NeoCell Biotin Bursts

Biotin Bursts are biotin and antioxidant-packed soft chews in the flavor of acai. These tiny, yet powerful and perfectly tart and delicious chews are the best way to consume biotin, in my opinion as they really do the trick on my candy cravin' sweet tooth. Not only that, but I'm pretty sure with each bite-sized chew, my hair, nails and skin will be improving. Talk about a tasty treat that really doesn't come with any guilt!

I was given the awesome opportunity to try the Biotin Bursts by Neocell earlier this week. Each small, individually wrapped "burst" contains a whopping 25 milligrams of acai fruit powder, which delivers a beautiful supply of antioxidants to the body, and a huge 10,000 micrograms of readily absorbable biotin. Note: Some online sources claim that we should "aim" for 30 micrograms of biotin in our daily diet, so consuming 10,000 micrograms in these chews tells me I'm going to be plenty sufficient in this beautifying vitamin.

What is Biotin?

Biotin is called "Vitamin H" by most, but is actually considered a B-Vitamin, strangely enough.

Why I Like The Biotin Bursts
Aside from getting to indulge daily in a tasty little chew, similar to a Starburst as my nephew put it (but way easier on the teeth, and even more flavorful) the biotin supplement is actually highly beneficial in the beauty department -- particularly skin, hair and nails.

The effect biotin has on hair is described as "luxurious hair and vibrant skin." It's also been touted for its ability to strengthen brittle nails, which is something I've had for years. 

Neocell's Biotin Bursts are "scientifically formulated to support metabolism of proteins in the body, promoting natural energy," too. It also has a positive effect on the nervous system.

I've even heard of biotin being helpful in weight loss, in some cases.

Consuming biotin can be useful in conditions such as eczema, thinning hair, seborrheic dermatitis, and it may help promote hair growth. Biotin is said to be useful even in cases of depression! This is another reason I was highly intrigued by this H-Vitamin once I learned about it from Neocell.

*Biotin for yeast infections?

I wanted to update this article as I just read something very interesting in a Live Strong article regarding another possible benefit of using biotin -- yeast infections!  An overgrowth of candida albicans is the cause of a yeast infection, and also the cause of candidiasis, sometimes IBS too (which was my case.) 

Interestingly, I was checking more into biotin just now when I read the following excerpt:

"There are certain situations when very high dosages of biotin can aid in medical treatment. For example, biotin 5000 mg can aid in treating yeast infections such as Candida albicans, so that it does not develop from its yeast-like state into a fungal form, as discussed by FungusFocus and altMD's Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine."

Before I go on, let me just say, my understanding of the above statement is that biotin can keep the candida albicans from continuing to "grow" until they get out of control. When they say "so it doesn't develop from its yeast-like state into a fungal form," I am taking that to mean simply they remain under control and do not "over-grow" leaving the body with an "infection." 


So, it turns out, that my taking this high dose of biotin in the Biotin Bursts happens to possibly come with an incredible added benefit that I didn't even know about! Most of you know that I suffered severely with IBS-Candidiasis for the majority of my late-teen/early-adult years. I won't go into that story again, but I find it really awesome that there are more things we can do to keep this sometimes debilitating problem under control. I know some of my readers were told by their doctors the same things I was told -- that the pain was "in your head" and that you'd never again live without it. There's no cure, so all you can do is continue taking prescribed medications. This was my "fate" according to my own doctor after having surgery for part of my problem -- endometriosis. My fate included a prescription of drugs that further debilitated me really because at the recommended dosing, I would've only had 2 hours maximum out of my bed every single day of my life! Zombie drugs. I never did take the recommended amount as 2 alone kicked my butt for a full 24 hours.


Anyways, I promised I wouldn't get into that story again. Why do you guys let me do this?

So, I wanted to put this information about biotin at higher doses possibly being helpful for candida issues out there for my fellow sufferers. Whether it's your gut that's being tormented by candida albicans or your genitals or elsewhere, I think biotin could be something to keep in mind.

That also brings me to the fact that last month I was dealing with one of those pesky female yeast infections myself! It was one of the worst I've ever suffered from, and kind of came out of nowhere. I of course used the natural, home remedy to take care of it (the same ones I've published here and elsewhere), but how awesome it is to know that using this biotin supplement may provide some added help in that area.

