained no milk products. Then, when new regulations for labeling major allergens went into effect (on January 1, 2006), we were informed that there could be possible traces of dairy protein in the final product. Even though the manufacturer assures us that there is no whey or lactose in the final DDS-1 product, since there may be traces of dairy proteins, we have no choice but to include "contains milk" on the label, which is the wording demanded by the regulation. Depending on the concentration of DDS-1 in the finished product, there could be as much as 0.1 parts per million of dairy protein, a minute amount; but there is probably considerably less--as little as 0.001-0.01 ppm. We recognize that the wording on the label required by the regulation may cause some confusion, and we hope that this explanation is helpful. Even though we have never heard of anyone having an allergic reaction to our probiotics, we advise consumers who have any questions about dietary supplementation to consult with their physician or alternative health care practitioner.
Are Simplexity Health products free of genetically modified organisms (GMOs)? Be assured that all of our ingredients are from non-GMO sources.
Are Simplexity Health products suitable for vegetarians? Most of our all-natural products are acceptable for use by those on a vegetarian regimen; in fact, we are pleased to say that we number many longtime vegetarians among our customers. The only additives used in Simplexity Health products are substances called excipients that are routinely added to the active ingredients in pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals to serve as necessary binders, disintegrants, lubricants, and photoprotectors. The excipients used in Simplexity products are derived exclusively from natural vegetable and mineral sources. Additionally, our encapsulated products are in vegetarian capsules. The only exception is Super Q10, which comes in a special 'softgel'; as soon as a suitable vegetarian capsule is available for this product, we will research the possibility of offering it in that form.
What drying process does Simplexity Health currently use? Bioactive Dehydration™ is a low temperature, organic and kosher certified drying process that preserves natural vitamins, enzymes, and other phytonutrients. It is a very gentle process, protecting botanical essences, that uses a proprietary system called Oxy-Guard™ to prevent oxidation during the delicate stages of drying. Our testing indicates that the quality of this drying system is equal to, and in some cases better than, freeze-drying, especially for heat-sensitive components such as chlorophyll and enzymes.
If chlorophyll is so well-preserved with the new drying process, why doesn't the algae look more green? We want to assure our customers that there have been no changes to the formulas for any of our products that contain Super Blue Green® Algae (SBGA). However, you may have noticed color changes. Although SBGA will always have small variations in color simply because it is a natural wild-crafted product, the more recent color variations are due to changes in our freezing and drying processes. The color (or reflectance) of dried SBGA is influenced by the crystalline formation that takes place during the freezing process. For example, flake freezing creates a different crystalline formation from slab freezing. Prior to changing from flake freezing to slab freezing, we conducted several studies that involved top algae scientists and pigment chemists. The results proved that the amount of chlorophyll in a light green flake-frozen sample is the same as that in a dark green slab-frozen sample. One can even take a light green flake-frozen sample, thaw it, and then refreeze it in a slab, and it turns dark green-all without chlorophyll loss. A second influence on the perceived color of products is the drying method. Freeze-dried algae is light and fluffy and breaks into fine particles when sifted or ground. Our new Bioactive Dehydration™ drying process results in algae that is in the form of tiny droplets or spheres that reflect light differently, thereby impacting the color. For example, if one looks very closely at the current enzyme capsules, the tiny dark specks are algae from our new freezing and drying processes. Keep in mind that the amount of chlorophyll is not precisely indicated by visual appearance, but by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) analysis. Our analysis using HPLC shows that chlorophyll measurements for algae dried with the new process are the same (or higher) than those for algae that was freeze-dried. In fact, if you open a capsule of enzymes and wet the contents, the contents will appear to be very green. That's chlorophyll!
What are these tabletizing (or encapsulating) aids? In order to aid in normal manufacturing processes such as the tabletizing and encapsulating of pharmaceuticals and dietary supplements, substances called excipients are routinely added to the active ingredients to serve as binders, disintegrants, lubricants, and photoprotectors. All of Simplexity Health's excipients are derived from natural vegetable and mineral sources. If you need more information about a specific ingredient, please call Customer Service at 541.883.8848.
What do the abbreviations on the label mean (for example, IU, RE, etc.)? Super Blue Green Algae contains the natural form of Vitamin A called pro-vitamin A, or beta-carotene. Vitamin A and beta-carotene are currently measured and reported in either International Units (IU) or Retinol Equivalents (RE): 1 RE = 10 IU. The enzyme activity levels listed on several of our product labels are defined below. All activity levels used by Simplexity Health are in accordance with the Food Chemical Codex.
