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Author: CF Clinical Nutrition

Categories
Nutrition Wellness + Medical Tips

What is Clinical Nutrition?

If you’ve followed along with us for a while, you know we talk a ton about clinical nutrition. Giving you access to clean, premium, patient-centered clinical nutrition, after all, is the cornerstone we were built on. But what, exactly, is clinical nutrition? And why in the world does it matter? We’ve got you covered!

Below, we break down all you need to know about this all-important medical term—including what it is and the difference it can make in your wellness journey. Read on for expert insight!

OK—so what is clinical nutrition?

Great question! Clinical nutrition is nutrition designed to support patients with the necessary vitamins, proteins, minerals, and nutrients their bodies need for everything from surgery prep and recovery—to training for athletic events or battling a cold. Clinical nutrition works to help you achieve a healthy energy balance and is used in both in- and out-patient healthcare settings. A clinical nutrition plan will take into account how your body processes, stores, and discards food for your overall well being—as well as your medical history and the results of any laboratory tests.

How is clinical nutrition used?

While the end-goal of clinical nutrition may vary depending on the patient, uses are always health-based. Some things clinical nutrition can be used to achieve include:

  • Preventing diseases (By boosting “good” cholesterol and reducing unhealthy triglycerides, clinical nutrition can help decrease your risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes.)
  • Optimizing your everyday diet
  • Optimizing your nutrient intake
  • Supporting your immune system
  • Treating/minimizing/managing symptoms of autoimmune diseases or other ailments
  • Fighting off colds and flus
  • Increasing the chance of a successful surgery
  • Enhancing/speeding up recovery after surgery

What clinical nutrition options are available?

There are all kinds of options you can explore when it comes to working clinical nutrition into your everyday life. These include…

  • Personal dietitian: Speak to a dietitian about optimizing an everyday nutrition plan that’s right for you. This can be an especially effective route to go if you suffer from any health ailments or diseases and are struggling to manage your symptoms. A dietitian will look at your health history, the way your body processes nutrients, any allergies you might have, as well as your symptoms to help you create a custom clinical nutrition program designed to ensure you feel your best.
  • CF(Rehydrate)® is a natural electrolyte drink designed for rapid rehydration. It’s a great (and tasty!) clinical nutrition option for everything from athletic events and post-hot yoga replenishment to staying hydrated as you travel or battle a cold. Think of it as a clean, clinical-strength alternative to a sports drink. Free from artificial colors, flavors, and sugars, CF(Rehydrate)® gives you the electrolytes and essential hydration you need, without the harmful additives found in sports drinks and other hydration products.

Pro Tip:  For added immune support, opt for CF(Rehydrate)® Immunity+!

  • CF(Protein)® is a clean plant protein drink that provides a concentrated dose of natural electrolytes, all-natural protein, minerals, antioxidants, essential fats, and healing nutrients—without the use of artificial sweeteners, soy, or dairy. It’s especially effective for giving your body the protein it needs while you’re on the go—or for getting strong and healthy in the weeks leading up to and following surgery. By supplementing a healthy diet with CF(Protein)®, you build a solid nutritional foundation for surgery—as entering anesthesia malnourished can lead to serious post-op complications like surgical infection and pneumonia.
  • CF(Preop)® is an anesthesiologist-developed presurgery drink specifically formulated to help you enter surgery stronger and recover faster. Designed to drink in the hours leading up to your procedure, CF(Preop)® is a clinical nutrition product that’s based on a proven UK surgery-protocol program called Enhanced Recovery After Surgery, or ERAS®. A key part of those protocols is replacing the outdated “from-midnight” fast with a clear, carbohydrate-rich beverage for a reduced risk of surgical infection, a reduced risk of post-op nausea and vomiting, and a faster overall recovery.

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Overall, clinical nutrition is all about using the power of diet to enhance your wellness journey—whether you’re getting ready to undergo surgery, preparing to run a marathon, fighting the flu, or managing the symptoms of a chronic ailment or autoimmune disease.

