What is maca?

Maca is a cruciferous root vegetable in the same family as the turnip. It is native the Andes of Peru and Bolivia grown at altitudes between 13,000 and 15,000 feet (highest crop grown). The Andean Incas highly valued the root as they believed it to increase energy, endurance and fertility in both humans and animals. They also used it as currency when bartering with peoples of other regions.

The root has recently been rediscovered for its high nutritional value. It is very mineral rich (such as calcium, iron, copper, magnesium, and zinc) as well as significant amounts of vitamins B1, B2, C, proteins, carbohydrates, and lignans.

However, it is the possible sexual functions of maca that arouses the most interest. Even today it is thought that this little root may alleviate menopausal symptoms in women, increase semen volume, sperm count and motility in men and enhance libido, endurance and fertility in both sexes.  The research that has been done on the herb has shown that even though it can create these types of results, it does not contain or directly influence actual sex hormones.

Since maca research is still in its infancy it is unknown why these hormonal effects often take place over long term maca use. One theory is that the alkaloids found in maca stimulates the endocrine system, another is that its adaptogenic properties allow the body to maintain hormonal homeostasis. Likely, it is the synergy of these as well as other biological processes that maca promotes.

The maca used in BōKU® Super Food is a special organic, fresh pressed maca root juice that is far more potent than plain powdered maca root. It is only one of the ingredients in BōKU® that can help add years to your life and life to your years!

Months ago I did an iodine loading test which was, to put it lightly, not the highlight of that particular 24 hours but once it is over and done with it all seems pretty easy. The company I used made mailing it in a breeze as all you had to do was put a tiny amount of the 24 hour collection in a tube, place that in an envelope, call FedEx and leave it at your front door. So off it went and last week I finally had a doctor appointment and got to hear the results. A normal person who needs no supplemental iodine would excrete about 90% (+) of the ingested Iodoral which is all very precisely measured at the lab (I don’t know how and don’t care).

My test results showed an excretion of 74%, which simply put means I am not a total disaster but I do need supplemental iodine. As I have hypothyroidism any lack of iodine makes my thyroid work at less than full capacity, so I feel like finding out was well worthwhile. Lack of iodine in your system can contribute to dis-ease and many experts in the field of breast cancer feel low levels of iodine make women particularly vulnerable to breast cancer. When Iodine isn’t present we cannot detox such things as Bromide and Fluoride and they get stored in our bodies where they can feed wild little cells.

My functional medicine man and I have agreed that I will take 2 12.5 mg tablets of Iodoral per day for three months and then I will repeat (I so want to write re-pee, so there you go it is out there) the test and see how my levels are at that time. In addition to Iodoral I use one or two scoops of Boku Superfood every day in my morning smoothie. Boku Superfood has kelp in addition to all kinds of greens, cocoa powder, etc. My FMD felt that the kelp I was ingesting was indeed adding much needed iodine just not enough to get my excretion level to 90% or better. A person can add iodine to their diet by eating scrumptious things like sushi and shrimp in addition to Boku Superfood.

I am hopeful that getting more optimal levels of iodine in my body will assist my thyroid and I will share an update in two months. In the meantime I am also working at balancing all my hormones with bio-identical hormones and taking supplements that strengthen my thyroid because I feel that if I feed my body what it needs it will function at a higher level and dis-ease will be but a distant memory.

We’re so glad that Boku Super Food helps Kris!

You can check out Kris’ blog here: http://krisinsight.wordpress.com/

We have gotten many questions about our new immune tonic since we released it this week. So we’re going to answer the most common questions right here.

1. Is this a vegetarian/vegan product?

Yes. The glycerin used in the tonic is 100% pure kosher vegetable glycerin.

2. Does the tonic expire? How long does it last?

The shelf life of the tonic is four years so that it will last through a few flu seasons.

3. Can children take the BōKU® Immune Tonic?

Yes. The tonic is absolutely alcohol free and contains only healthful herbs in a glycerin base so it is safe for children.