Keep in mind, it's been said that people with kidney problems should not use biotin supplements. I have no idea why that is or if there's anything to it, but I thought I might should point that out since I know at least one of my heavy readers do suffer with kidney issues.

In the image above, you can see the individually wrapped chews.

 

Why I Adore Neocell:
"NeoCell has been developing and manufacturing all natural, premium anti-aging formulas for over 20 years and is the leading Collagen brand in the world. Our products are naturally based, not synthetic, and are designed to promote youthful health, beauty and total body wellness. We manufacture our own products using carefully sourced food-grade raw materials and our facility exceeds all GMP standards. We strive to continuously bring the best to our customers– products that we and our own families are proud to use, made with Nutrients You Can Trust®."

As you can see on the packaging of the Biotin Bursts, Neocell products do not contain Soy, GMO's Palm oil or gluten! Let's hear it for all healthy ingredients!

Results of taking Biotin Bursts:

Since I'm only about a week into taking the 30-day supply of these Biotin chews from NeoCell, I can't attest entirely to the results. I'd like to give the product enough time to really do its job (30 days), so I will update periodically as I see results, including after the 30 days. I almost waited to even do a review until 30 days had passed with me taking the supplement, but I was too excited to hurry and get the exciting word out about them, so I hope you'll check back for any results I end up seeing while using them!

At the moment, my nails are somewhat brittle, with vertical lines galore! They're easily bent, not thick. After 30 days of using the Biotin Bursts, I'll take a look and see if they have changed, which would be really exciting to see!

So far though, my hair very possibly could be showing signs of becoming shinier! Hopefully, I see a big change within my skin, too. I have had the best skin I've seen in years this week, which is overly exciting considering I've only been taking the Biotin Bursts this week! My skin literally looks great to me, and that's something I haven't felt in ages. In fact, before the past week, I hated what was going on with my skin. It looked awful with breakouts and dry flakes no matter what I done to fix them. I've actually had very little reason to even put on moisturizer the last few days! So, if this sudden clearing of my skin problems is in fact due to the Biotin Bursts, you can bet your sweet behind I will continue using them for the long term! 

Check back to see my progress!

Disclaimer: I am not a specialist, expert, professional or doctor of any kind. Content on this blog is not intended to be taken as medical advice, diagnosis, treatment or advice of any sort. I'm simply sharing information about my own experiences and results from use of a product or activity in hopes of providing useful information to readers, not to be taken as a patient/medical adviser relationship. I am not responsible for what readers choose to do after viewing the content here. Furthermore, I do not hold an "exceptional" or other special relationship with any company mentioned on this site. I'm simply a consumer who worked with the company on a review that is in compliance with FTC's guidelines. That means, everything you read here is my own words, not anything of the company's. I was not provided with monetary compensation for my review. All information posted has been done so with complete honesty. No action should be taken based solely on the content of this publication ( I'm not responsible.) Readers who rely on the information in this blog to replace the advise of an appropriate health care provider assume all risks of such behavior.

ResVitale Collagen Renew with Vitamin C

Today is a good one because we get to talk about two things I enjoy on a daily basis -- health and anti-aging. 

I've had the lovely opportunity to try the incredibly designed Collagen Renew with Vitamin C (thanks, ResVitale!) and I feel excited to share the results and information about ResVitale's new Collagen skincare supplement with ya'll! 

Image source: Someecards

A lot of you have emailed me with questions about the last ResVitale Collagen supplement I posted about, and I know people said they had mixed results, so I'm going to try and be as useful as possible by describing all the possible benefits this supplement may have as well as the results. Just hang tight, folks.

ResVitale's new Collagen supplement is supposed to help skin to maintain elasticity and help reduce appearance of wrinkles. These are benefits make an anti-aging supplement pretty near perfect since you always want to be working to both prevent aging signs and also to do some repairing of what's already there. So, one supplement and you get prevention and some repair -- now I'm happy.

First, I feel like it's important to start from scratch, so lets talk about what collagen is, exactly:

You probably have an idea, like me, I knew that collagen was something in your skin and joints, and pictured it to be a clear squishy substance. Until I actually read up on it myself, I didn't know that collagen was also in bones and its exact definition is "a fibrous protein found in bones, skin and tissue."

Collagen connects and supports skin, muscles, bone, tendons, cartilage and also our internal organs. I didn't know that one until looking into it, either. This makes me think that taking a supplement that contains collagen and Vitamin C might even be helpful for more than just skin, but also perhaps those body parts mentioned as well.

