Wellmune

We love it when there are innovative new ways that consumers can easily enjoy the everyday immune health benefits of Wellmune WGP. In this case, Wellmune is now incorporated in a filter for the blue water bottle shown – or any bottle you choose. Talk about an effortless way to support immune health.

The folks at LiveWell were sold on the immune health clinical research behind Wellmune WGP and you’ll see that our logo is displayed on the filter’s packaging.

You can learn more about this novel delivery system in the following news release from LiveWell, a company committed to health, wellness and addressing safety issues for drinking water.

LiveWell™ introduces LiveHealthy Immune Support System with Wellmune WGP® for daily immune support

Boise, Idaho, 4/30/12-  LiveWell LLC is expanding the offerings in its LiveWell Healthy Hydration System to include the LiveHealthy with Immune Health Support System with Wellmune WGP®. LiveWell Healthy Hydration Systems enable consumers to enjoy clean, enhanced, filtered water while on the go and without the cost and waste of bottled water.

The all-natural Wellmune WGP immune health ingredient is clinically proven to safely prime the immune system to keep the body healthy. Numerous peer-reviewed, published studies demonstrate that Wellmune WGP mobilizes billions of innate immune cells that are part of the body’s natural defenses without over stimulating the immune system. LiveHealthy with Immune Health Support comes in a choice of Lemon Lime or Orange Creamsicle flavors. The filters can be used on specially designed LiveHealthy water bottles or on almost any bottled water. As with all LiveWell systems, they are BPA free and biodegradable.

The Livewell system was first developed by a youth soccer coach who wanted his kids to hydrate with safe, healthy water instead of popular sports drinks loaded with sugar and artificial ingredients.

“LiveWell understands that consumers are seeking new, effective vitamin delivery forms that are easy to use and provide benefits for immune support,” said Rick Anson, CEO, LiveWell. “We chose WellmuneWGP^® as our core immunity ingredient because of the science backing its health benefits.”

“Busy families now have the convenience of filtration, hydration and clinically proven immune support right at hand with the introduction of the LiveHealthy with Immune Support hydration system,” said Rich Mueller, president and CEO, Biothera. “It’s easy to use and a novel delivery system to reap the everyday benefits of Wellmune WGP.”

Wellmune WGP is patented, Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) under U.S. FDA regulations, Kosher, Halal, non-allergenic and GMO-free.

For more information on LiveHealthy with Wellmune WGP, please visit www.livewellwater.com and www.wellmune.com.

About LiveWell™

LiveWell LLC is committed to consumer’s health and wellness, addressing safety issues for drinking water, and becoming the industry leader in eco-efficient products that are as environmentally and economically sustainable as possible.

About Wellmune WGP^®

Wellmune WGP is a natural carbohydrate that is clinically proven to prime key immune cells that keep the body healthy. This unique food, beverage and supplement ingredient is Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) under U.S. FDA regulations. It is also patented, Kosher, Halal, non-allergenic and GMO-free. The ingredient is a recipient of an IFT Innovation Award and a Frost & Sullivan Excellence in Research Award. Wellmune WGP is a product of Biothera, a U.S. biotechnology company dedicated to improving immune health.

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EAGAN, MN – April 11, 2012 – Shoppers at 500 Walmart stores in 43 states nationwide can now take a bite-size approach to healthier snacking with the introduction of nutritious Praeventia cookies, made with Wellmune WGP^® and other specially selected ingredients.

Wellmune WGP is clinically proven to safely prime the immune system to keep the body healthy. Numerous peer-reviewed studies demonstrate that Wellmune WGP mobilizes billions of innate immune cells that are part of the body’s natural defenses without over stimulating the immune system.

Praeventia cookies are also loaded with polyphenols (antioxidants), 16 percent of recommended daily dietary fiber and whole grain. Along with Wellmune WGP to support immune health, the cookies also contain prebiotic inulin fiber to support digestive health. A product of Groupe Biscuits Leclerc Ltd., Praeventia cookies contain no trans fats and are low in saturated fats and sugar.

“We believe the addition of Praeventia cookies aligns with Walmart’s overall commitment to offering nutritious food choices to consumers,” said Frédéric Langlois, vice president of R&D at Groupe Biscuits Leclerc. “The carefully chosen ingredients make Praeventia cookies a great option for customers who want their food dollar to support an overall healthier lifestyle.”