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Ready to start working doctor-trusted, patient-preferred premium clinical nutrition into your everyday diet? You can order CF (Preop)®  here, CF(Rehydrate)® here, or CF (Protein)® here.  And, as always, don’t forget to browse the rest of the CF Nutrition blog for empowering health, wellness, and lifestyle tips.

Categories
Healthy Lifestyle

How to Meet Protein Needs on a Plant-Based Diet

We hear more and more about plant-based diets and how they may benefit our health. But, one common struggle while following a plant-based diet is meeting our protein needs. The protein content from animal sources is typically higher than plant-based sources. Although a little more challenging, meeting protein needs on a plant-based diet is possible. Today, we help you uncover some tips on how to meet your protein needs on a plant-based diet. 

Tip 1: Figure out your protein needs

The first step in meeting your protein needs on a plant-based diet is figuring out how much protein you need in a day. Unfortunately, there is no one size fits all answer. Several factors go into determining your protein needs- activity level, age, gender, weight, presence of chronic diseases, kidney function, are just a few things that contribute to how much protein your body needs. In general, the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) of protein is 0.8-1.0 grams per kilogram of body weight. However, some research suggests this may be too low. If you are older than 65, the RDA for protein is 1.0-1.2 grams per kilogram of body weight. Additionally, your protein needs will be much higher if you are active, maybe even reaching 2.0 grams per kilogram of body weight. If you are interested in knowing more about your specific protein needs, it is best to speak to a Registered Dietitian. 

Tip 2: Form a complete protein

 Have you heard the term complete protein? Well, if not, you are in the right place. A complete protein has all nine essential amino acids, whereas an incomplete protein lacks one or more essential amino acid. An essential amino acid is an amino acid that our bodies can not make on our own- so we need to consume it from our diet. Most animal proteins are complete proteins, but most plant-based proteins are incomplete. That makes following a plant-based diet a little tricky. But don’t worry- there are ways to make complete proteins by combining two different protein sources.

Our favorite combos:

  1. Whole grain toast with peanut butter
  2. Brown rice and black beans 
  3. Hummus with whole-grain crackers
  4. Salad with sunflower seeds and chickpeas

Tip 3: Consume protein at every meal

Our next tip when following a plant-based diet, or any diet for that matter, is to distribute your protein throughout the day rather than to fill up on carbohydrates during breakfast and lunch and chowing down on protein at dinner. If your daily protein need is 80 grams, try having 20 grams of protein in each meal and 10 grams in each of your snacks. By spacing out your protein throughout the day, your body will be able to process and use the protein more efficiently.

Tip 4: Choose whole grains

Did you know there’s a reason that whole grains are recommended over refined grains? Crazy right!! Whole grains are considered complex carbohydrates, so they have much more nutrients than simple carbohydrates, like white rice, white bread, etc. Whole grains have more protein and more fiber making them more nutrient-dense. They will help fuel your body and keep you feeling fuller for longer. When following a plant-based diet, it is essential to choose whole grains to help you reach your protein needs. See this for yourself next time you’re at a grocery store, pick up white bread and whole wheat bread, and check for the protein and fiber contents in each. You will notice that whole wheat bread will have 3-5 grams of fiber and 5-7 grams of protein, whereas white bread typically has <1 gram of each.  

Tip 5: Try adding CF(Protein)® to your daily routine 

Need an extra dose of protein in your life while following a plant-based diet? We have you covered. CF(Protein)® uses an easily digested yellow pea protein, which offers a significant amino acid dose that promotes muscle recovery and repair. Pea protein is easily digested and has a pleasant taste and texture. Additionally, it’s a good source of iron and other nutrients. Unlike other protein powders like whey, pea protein isn’t derived from milk.  CF(Protein)® has 13 grams of protein, making it a great on-the-go snack or an addition to any meal or smoothie!