*I am not making any for-sure claims, though, just to be clear. I'm just giving my thoughts and opinion.. and later, my experience with this new ResVitale product.*

  

  Why the Added Vitamin C is Important:

In order for collagen to be able to produce, Vitamin C is necessary, so it makes sense that ResVitale include the ascorbic acid in the Collagen Renew. Connective Tissues require Vitamin C in order for collagen production to, well, produce!

Of course there's also the health benefits of Vitamin C, which most of you already know. To refresh your memory:  Vitamin C is an antioxidant, which alone provides anti-aging (you know, free radical fighting and all.), boosts immune system, etc.

Also important to note is that the ResVitale Collagen Renew with Vitamin C contains scientifically studied Bioactive Collagen Peptides®

  

  

I've included a picture of the Collagen Supplement from ResVitale above, so you can get an idea of the size and look of the tablets. They're not horse pills, but are easy enough to swallow, especially with the glaze on them. They go down smoothly and quick, with no taste or aftertaste.

Of course ResVitale packages their supplement in dark colored glass bottles and the bottle comes with the safety sticker over the opening.

My Results

It was probably right at the two week mark of my beginning this ResVitale Collagen Renew with Vitamin C when I actually put together that it was actually affecting the appearance of my skin. Surprisingly enough, although I was taking the supplement on a daily basis (3 times), I had forgotten about the results it claimed to deliver. I just didn't remember to really keep an eye out for anything, which I think worked in my favor and I like when that happens because it helps me be assured I won't be biased and just "think up" results or attribute them to the product when it's not really the product to give credit to, if that makes sense.

For several days, when I'd look in the mirror, I would think "my skin is just looking great today." I remember thinking that several times when after a while I thought "wow, my skin just keeps looking great." That's when it hit me that something had changed. My skin never has this long of a "good spell," I thought. My skin will have these "good spells" where for a day or two I'll look and think "hey, it's looking good." And then those few moments are over and my skin is back to looking rough. 

So when I realized it hadn't gotten rough again, I started thinking of what I had done differently, and nearly kicked myself when I realized I'd been taking ResVitale's Collagen Renew with Vitamin C. That was one of those rare aha moments, and it excited me. 

I definitely had far more noticeable results with this newer Vitamin C version than the last Collagen Renew that didn't contain the extra Vit.C. So, I think that was the key in making the product really work to its full potential, and ResVitale deserves a lot of credit there for listening to customers and making such a quick updated product that works better. Kudos to you, ResVitale!

Before I forget, the ingredients have me thinking that this supplement might also produce some surprise benefits for hair! It has ingredients that are beneficial for hair, and skin and nails for that matter, but thought I'd mention that.

Now, I'll tell you exactly what this "improvement" I noticed was:

A great complexion! Yes, it's that simple. It wasn't one little thing I could pin-point, but I just had glowing, nice, non-spolchy, dry and damaged looking skin. My pores didn't look overly-huge on my T-zone areas, less noticeable shine, and even possibly a bit of a plump effect, but nothing extreme. A nicely evened out complexion with a perfectly smooth, glowing texture. Also less "sunken in" circles around my eyes that I've been working religiously to reduce! Those suckers have had me stumped for ages as they only recently appeared and well, they came with their bags packed (pun intended) and planning for a looong stay. I researched everything I could about causes and remedies. I keep a close eye on Vitamin and minerals and work to keep enough in my system unless chaos creeps in, but they kept hanging around no matter how many things I fixed and how repaired my sleep became.

And I've finally seen a slight improvement. And I'm not about to give up now. Those babies are leaving. They don't have to go home, but they cannot stay under my eyeballs. Any takers looking for a new set? I hear they look lovely on some people.

Kidding. Kidding.

Joking aside.

I haven't seen a reduction in acne at all, but I have had a lot less trouble with my skin just having that dreadful dull look, if that makes sense. I am in that group of people who have basically all the skin "concerns" there is. A little bit of breaking out, a little bit of fine lines, an oily T-zone, enlarged pores, some minor scarring, little random blemish spots. And dryness on top of all that! That's usually in the form of little flaky skin around my cheek bones and chin every so often.

All of those things were reduced during the time of my taking ResVitale Collagen Renew with Vitamin C, and only days after I stopped did I notice my skin looking just cruddy again. I really enjoyed the results I was experiencing though, which will lead me to continuing use of the supplement. It wasn't until I'd seen some of the issues reappear that I realized just how great the improvements really were. I think I was in need of that added Vitamin C, too. 