I'm trying to compare enzymes, and other enzyme manufacturers use USP for their units. Since Simplexity Health uses DU and other designations, how can I compare? The information on our website explains what many of the scientific abbreviations used on our Enzymes' labels and specification sheets signify. Simplexity Health uses designations other than USP to quantify enzyme products; DU, for instance, means Dextrinizing Unit, which is a measure of the activity of the enzyme alpha-amylase. All of the units indicated on labels are similarly an expression of activity, following a practice generally accepted in the nutraceutical industry. This helps make it possible for the consumer to evaluate or compare products. Labels for both our SBG Zymes and SBG Zymes Plus contain the notice, "The Activity Levels are determined according to the methods and procedures as defined in the Food Chemical Codex. They should not be compared to other assay methods used for animal or pancreatic enzymes or products that use weight measurements." Many enzyme supplements on the market today are either created by chemical synthesis or made from animal organs (for example, those denoted on labels as PGU or USP). The enzymes Simplexity Health uses are plant-based, that is, they are cultivated on a plant medium. Animal-based (pancreatic) enzymes tend to work in a narrow pH range, while plant-based enzymes have a wider pH range of activity, allowing them to function throughout the digestive tract. Plant-based enzymes are capable of digesting the full range of food groups (fats, carbohydrates, proteins, and fiber). Enzyme effectiveness is therefore best described in terms of activity that is measured in units according to standardized assays, but there is no regulation stating how activity levels must be reported on labels. Therefore, be aware that a listing of enzymes in a weight measurement, such as milligrams, does not mean that the enzyme present is active. It simply means that a certain quantity is included in the product, not that the enzyme is effective. Also, it is important to remember that the USP assay is for pancreatin, a substance containing amylase, lipase, and protease that is generally obtained from the pancreas of a hog or ox. Translation between the various designations of assay protocols is approximate at best. Finally, an effective enzyme product will include a broad range of enzymes as well as high activity levels. For example, there are numerous types of proteins found in foods; therefore, an effective enzyme product will include several types of protein-splitting enzymes. Simplexity Health's SBG Zymes Plus product in particular has very high activity levels of each enzyme as well as a broad range of enzymes to digest the widest range of foods. For more information about this product, please see the specification sheet on our website.
What is DSHEA and how does it affect Simplexity Health, or me as a Business Associate? The Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) requires manufacturers to use good manufacturing practices and ethically promote products using truthful statements that are not misleading, to substantiate product claims with verified scientific research, and not promote the product as intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. As a company that strives to be held in the highest regard, Simplexity Health adheres to established regulations stipulated by DSHEA. Although the regulations set forth by DSHEA are primarily designed for manufacturers, knowledge of these rules also provides our Business Associates with insight as to how best to promote our product line. For more information concerning DSHEA and Simplexity Health's advertising policy, please contact Simplexity's customer service department at 541-883-8848, or complete the form located at www.simplexityhealth.co.uk/customerservice.
How do I store your products? How long will they stay fresh? Please see our Shelf Life and Storage document for our recommendations on proper storage of our products.
What do you mean when you say that your shelf life and storage recommendations are conservative estimates? We expect products usually to last longer, or be able to stay viable longer, than the time frames mentioned, even if the prescribed conditions are not perfectly met.
How should Essentials be stored since they include enzymes and probiotics? I have heard that enzymes should not be refrigerated, but that probiotics should. When we came up with this product combination, we were aware of the storage challenge due to the different products included. It has been stated in the past that enzymes should not be refrigerated and also that refrigeration extends the shelf life for probiotics. We have consulted with our enzyme and probiotic manufacturer, and they are confident that refrigeration will not be a problem, since the packets are sealed. It is only after opening the packets or bottles that refrigeration may cause some condensation problems for enzymes. Do keep in mind that storing Acidophilus and Bifidus in the refrigerator is not mandatory, but it extends their shelf life. There are plenty of viable colonies in each even if you just keep in a cool dry place. So...you have options! You may keep Simplexity Health Essentials in a cool dry place, or you may refrigerate the packets to extend the shelf life. Our shelf life document has also been updated to indicate that refrigerating unopened bottles of Enzymes is not a problem.
How are probiotic products stored by Simplexity Health before being shipped to consumers? All Simplexity Health products are stored in a refrigerated warehouse until they are transported as needed to the shipping department, where they remain stored at room temperature for only a short time (usually about one week) before being sent out. For general storage information, please see our Shelf Life document. While storing probiotics in the refrigerator does extend their shelf life, there are plenty of viable colonies in each, even if the products are not refrigerated but are stored in a cool dry place. In fact, according to the vendor for our probiotics, products stored at 50 - 60 degrees F for up to six months may experience a loss of as little as 5% of the beneficial microorganisms.
How will Simplexity Health's probiotic products hold up under extreme weather conditions during storage and shipment? Simplexity Health's probiotics are manufactured by an exclusive, unique process involving growth in a well-defined and highly nourishing medium, enabling them to maintain stability even under short-term adverse conditions of manufacture and storage. It is true that microorganisms such as probiotics can be negatively affected by extremes of heat, moisture or humidity, light, and air, so we do our best to store products under ideal conditions. The probiotics are refrigerated at the manufacturing facility as well as at Simplexity until just prior to shipping, and we recommend refrigeration on receipt of the product. To protect against the inevitable loss that occurs when probiotics are exposed to high temperatures, the manufacturer over-formulates by roughly 20% to help ensure that the maximum number of viable colonies are still available on arrival. We suggest that customers who are concerned about this issue request Next Day delivery by UPS for an order containing probiotics to ensure the product's optimum viability.
What happens if Q10 is exposed to extended temperatures higher than 86° Fahrenheit? The softgels may get sticky or even melt together at higher temperatures. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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