Overall, following a plant-based diet is easy when you follow these tips!
Ready to start working on meeting your protein needs every day? You can CF (Protein)® here.  And, as always, don’t forget to browse the rest of the CF Nutrition blog for empowering health, wellness, and lifestyle tips

Categories
Healthy Lifestyle Nutrition Uncategorized

5 Tips on How to Read the Nutrition Facts Label

Reading the nutrition facts label is about so much more than seeing how many calories are in your food. But what really matters—and what things should you look for when picking out your meals and snacks? Well, this is a loaded question and there is a ton of information to dissect. But have no fear, CF Nutrition is here to help you break down the nutrition facts label with our top 5 tips. Find out more below.

Tip 1: Acknowledge the servings per container.

Ever notice how big that bag of popcorn is? Or how large that king-size candy bar seems? Well, my friends, the truth is it probably isn’t meant for one person or one serving. When looking at the nutrition facts label, check out the section above the total calories that says ___ servings per container. 

However, always use your mindful eating skills and enjoy your favorite snack or sweets until you feel full. So instead of mindlessly crunching on that popcorn until there isn’t anything left, eat slowly and enjoy every bite. Once you feel satisfied, clip it up and put it back in the pantry to enjoy later. 

Tip 2: Look out for added sugar.

Did you know that the FDA now requires companies to include the amount of added sugar on food labels? This is excellent news because it helps us see the difference between sugars that are naturally occurring versus the sugars that are added. Naturally occurring sugars are found naturally in foods like fruit and milk while added sugars are sugars and syrups that are put into foods during preparation or processing. The American Heart Association recommends keeping your total added sugar intake to less than 10% of the total calories you take in per day; in a typical 2000 calorie diet, this equates to 20g per day. But ideally, your goal should be to limit added sugar as much as possible. 

CF Nutrition prides itself on limiting added sugar in our products. We use stevia to sweeten our drinks, which comes from a plant and is a natural source. When you look at CF(Protein)®, you may notice it has 14g of sugar but 0g of added sugar. That means the sugar is naturally sourced. CF(Preop)® contains only 4g of added sugar and CF(Rehydrate)® & CF(Rehydrate) Immunity +® have less than 1g of added sugar per serving.

Tip 3: When it comes to fat, type matters.

Did you know there are four types of fat—saturated, trans, polyunsaturated (PUFA), and monounsaturated (MUFA)? On the nutrition facts label, you will always see total fat, saturated fat, and trans fat. Sometimes, you may also see polyunsaturated and monounsaturated. 

Often, we think of fat as being “bad” for us. But not all fat is bad. Trans fat is the worst type of fat. The American Heart Association recommends avoiding trans fat and limiting saturated fat to less than 10% of total calories. To further reduce your risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD), the AHA recommends limiting saturated fat to less than 7% of total calories. So, when looking at the nutrition facts label, it is best to choose foods that have 0g trans fat and no or a low amount of saturated fat. 

MUFA and PUFA are good types of fat and should be included in your diet every day. You will often hear one specific type of PUFA is an omega-three fatty acid. The term omega 3 has to do with where the double bond is. Omega 3s are essential to consume from your diet because the body cannot make them. This is why omega 3s are called essential fatty acids. CF(Protein)® contains chia seed oil and is rich in omega 3. Omega 3 consumption is essential to a healthy diet and poses many benefits to your health—including helping prevent/lower your risk for cardiovascular disease. Omega 3s are not only good for your heart but also your brain, immune system, skin, and joints. 

Tip 4: Fill up on fiber.

Fiber is an essential part of an everyday diet. Unfortunately, most Americans fall short of the recommended amount of fiber to consume each day. So, when reading the nutrition facts label, checking the fiber content is crucial. On average, Americans consume about 15 grams of fiber per day, far lower than the recommended daily intake, regardless of age or gender. The recommended daily intake (RDA) for total fiber intake for men and women 19-50 years of age is 38gram/day and 25gram/day, respectively. The RDA for men and women over 51 is 31gram/day and 21 grams/day, respectively.