Oh, and one more added benefit I learned about the Collagen Renew with Vit. C that really got me wanting to keep taking it:

Apparently, it can help with osteoarthritis, and since it helps build collagen, I think it'd be great for my bones and joints, which are at high risk due to a medication I've been on for years (for endometriosis and reducing growth). It's just icing on the cake that this supplement can provide help there, too. 

Dosage:

"As a dietary supplement, take 3 capsules daily with food or as recommended by your healthcare practitioner."

Instructions: Store tightly in a cool, dry place.

Now, for the supplement facts:

Each serving contains 10 calories, 10 milligrams sodium, 2 grams protein, 60 milligrams Vitamin C (as ascorbic acid) and Verisol Bioactive Collagen: 2.5 grams.

Other ingredients:

Rice Concentrate, Vegetable cellulose gum, silica, pharmaceutical glaze.

Note: Very impressive ingredients! No added harmful stuff like dyes and such.

What's not to Love?
Not much as this is a supplement that will be beneficial whether results in appearance are noticeable or not (you know, internal health). However, it's not exactly a one-a-day, but 3 daily. Not bad of course, and I don't have trouble remembering since I usually take the whole serving at once.
The price for quantity. You get 20 servings (60 tablets total), and at 3 a day, that means one bottle doesn't quite last a whole month. Price per quantity is a bit high.

Sorbera -- The Natural Digestive Aid (review)

Sorbera is a digestive aid, and another product from  that I have talked about using and liking  from Vianda Life.

Sorbera is a supplement that contains active culture probiotics for digestive system balance.

Lately, probiotics have gotten a little more exposure, and people are becoming more aware of their importance, including me. 

As someone who's suffered from endometriosis since my early teens, and later found out that part of my intense suffering came from endometriosis' lovely friend IBS, I figured out several years ago that I probably did need to be using some type of probiotic. 

You may have heard of yogurt being a probiotic and good for balacing and regulating the digestive system. And you might've heard of kefir, too as it's a great form of probiotics. We've discussed kefir here before, too. In case you aren't fully aware of the importance and possible benefits of probiotics, I will go over them in this review for Sorbera.

Sorbera is a little similar, only I believe it contains a lot more probiotics, and since Vianda Life is good about using safe, natural ingredients, I don't have to worry about consuming harmful artificials or preservatives.

Supplement Facts

As I've said a million times, knowing the ingredients in any supplement (or any other product, for that matter) is pretty much important thing #1. So, for that reason, and because I love to be as informative as possible in a review, I'm going to list the information, including ingredients and supplement facts that are shown on Sorbera's label.

It's important to know how much probiotic you're getting in your probiotics, so always check! Sorbera is a good example of a decent amount: 10 billion CFU per caplet

Vianda Life says that Sorbera uses "BIO-tract delivery system to ensure its active ingredients reach your intestine alive to provide maximum benefit." 

We'll start with dosage

The label recommends taking one capsule in the morning, preferrably with a meal. Pretty easy, and I like easy!

Back label

Whether you've just gotten rid of something like IBS candidiasis or either, or you've never experienced severe digestive problems in your life, a probiotic supplement is still very beneficial because the bacteria in them maintain a healthy digestive system and replace the bad bacteria with the good, so as I said, they can fight off the bad guys. Therefore, your chance of getting candidiasis is lessened.

Image source: www.atihealthnet.com

Also, most people who've suffered from candidiasis will tell you anytime you're put on antibiotics, always take a probiotic! It can help keep the antibiotics from wiping out all the bacteria, including the good guys, which is why it often leads to an overgrowth of the bad -- the bad reproduce quickly, and by the time you have good bacteria, it can be too late, as in my case.

So, now that we have that pretty much covered, other causes of candidiasis can include 

What Does Sorbera Do?

Close-up of Sorbera

• The Probiotic blend, Sorbera helps regulate the digestive system.

• Using a probiotic that contains a lot of "friendly bacteria," like Sorbera, can help with vitamin and nutrient absorption, which is one other reason I continue to take it, even while my IBS and candidiasis has cleared up. 

• Helps strengthen immunity

•  May deliver healthy bacteria to digestive system.

 

• May regulate instestinal health.