“We are thrilled that the world’s largest retailer will now carry Praeventia cookies with Wellmune WGP,” said Rich Mueller, president and chief executive officer, Biothera. “Praeventia cookies are a great example of innovations in functional foods that offer consumers foods that are healthier yet don’t compromise convenience or taste.”

There are two varieties: Ginger and Chocolate Chip with 70% cocoa and cranberry. They are conveniently packaged in seven single-serve pouches per box. Each serving has about 150 calories.

The Praeventia ginger cookies contain: Wellmune WGP, a natural ingredient derived from a yeast β-glucan for a healthier immune system; ginger, also known for its polyphenol (antioxidant) content and the whole oat, a whole grain, contributes daily dietary fiber. The Chocolate Chip with 70% cocoa and cranberry also includes polyphenols.

About Groupe Biscuits Leclerc

Founded in 1905 by François Leclerc, Groupe Biscuits Leclerc has grown tremendously in the last 15 years and boasts five ultramodern plants and more than 570 employees. The family-run company is headquartered in François Leclerc Industrial Park in the Quebec City suburb of Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures.

Leclerc specializes in manufacturing cookies, snack bars, crackers, and breakfast cereals, and exports to more than 20 countries. With its product lines of healthy, nutritious foods, it is known as an innovative company attuned to the tastes and needs of informed customers who care about the food they eat and like to treat themselves to life’s pleasures.  For more information about Praeventia, visit http://www.praeventia.ca/en/index.php.

About Wellmune WGP

Wellmune WGP is a natural carbohydrate that is clinically proven to prime key immune cells that keep the body healthy. This unique food, beverage and supplement ingredient is Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) under U.S. FDA regulations. It is also patented, Kosher, Halal, non-allergenic and GMO-free. The ingredient is a recipient of an IFT Innovation Award and a Frost & Sullivan Excellence in Research Award. Wellmune WGP is a product of Biothera, a U.S. biotechnology company dedicated to improving immune health.

Contact:
David Walsh
VP Communications
Biothera, the Immune Health Company
651-256-4606 (direct)
dwalsh@biothera.com

You’ve heard the adage, “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.” Whether you like a traditional sit-down breakfast or grab and go, you can give your immune system a boost at breakfast time.

Here’s my personal recipe for an immune health-friendly breakfast. It offers the perfect blend of proteins, fats and carbohydrates and is packed with natural immunity boosters.

The recipe is large enough for your family to enjoy. Prep all of the ingredients the night before so you can quickly blend and pour in the morning. The recipe works using fresh or frozen fruit.

Ingredients
1 pomegranate – just scoop out the seeds and remove the flesh. Pomegranate is in season when flu season is at its peak – how perfect!
1 cup blueberries
2 kiwi
1 cup strawberries or papaya
1 banana
1-2 cups greek-style yogurt
¼ cup wheat germ
¼ cup figs, dates or raisins
1 teaspoon cinnamon
¼ cup fresh-ground flaxseed
1 cup kale
3 cups liquid – whether milk, soy milk, vegetable or fruit juices or your favorite beverage containing Wellmune WGP

For extra energy add 1-2 tablespoons of peanut better or tofu. And remember, breakfast is the most important meal of the day!

– William Sears, M.D., scientific advisor to Wellmune WGP

By William Sears, M.D.

There’s an easy way to keep in mind what you can do to support a healthy immune system. I’ve dubbed it the Four Pillars to a Healthy Immune System. Just remember what the the acronym LEAN:

L is for LIFESTYLE – Make health your hobby. By boosting your immune system you’re boosting your ability to stay healthy.

E is for EXERCISE – Exercise helps mobilize the immune system for health. Try to squeeze in even 10-minute activity breaks most days of the week.

A is for ATTITUDE – Stress weakens the immune system by producing excess stress hormones that slow the body from healing. Take time out for meditation or otherwise shift gears away from life’s stresses every day.

N is for NUTRITION – Everyone’s heard the adage, “You are what you eat” and what you eat will make a difference in immune health. To keep nutrition simple, focus on the 5 S’s. Nothing makes the list without passing my  “show me the science behind it” test:

• Seafood
• Salad – including an abundance of bright colored vegetables
• Smoothies – nutrient-rich and filling (see recipe in our next post)
• Spices – think turmeric, ginger and black pepper
• Supplements, including Omega 3 fish and Wellmune WGP^® daily to enhance your body’s immune responses to a wide range of health challenges

Click here for more about Dr. Sears’s thoughts on immune health.  A father of eight children, ages 16 to 41, and an author of over 40 books on childcare, Dr. Sears has been a practicing pediatrician for more than 35 years.  He received his pediatric training at Harvard Medical School’s Children’s Hospital in Boston and the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, the largest children’s hospital in the world.