The best ways to increase fiber intake are choosing whole grains whenever possible, consuming legumes and beans, and increasing fruit and vegetable intake. Fiber can also help maintain a healthy weight. High-fiber foods are typically more filling than lower-fiber foods. They also help keep you feeling fuller for longer. Satiety is the term used to describe your fullness. Fiber increases satiety after a meal. If you are looking to lose weight, increasing your fiber intake may help by increasing satiety and preventing the intake of excess calories. Fiber also helps regulate bowel movements, keep blood glucose levels in the normal range, and helps increase satiety which can support weight management.

Consuming CF(Protein)® can help you meet the RDA for Fiber and get all the benefits of consuming adequate amounts of fiber in an easy, on-the-go format. There are 13g of vegetable fiber per one 8 ounce bottle of CF(Protein)®.

Tip 5: Less is more when it comes to ingredients.

Ever pick up a snack or drink at the supermarket and look at the ingredients list only to find 25 different items? Oftentimes, there are some items you can’t even pronounce! That is why we recommend simple, short ingredient lists—the fewer, the better. When looking for snacks, sauces, meats, and more—aim to find clean products that don’t have a laundry list of ingredients you can’t pronounce. At CF Nutrition, we keep our ingredients list short and sweet—providing you with everything your body needs and nothing it doesn’t. 

Overall, reading the nutrition facts label is all about looking at a few key things to ensure you are buying quality products. Use these 5 tips to make grocery shopping—and healthy eating—a breeze!

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Ready to start adding premium products that check all the boxes when it comes to the nutrition facts label? You can order CF (Preop)®  here, CF(Rehydrate)® here, or CF (Protein)® here.  And, as always, don’t forget to browse the rest of the CF Nutrition blog for empowering health, wellness, and lifestyle tips. 

Categories
Uncategorized Wellness + Medical Tips

Talking to Your Doctor: Our Top Tips

medical doctor holding senior patient's hands and comforting her

Communication is the cornerstone of any successful relationship—and the same goes for your relationship with your doctor. Talking to your doctor openly and honestly, after all, is the key to feeling comfortable, confident, and clear headed as you take control of your wellness journey. Today, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about talking to your doctor and advocating for yourself every step of the way. Read on for our top tips!

1. Be open when you’re talking to your doctor.

Doctors have seen it all. Whether it’s an embarrassing ailment you’re dealing with or a question you’d rather not ask—don’t let fear control the way you communicate with your doctor. At best, withholding information can disrupt the level of care you’re provided or cause you to live for far too long with discomfort that can be easily treated. At worst, it can lead to surgical complications or misprescribed medicine. Trust us when we say there isn’t a scenario your doctor hasn’t encountered—or a question she or he hasn’t before heard.

When it comes to talking to your doctor, remember that everything you say is private and confidential information. It won’t leave the four walls of your doctor’s office. While telling a friend something embarrassing or confidential can be scary for fear it may “get out”—no doctor will share your private information. Rashes, bumps, bad breath, night sweats, infections, itches, depression, mental illness—both medical school and real-life practice have prepared your doctor for everything (and then some). What may feel embarrassing to you is simply commonplace in a doctor’s eyes. They deal with thousands of cases every year—and they certainly won’t be fazed by whatever it is that’s bothering you (we promise!).

2. Answer lifestyle questions honestly.

Tempted to fib about how many drinks you have each week or whether you use cannabis? Don’t. The more the doctor knows about your diet and lifestyle, the better your medical care will be. Being dishonest when talking to your doctor about whether you use tobacco or how often you exercise can disrupt the success of a surgery, lead to an unexpected reaction to medication, or prolong a recovery period. Also, keep this in mind: your doctor is asking about your smoking, drinking, diet, lifestyle, and exercise habits out of necessity—not out of a desire to judge or shun. Allowing them a full and open understanding of your lifestyle will ensure they can provide you the best possible care and outcome.

PRO TIP: All allergies matter! Patients often neglect to disclose allergies they don’t deem relevant to a certain appointment or procedure. But it’s always best to share every allergy you have when talking to your doctor—dogs, peanuts, sulfa drugs….everything—and allow them to decide whether the allergy is relevant.