• May strengthen digestive system

• Helps with constipation

• A study published on NIH.Gov states that "Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine and M.D. Anderson Cancer Center investigated how Lactobacillus reuteri ATCC PTA 6475 might work to slow the growth of certain cancerous tumors."

 

•  This article on NCCAM states that there is some evidence that suggests probiotics might be helpful for diarrhea, antibiotic-associated diarrhea, and atopic eczema (a skin condition most commonly seen in infants).

 

•  And, not to overwhelm my lovely readers, but here's yet another article published on NCAAM that states a few more studies that showed quite possibly benefits of probiotics. Here's a couple of excerpts:

"A systematic review suggests that there is strong evidence that probiotics may reduce the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis, a severe intestinal condition of premature newborns. 

 

Other potential future applications include use in reducing cholesterol levels, treating obesity, and managing irritable bowel syndrome."

 

 

 

My Experience/Results

So far, I'm quite pleased with the supplement Sorbera. The results, while not extremely noticeable since I'm in pretty good health, have included regulation in the digestive system department. That was most notable, and it happened quickly after just one supplement a day. Within the first week I seen a change. I think Sorbera is pretty great for constipation -- maybe not super severe, but definitely minor and maybe moderate.

I've had zero side effects from Sorbera. In fact, there's really only one "effect" I've had period -- and that's just the regulation and improved digestive system. Other than that, I'd never know I was taking anything if I wasn't there when I take it each day.

Do I think Sorbera is beneficial enough for everybody?

Pretty much anybody who needs a boost in their 

Image source: rda12.com

digestive system, possible boost in immunity, etc. 

The study I found on the two probiotics Lactobacillus (the one I linked to above) that stated it could be beneifical for cancer/tumors is one thing that makes me really like Sorbera -- because it includes those two probiotics, and knowing that it may be helpful there is pretty wealthy knowledge, IMO. That alone encourages/gives me motivation to take Sorbera, although I do not have tumors, still!

 

Sorbera Ingredients:

"Sorbera’s premium blend of active culture probiotics is formulated to deliver maximum “friendly” bacteria to your intestinal tract to support vital body functions and help you maintain digestive balance. 

Lactobacillus Acidophilus

This strain of probiotic comes from Latin meaning “Acid-loving milk bacterium”. It’s commonly found in dairy products like yogurt. Strong enough to survive the gastrointestinal journey through your body, it is used to restore the balance of intestinal flora. L. Acidophilus also promotes the production of Vitamin K and may support bowel regularity. 

 

Bifidobacterium Bifidum

Bifidobacterium is found in the gastrointestinal tract, vagina, and mouth of humans. Used widely in the food industry, its range of health benefits include supporting your body’s immune response and promotes the metabolism of carbohydrates and nutrients, which is especially useful to lifestyles high in processed foods and fat. 

 

Streptococcus Thermophilus

Streptococcus comes from the Greek meaning “twisted berry” because of the way the bacterium is chained like a string of berries. Thermophilus also comes from the Greek meaning “heat” because it can thrive at extremely high temperatures. As a live culture, this bacteria turns lactose (the sugar in milk) into lactic acid – lactose is what makes it difficult for people who are lactose-intolerant to digest dairy products. 

 

Fructo-Oligosaccharides

This bacteria occurs naturally in plants like Jerusalem Artichoke and Chicory, and is also produced commercially as an artificial sweetener. It can also be found in bananas, onions, barley, and asparagus. It possesses prebiotic effects to support overall GI tract health and to promote calcium absorption."

 

Source: Vianda Life

Digestive Problems (Candidiasis, etc.) and Antiobiotics

Candida Albicans (Image source: en.wikipedia.org -)

As you know, Sorbera is a probiotic supplement, so basically, it's for the digestive system, as that's where you'll benefit the most. I'm going to explain bacteria, now, so if you already know all this stuff about healthy bacteria and bad bacteria and how they work, feel free to skip on to the next section...

Through all my battles with endometriosis and IBS, I learned that there are two kinds of bacteria in the digestive sytem -- and elsewhere as we have bacteria everywhere, including in the mouth, but I'm going to focus on digestive for now -- the good and the bad.

The bad bacteria is the problem. It was what caused me so many years of debilitating pain (IBS candida). 

As you know, bacteria such as candida albicans, if it gets out of control, can turn into something called candidiasis, and it can be severe. I have been there. 