4. Can pregnant women take the BōKU® Immune Tonic?

Based on the ingredients it should be alright, but we do recommend that pregnant or lactating women check with their doctors before taking the product.

5. Is the BōKU® Immune Tonic only good for when you are getting sick?

No. While the tonic does support your immune system, it can be also be used year round to combat fatigue, enhance one’s mood, and to support an overall sense of physical and mental well-being.

6. Can you get the tonic with a spray rather than a dropper?

Yes. The serving size with the spray is 3 sprays (a half dose) because it atomizes the particles and allows them to be absorbed more quickly.

Natural News’ Mike Adams reports on how cordyceps mushrooms may have the ability to cease the spread of cancer. This is due to the fact that cordycepin (a drug extracted from the mushroom) has an effect on how cells make protein.

“For thousands of years, the mushroom known as Cordyceps has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat problems ranging from coughs and fatigue to impotence and cancer. And once Western scientists started considering that anecdotal reports of the mushroom’s curative powers might be something more than “folk tales”, research started accumulating that backs up many ancient claims about Cordyceps’ health benefits. For example, scientists from the University of Nottingham in Great Britain say they’ve documented how Cordiceps can fight cancer — and the new discovery could increase the effectiveness of mushroom-derived cancer treatments.”

Read the rest of the article here: http://www.naturalnews.com/027869_cordyceps_cancer.html

The anti-cancer effect is one of the reasons that our Master Formulator included the cordyceps mushroom in BōKU®’s Super Táke Blend. Research has shown that cordyceps may also protect the liver from damage and is known to have an anti-depressant effect.

1)    Why take BOKU Immune Tonic verse other common immune products out in the market ( Emergen-C, Airborne, most mega dosed vitamin C supplements )?

Dr. Adrezin: “I am not a big fan of mega dosed supplements.  Although you may feel some benefit, high doses of isolated nutrients can build up in the tissues of the body.  Your body then has to spend vital energy detoxifying from the vitamins!  A better way to get Vitamin C and encourage detoxification at the same time would be to squeeze the juice of a fresh organic lemon or lime into a glass of warm water.  This is a wonderful cleansing drink, especially with a bit of organic ginger thrown in as well.  Boku Super Food is also wonderfully rich in Vitamin C from organic foods.

I created Boku Immune Tonic to support the body in a unique way.  It is gentle, yet powerful at the same time.  The organic herbs in Boku Immune Tonic have a long history of use keeping people healthy and strong around the world.  Boku Immune Tonic provides a second level of support to synergize your use of nutrient dense foods and positive lifestyle factors.”

2)    What was your approach to your formula, i.e. why these specific ingredients?

Dr. Adrezin: “Many herbal formulations that deal with “cold/flu season” use plants that are intended to kill bacteria and viruses.  There can be a short term benefit in this. The downside is that by having the herbs kill the bugs, your immune system can become “lazy.” I take a different approach.  My focus in Boku Immune Tonic is to support the immune system and the vitality of the whole body.  I utilize powerful adaptogenic plants that can help the body protect and regulate itself in the face of stress, increase the body’s use of oxygen, boost mood, and encourage increased resistance to illness.  Boku Immune Tonic can be successfully used year round, not just in the winter.”

3)    Why liquid drops?

Dr. Adrezin: “It’s simple, liquid drops are not only convenient, but are highly absorbable and make the ingredients more bio available in the human body.”

4)    What’s your general advice on staying “flu free” during this flu season?

Dr. Adrezin: “Getting enough sleep is very powerful medicine during flu season.  Make sure to stay well hydrated.  Remember to move.  Even if you’re not an “exerciser,” walking and deep breathing will move lymphatic fluid through your body.  Lymphatic fluid helps your immune system keep you free from “invaders.”  Of course, you should make sure to eat a diet of nutrient dense foods, and remember to laugh, which has a remarkable effect in keeping the immune system in tune.”

Thanks Dr. BJ!