Can Vitamins Lead to Debauchery?

A recent study about vitamin users being more inclined to engage in risky behaviors caught our attention.  According to research published in Psychological Science, supplement users may get a false sense of invulnerability that may translate in potentially harmful lifestyle behaviors, including binge-drinking, casual sex and sunbathing.  Here’s the link.

It’s an interesting study and perhaps one more reason to protect yourself with Wellmune WGP^®.

When Lagos, Nigeria-based Bolar Pharmaceuticals Ltd. introduced Immiflex, which contains Wellmune WGP, public health officials took notice. Nigeria, the largest country in Africa, faces an ongoing health crisis, with a life expectancy of just 54 versus the global average of 68, according to the World Health Organization. Mortality rates are higher than average for the youngest Nigerians as well, with 138 deaths per 1,000 for children under 5 versus 60 deaths per 1,000 globally. Like many other Third-World countries, those in Nigeria’s rural areas and those at the lower end of the socioeconomic spectrum are particularly at risk.

Where do Immiflex and Wellmune fit in? Nigeria has a bold public health vision: to save one million lives and improve the quality of care. One of the four pillars of the initiative is an emphasis on healthy living and disease prevention. Because Wellmune primes the innate immune cells that help keep the body healthy, it attracted attention as a functional ingredient. Wellmune can help mobilize the body’s natural defenses, strengthening the immune system, the foundation of health and wellness.

On hand for the launch of Immiflex was Dr. Enabulele, Head of the Wellness Programme at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, on behalf of the hospital’s Chief Medical Director D A A Oke. The Special Guest of Honour was The Special Adviser on Health to the Lagos State Governor, Dr. Yewande Adesina. The event host was Bolade A. Soremekun, M.D. and CEO, Bolar Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

As we head towards the new year, many of us will resolve to lose weight, stop smoking and exercise more. This year, why not pledge to be kinder to your immune system? Every goal requires action steps, so here are a few to get you started.

• Go ahead, giggle. In fact, find a reason to laugh out loud every day. Researchers say laughter decreases stress hormones while enhancing your immune response.
• Be responsible about antibiotic use. Take antibiotics only under a doctor’s supervision because improper use may suppress your immune function. Always finish the prescribed course of treatment unless advised by our doctor. Never save antibiotics or share them with others.
• Include Wellmune WGP® in your daily routine. It is clinically proven to nourish and strengthen your immune system.
• Unwind. Too much stress lowers your immune system. Keep up those anxiety levels, and chances are pretty good that you will get sick.
• Park your car and walk. Experts say that getting more frequent, brisk exercise may cut your sick days in half. Frequent and strenuous exercise helps boost the number of white blood cells circulating throughout your body.
• Help your friends to stop smoking. We’re learning more and more about secondhand smoke, including the fact that it may trigger asthma and respiratory infections.
• Make a good night’s sleep a priority. If you toss and turn all night, or don’t get at least seven to eight hours of rest, your immune system won’t function as well.

Having a healthier immune system is about developing a set of daily habits, so that when you are confronted with a sick child or coughing co-worker, your body will be in better shape to fight off the germs. If items on this list involve major changes, start with baby steps. Keep moving forward and you will reach your goals.

What did you do for fun last night? What are your weekend plans? Did you know that your social life can have a direct impact on your immune system?

Here are five ways that you and your friends could be setting yourselves up for illness.