*Candidiasis can occur in the mouth, too (thrush), but again, we're focusing on the digestive system.*

If you don't have enough of the "good bacteria" such as the ones contained in Sorbera like Acidophillus, Lactobacillus, etc, then these "good bacteria" aren't always able to fight off the bad. And that's when the bad keeps multiplying and becomes candidiasis.

Then, you might experience a lot of stomach pain, especially after eating certain things, or if you're like me, after eating or so much as drinking anything.

One way to go about "fixing" your out-of-whack digestive system is by taking a probiotic. However, if you've a bad case of candidiasis like I did, it might also be necessary to combine with something else that will help kill off the bad bacteria. And not to mention, the most important part is also building up your immune system, too.

As if having too much bad bacteria in your "gut" doesn't cause you enough problems, once you begin to "kill them" off, you also have to worry about something called herxing or herxheimer reaction, also called "die-off" which is very unpleasant.

 Herxheimer's or "die-off" is literally  when you kill off a bunch of candid albicans at once, and as they die, they release toxins in your body that causes you to have a reaction. This reaction usually includes, fever (or the feeling of a fever with hot/cold sweats), nausea, stomach upsets, pain, diarrhea, etc.

Die-off of candida albicans can last for up to several hours, depending. If something causes it (a supplement or whatever you're taking/eating/drinking to kill the pests off), it usually takes time to do the job before you begin to feel relief.

For me, I've used several methods of getting rid of IBS and candidiasis (as you guys know, my most successful method was aloe vera) and some of these caused far worse "die-off" than others, but for me, it usually only last up to 2-3 hours because I scale down on the product that's causing it and slowly work to kill them off.

Now, that aside, there are several things that can cause an overgrowth of candida albicans, and I will explain some of the most common, but I don't want to turn this review into a post on candidiasis, so I'll be brief.

As far as my understanding goes, the very most common cause for candida overgrowth is antibiotics. 

Antibiotics have been the main cause for my own severe candiasis. After several years of being so ill from the problems, I found relief (naturally, believe it or not) and after allowing my dentist to keep me on antibiotics non-stop, no break for 2 years straight (!!) I have since refused to take antibiotics for any cause. 

And guess what? I'm more than twice as healthy as I was back then, even when I began healing and went back on the antibiotics. I had a "check-up" 5 days ago while I went in to my OB/GYN for an injection (not vaccines), and I was healthier than I've been since I first came down with being ill all those years ago.

I chalk this up to my new way of using natural, healthy remedies. I've shared most of them with you, so I won't go into that detail again.

I will leave you with that. Sorbera, in my opinion is a good probiotic, I love that it has safe ingredients, contains so much "good bacteria," and is easy to take. 

So, what probiotics do you guys take? What do you like about them? Any other IBS experiences?  Leave your thoughts in the comments section. 

JumpStart Energy Supplement Review

JumpStart Sample Packets

Jump Start is an energy + mood supplement from Kyle 4 Organics or "Organics Manufacturer.com.

 As their name suggests, Kyle 4 Organics is an organic supplement online store, and also the manufacturer of JumpStart.

I have had the fantastic opportunity to try  different supplements from the JumpStart line:  JumpStart Extreme,  and JumpStart Wow.

JumpStart Wow (orange) and JumpStart Extreme

 I wanted to try them in sample sizes before committing to a full bottle because for one, I wasn't sure if they would actually provide me with the type of mood and energy stimulation I was looking for, and secondly, I really wasn't sure if the Extreme version or regular would be best. I've used them both now and will explain everything, including the results and differences. 

What drew me to Organics Manufacturer when looking into an energy/mood stimulant was that while I needed to test out different ones to find the right one for me, I knew that safe, natural ingredients were a must. The ingredients in the JumpStart supplements are actually quite impressive (I will get to that in a moment) and I find that they work very well for my needs.

JumpStart Extreme -- Red Capsules.

The difference between JumpStart and JumpStart Extreme and JumpStart Wow!:

Basically, as you probably guessed, both supplements are about the same thing with the same ingredients, but one is designed to be more well, extreme. For when you need an even bigger energy boost. The Extreme version of JumpStart just contains a higher amount of the active ingredients.

JumpStart Wow is designed to give you the same effect (energy, mood), but is designed to help decrease appetite and burn fat.

Aside from that, the label say to expect:

•  Super energy levels
• Elevated mood and confidence
• Decreased appetite

Suggested Dosage:

Each capsule contains 820mg,

JumpStart Extreme: The label recommends taking 2 capsules with plenty of water and a snack 20 minutes afterwards.