3. Make a list of questions before talking to your doctor.

You may go into your doctor’s appointment with a head full of questions, but nerves can get the best of you when you’re talking to your doctor. Couple any anxiousness you’re feeling with the fact that physicians often seem to be in a rush—and, before you know it, your appointment can be over and you’ve forgotten to ask key questions you had in mind. We always recommend making a comprehensive list of top-of-mind health questions before your appointment. And don’t rely on your memory to document the answers—bring a pen and paper or use your phone to take notes as your doctor answers each question.

PRO TIP: Getting ready to head into surgery? Check out our top tips for what to ask before surgery.

4. Don’t be afraid to ask for further clarity when you’re talking to your doctor.

With medical jargon and confusing pre-op protocols, it’s perfectly normal to be unsure about something your doctor said. If you find yourself scratching your head as they’re explaining something, ask them to repeat themselves or explain in more detail. You’re not sitting for the SATs—a doctor’s appointment shouldn’t feel like a test you have to fudge your way through. As a patient, you have every right to ask for further explanation about anything you don’t quite understand. You can also always call the office after you’ve left to gain further clarification as well.

5. Know that nurses are a great resource, too.

Nurses are often the unsung heroes of the medical world. Physicians are typically in a rush and juggling tons of patients each day—while nurses are often the ones who have time to break things down and spend more one-on-one time with patients. Get to know the nurses in your doctor’s office. They can typically answer questions and provide clarity when getting in front of a physician or talking to your doctor is difficult.

6. Use your patient portal.

In today’s digital world, most medical practices will have some sort of an online patient portal or app. Definitely create an account and take advantage of all that it offers! From medical records and bloodwork results to upcoming appointments and treatment plans—you can often access your personal medical information in a more timely manner via your patient portal versus waiting for a call back from your doctor. Many patient portals also include messaging options. Thinking back to our first tip in today’s post, if you’re embarrassed about asking something in person when talking to your doctor—you can always use your portal’s messaging feature to ask online.

7. Get all of the information you need to make informed decisions.

Remember—doctors are absolutely the experts, but you are still allowed to (and should!) advocate for yourself when talking to your doctor. From getting a second opinion before opting to undergo surgery—to asking about replacing the old-school from-midnight fast with an approved presurgery drink instead, explore options openly with your doctor. Don’t be afraid to ask about alternative treatments, holistic wellness options, or using clinical nutrition in place of more severe interventions. As long as you’re respectful and curious—rather than undermining—any seasoned doctor will be more than happy to help you explore all of the options available to you before encouraging you to make a decision.

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Overall, being open and honest when talking to your doctor is so important for the best possible outcome—whether you’re battling an ailment, preparing for surgery, or simply attempting to get as healthy as possible!

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Ready for more goodness? Browse the rest of the CF Nutrition blog for empowering health, wellness, and lifestyle tips. And don’t forget to fuel yourself and your family along your health journey with the clean, clinical replenishment of CF(Rehyrdate)® and CF(Rehydrate)® Immunity +—our fan-favorite electrolyte drinks.

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Categories
Wellness + Medical Tips

Prioritizing Self-Care This Holiday Season

With the little ones on winter break and the pressures of buying presents, decorating, and hosting mounting by the day—the holiday season often feels less like the most wonderful time of the year and more like the most overwhelming time of the year for busy moms. From keeping kids entertained and hosting in-laws—to staying on top of all of the social obligations and expectations that pop up this time of year—maintaining your mental health as a mom during the holidays is a struggle (to say the least). Today, then, we wanted to serve up our top seven self-care tips to help you take on the winter months with less mom guilt and more go-me!.

1. Schedule time for yourself.

No literally—schedule it. Whether it’s a pedicure, a yoga session, or a cup of coffee by yourself in the backyard—the woes and worries of motherhood can always benefit from a little self-care. Your personal time can be short, sweet, and regularly scheduled (i.e. 20 minutes spent reading alone in your room every Wednesday afternoon) or extravagant, extended, and once-in-a-while (i.e. a spa day right before your in-laws arrive)—but, whatever you choose, the key is to pencil it in your calendar and actually see it through. Treat your planned personal time as you would a work meeting or an appointment for your kids—plan ahead and secure help in advance so you can stick to it as-scheduled.