1. Watching too much TV. If your favorite source of entertainment is watching TV or going to movies, you need to consider using your muscles more often.  There is mounting evidence that moderate, consistent exercise helps protect us from everything from the common cold to more serious, chronic diseases. How about riding bicycles to the cineplex?
2. Eating out too often. You may enjoy dining out with friends, but if you’ve got the expanded waistline to show for it you might want to find lower calorie pastimes. Those extra pounds put you at risk for diabetes, heart disease and cancer, partly because excess fat cells might be causing your body to produce fewer antibodies. Why not collaborate on a low-fat, low-calorie homemade meal instead? You may discover cooking with your friends is a lot of fun.
3. Feeling socially isolated. It doesn’t matter if you have just one friend or many. What’s important is how connected you feel to others in your life. Studies indicate that having strong relationships improves your mental as well as your physical health. Make time for good conversations without a lot of distractions, explore volunteer opportunities, and turn off your electronic devices when you’re together with friends.
4. Being pulled in too many directions. If your time is so over-committed that you’re running from one activity to another, it may be time to simplify your life. Numerous studies have linked stress with lower immune function. Try to prioritize your activities, and find ways to either delegate obligations or eliminate them entirely so that you’re spending most of each day doing the things that are most important to you.
5. Eating too much sugar. Researchers say that sugar suppresses immune system cells. Something to consider if you and your friends like to hit the yogurt shop regularly. Challenge your friends to find creative ways to eliminate sugar from your lives. Support each other until the temptations subside. Remember: you don’t need sugar to live a healthy, well-rounded life. Besides, enjoying just a little bit of sugar now and then will make the treat seem that much sweeter.

Business trips may be great for your company and your career but they can play havoc with your health. Changes in your sleep patterns, diet and exercise routines – not to mention travel-related stresses – can weaken your immune system. That’s why so many business travelers tend to feel rundown, and suffer from more than their share of colds and flu.

Here are some steps you can take to decrease your chances of getting sick on your next business trip.

1. Dodge airport germs by wearing socks. The floors at security checkpoints are dirty. No need exposing your bare feet to germs that could lead to fungal infections.
2. Thwart airborne germs on the plane. The air aboard an airplane dries out your nasal membranes, making you less resistant to infection. Use a saline nasal spray before and after your flight to keep your those membranes moist.
3. Take Wellmune WGP® before and throughout your trip. Wellmune engages your body’s neutrophils, which are the soldiers of the immune system. It naturally primes these cells so that they are ready to serve as your body’s first line of defense and keep you healthy.
4. Re-set your body clock. Adjust to a new time zone as quickly as possible. If you arrive at bedtime, then try to go to sleep as soon as you get to your hotel. If it’s daytime, try to stay awake.
5. Pack gym clothes. Most hotels now offer workout rooms so you can keep up with your daily exercise routine.
6. Be kind to your digestive system. It’s tempting to stray from your normal eating habits while traveling, especially when most (if not all) of your meals are in restaurants. You’ll feel less sluggish if you choose lean entrees, and include fruits and vegetables with each meal. Avoid alcohol and be sure to monitor your portion sizes.
7. Avoid germs in high-traffic areas. Viruses can survive 18 hours on hard surfaces. Use your shoulder instead of your hands to push open doors in public places. Try to remember not to place your palms down on the hotel’s front desk counter. Wash your hands often, especially after handling restaurant menus, condiment containers and other items that are touched by dozens of people a day.
8. Don’t skimp on your sleep. You’ll be more effective in your business meetings, and your body will function more efficiently. If you’re generally have troubles sleeping while away from home, bring along some melatonin, which is a safe and natural way promote drowsiness.

You might want to think twice the next time you pay cash for a burger or giant pretzel, then use your hands to pop a bite into your mouth. Because your mom was right: our money really is full of disgusting germs.

Think about it: anything that gets onto our hands can get onto our money. Kids stuff their shoes with money. We pick up coins from dirty parking lots. Sick people handle money all the time. There can be millions of germs on money at any given point. Germs cling to paper money more easily than coins, and the older the bill, the more germs it probably carries.

Various studies over the years have found fecal bacteria and other common germs such as Staphylococcus aureus on U.S. currency. According to the Federal Reserve, the average bill lasts just 16 months before it is too soiled to use and is removed from circulation.

Since the late 1990s, some Japanese banks have taken ‘money laundering’ to a whole new level with ‘clean ATM’ machines. Customers insert their yen into the machine, where it is sanitized using high heat, then returned to the customers. Of course, once someone touches the money again, it becomes contaminated.

It’s reassuring to know that most bacteria die on surfaces within hours unless they have the right growing conditions. But while experts say your risk of contracting a serious infection from dirty money isn’t very high, there could be enough germs on your cash to transmit a cold virus. Or if heavily soiled money comes into contact with an open sore, you might get an infection. Again, not likely, but possible. Plus, there’s simply that ‘yuck’ factor of not knowing what kinds of germs you’re touching.

Bottom line: play it safe by always washing your hands after handling money, and especially before touching your eyes, nose or mouth.