JumpStart (Regular): Also 2 capsules with water and a snack, for the average person. This is the recommended starting dose. The label says you can increase after you've gotten used to them. 

JumpStart Wow: 2 Capsules with water and a snack.

Note:  Organics Manufacturer recommends fruit as a snack because it "enhances the effects and prevents possible stomach irritation."

I've never had any fruit on hand while taking JumpStart or I would have tried it.

As for me, I started with one capsule whether I was taking the JumpStart regular or JumpStart Extreme. I didn't want to over-do it and end up with the shakes or stomach discomfort, which can happen. 

There have been days when I've taken 2-3 capsules throughout the day (3 max), but never all at once as one capsule does just fine for me, and anymore would likely give me stomach discomfort.

Since JumpStart comes in capsule form, they are easy to swallow, and I usually notice the effects within 10-20 minutes tops. I've never taken one of these JumpStart capsules and not gotten any results, so they're pretty mighty little suckers, and they will certainly put more pep in your step or make you more alert and energetic if you're tired.

What the Label Says to Expect:  

• Increased energy boost (in balance)
• Enhanced focus
• Enhanced stamina and performance
• Heightened sense of well-being
• Increased ATP production
• Increased carbohydrate conversion into energy
• Increased oxygen utilization

My Experience and Results: 

 JumpStart shares number 1 on my absolute favorite energy supplements -- and there are only 3 favorites. 

I happened to like JumpStart equally as much as my all-time, top favorite energy supplement ever. Never thought I'd say that!  

Among those three favorites of mine, all of them are natural, herbal-based supplements and work better than anything I have ever tried & if you guys have been following my posts for long, you know I have used a lot of energy products. 

I worried that JumpStart would give me similar effects as Stackers or Yellow Jackets -- which I've never loved. Those make me feel awful!

Me on speed (image source: wwwandyco-andy.blogspot.com )

The stimulation/energy I get from taking JumpStart is very different from that of a Stacker or Yellow Jacket.

 One way to explain it is, I don't feel like I've done 

some kind of speed.

 I feel balanced, somewhat more pleasant, calmer headed and like doing more.

The effects usually aren't intense, but incredibly noticeable. I can go from being dead exhausted to actually feeling like doing some activity for a few hours before I start feeling the exhaustion come through again. 

Image source: FamousQuotesAbout.com

I don't know if this makes sense, but I describe the energy from JumpStart as a nice, "clean," energy that stimulates and kind of wakes up my mind.  

For me, it's my mind-exhaustion that can get me down the most. It effects a lot of my work and just happiness in general, so I got on this kick to try and change things around (and have taken so many different supplements for it) and that's where I came across Jump Start Energy.

I'd tried energy drinks, foods and supplements that made me feel jittery and talkative, but they never did exactly what I needed -- a brain wake up! That is why I'm so fond of JumpStart Energy's effects on me.

I notice that my head is clear (and I've not experienced that often in my life!) and I actually can handle work or activity that requires challenging thought processes. 

Me at work, with little energy or calm-mind

Image source: 123rf.com

Me after JumpStart:

Image source: www.blotter-paper.com

And instead of feeling that burst of talkative, jittery energy that I get from caffeine, I feel calm, but energized which I really like because when I was using caffeine-type energy products, I would get short-winded and feel dizzy and lightheaded, or just icky when I'd get to doing  strenous activity,  but JumpStart doesn't do that to me.

 I'll get more work done and be more energized and feel like doing it, and that's what I like -- feeling like doing things. I always do my best when I feel it. Does that make sense to anyone but me?

As for the increased endurance and stamina -- yes. I notice that as I'm able to do more work (say housework, minimal exercise, or other similar activity) and feel like completing it without getting all tired out before I'm done. I'd say I'm more productive with JumpStart.

On the other hand, it doesn't give me the stamina and endurance as, say, Maca powder to the point where I can get in a tough, extreme workout on my fitness pole for much longer than I usually get in on a typical day. 

Now to the ingredients and what they do, so we have a better understanding of how JumpStart Energy works:

•  DL-Phenylalanine:    A 1985 study found that DLPA improved the mood and mood stability of subjects with attention deficit disorder, and claimed that phenylalanine can increase mental alertness (Grevet et al. 2002.)

•  L-Tyrosine:  Tyrosine has been tested on humans for increasing their endurance to anxiety and stress under fatigue. It was proven in research studies that tyrosine supplementation results in increased performance over a control group (Avraham et al. 2001).

•  Rhodiola Rosea: I've taken this supplement in its pure form, too with great results. 

Rhodiola Rosea, like Maca, is an adaptogen, which you know if you read my recent Maca post, helps your body deal with stress. 

However, Rhodiola works differently in the body when combined with other herbs like Siberian Ginseng (also in the JumpStart Supplements.) Together, it's possible that the two provide a "therapeutic alternative to established adaptogens.

• Siberian Ginseng: Also an adaptogenic. Enhances sexual and athletic performance and is an immune system-booster. 

In fact, in every energy supplement I take on a frequent-regular basis, I always make sure it contains Siberian Ginseng (and sometimes Korean and other species, too.) That's because I love the energy it provides.

•  Schizandra: A stimulating herb used to treat chronic fatigue.
  

• Guarana : A stimulant and appetite suppresant that contains a lot of caffeine. Helps maintain stamina and physical endurance.
  

• JumpStart also contains  Magnesium, Vitamin B3, B6, B12, C

(Source where I found those bits of information: Organics Manufacturer)

If you visit the link above, you can read even more detailed information about each of the ingredients in the JumpStart supplements. 

ATP Production and What it Does For Us

 

 Another reason I was very drawn to  JumpStart Energy is because it increases ATP (Adenosine Trisphosphate) production, which upon researching to learn more about how to change my energy levels mentally and physically, as well as learning how to overcome melancholy, I read that ATP production is required for everything we do including thinking, walking, talking, etc. and that it is the only source of energy that our body can use.

ATP, as far as my understanding goes, is basically our primary source of power and energy. ATP is also used to increase muscle strength and endurance.

Here is a piece on NCBI talking about a study done on the effects of a supplement designed to increase ATP Levels on muscle strength, power, output, endurance. 

It basically states that there wasn't enough information to conclude that an increase in ATP levels effected things such as strength and endurance. However, I've heard so many people who use ATP increasing supplements religiously and successfully for those exact uses (muscle strength, endurance, etc).

Take Iron Man magazine, for example. They stated that any supplement containing ATP should (theoretically) result in "increased energy during high-intensity exercise like body-building training."

They also mention a study done where 5 mg per kilogram of body weight of an oral ATP supplement, and that it led to an increase in ATP production. They later mention the study done on humans, which did not suggest the same, for humans.

However, like I said, talking to people who have used ATP will tell you that they do notice a difference in some area or another. For instance, energy levels. I experience that from taking a supplement (JumpStart) that contains ATP. 

Side Effect

Now, the only "side effect" I experience when I take Jumpstart (besides the feel good energy) has been a slight stomach discomfort. 

The only thing I don't like is that there have been a few times when I did experience slight stomach discomfort, although it is always temporary (lasting only a few minutes, never longer). 

Keep in mind that this only happened when I take JumpStart upon first waking up. Just like coffee upsets my stomach if I drink it upon waking (not sure why it effects me that way.) But any time later after first waking up, neither JumpStart nor coffee give me any trouble.

My stomach tends to be very sensitive though, so I'm pretty happy that I can take JumpStart without it causing me real stomach issues.

Also important to note is that I didn't eat any fruit, but did counteract the slight discomfort with a bland snack like a cookie. 

The "discomfort" I experience is best described as slight stomach gurgling, if that makes sense. It just seems that my stomach is a little more active and I feel it, but it isn't anything painful or bothersome enough that I can't go on about my day by no means. It's also not so bothersome that it prevents me from continuing to take JumpStart, and happily. In this case, the benefits far outweigh the possible, occasional discomfort, for me.

Does JumpStart Cause Crashing?

Besides being natural, safe and very effective, I also love that there is not any crash for me after I take JumpStart! Even if it's worn off and I'm dead tired, I don't feel any crashing effects at all.

Image source: www.whicheb5.com

Organics Manufacturer products, like the JumpStart supplements are NON-GMO, gluten and soy free, and use no artificial ingredients or preservatives.

If you haven't ever heard of, or ordered from Kyle 4 Organics or Organics Manufacturer, I recommend starting with their "Company" page to learn more about them, their mission, their natural supplements and how they operate.

So, which energy supplements are your favorites? Do you guys use JumpStart, too? Let me know your thoughts in the comments section!