2. Give yourself permission to feel how you feel (yes, even if it’s ready for the kids to go back to school).

The only thing worse than feeling overwhelmed by our children and social obligations is feeling guilty that we’re feeling overwhelmed by our children and social obligations. From television advertisements to social-media posts, moms face hundreds of items and interactions on any given day designed to trigger mom guilt—you definitely don’t need to pile any more on yourself. Know that your feelings are valid. They’re not positive or negative, good or bad. They’re simply representations of how a situation is affecting us. The only way we can navigate through our emotions effectively and with clarity is to acknowledge them without judgment and prioritize our self-care.

3. Find creative outlets to navigate mom guilt and prioritize self-care.

Feeling overwhelmed and under pressure as you deal with the kids being home for the holidays? Journaling and free-writing can be a rewarding form of self-care. It is a a great way to get your thoughts, frustrations, and worries down on paper and off of your chest and a great form of self-care. Anything you can do to release some of the pressure that so often accompanies motherhood is great—whether that’s painting, sketching, jogging…or, yes, screaming into a pillow.

4. Add therapy to your self-care toolbox.

With all kinds of options for online therapy available (like BetterHelp and Talkspace), getting professional help is easier and more convenient than it’s ever been—and it can make a world of difference in how we show up for ourselves and our families on a daily basis. Having someone you can rely on to act as an unbiased third-party and honest sounding board is essential during motherhood—whether you’re currently feeling incredibly anxious and overwhelmed or simply just exhausted.

5. Stay hydrated and nourished (seriously).

Never underestimate the power of a refreshing rehydration drink and a nourishing meal. Maintaining your mental health as a mom during the holidays is a struggle—and neglecting to properly hydrate and nourish yourself is a seemingly small oversight that can lead to fatigue, frustration, headaches, and an array of symptoms that only make an already-stressful day that much more tenuous.

Dehydration negatively affects your brain function, mood, and ability to concentrate (in fact, about 75% of your brain mass is water!). We tend to be even more dehydrated in winter because we’re naturally less thirsty and forget to hydrate—which makes it even more critical to replenish during the colder months with functional, clinical-grade hydration. Think: an electrolyte drink, but preferably one free from artificial dyes and added sugars, like our fan-favorite CF(Rehydrate)® IMMUNITY +.

6. Take a social media break.

We already had mom guilt—and now, in the age of social media, we have mom comparison. (How fun for us, right?). With the curated trying to convince us it’s carefree and candid—and the edited masquerading as the effortless—social media outlets tend to serve as less of a community builder and more of a comparison catalyst. In fact, a Prior Group survey found nearly half of parents thought social media apps created “unrealistic and unattainable expectations of family life” sparking mental health issues like anxiety and depression.

While sharing your family’s holiday adventures with others is a fun and lighthearted way to use social media—scrolling through your feed when you can’t sleep wondering why everyone else’s life seems so much more joyous (…and well-lit…and less spit-up-stained) than yours is not. If you’re doing more of the latter lately, it’s probably time to delete Instagram (or your rabbit-hole of choice) for a few weeks and focus on remaining present and free from that age-old destroyer of joy: comparison.

7. Seek out community.

Whether it’s meeting up with a friend for a cup of cocoa, taking an online art class after the kids have gone to bed, or simply getting out of the house alone and heading to your favorite cafe or park to soak in the presence of other adults—seeking out some form of community is key. Isolation can exacerbate motherhood mental health challenges—so look for opportunities to connect with others, but only in ways that bring you joy. If planning a big family dinner adds more stress to your life than serenity—maybe you skip that opportunity for community and head to a yoga class as a form of self-care instead.

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Overall, it’s no secret that the holidays can make maintaining your self-care as a mother a true challenge. But validating your emotions, seeking out therapy and community, and carving out time for yourself can all help ease stress and bring a little more joy into our lives!

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Ready for more goodness? Browse the rest of the CF Nutrition blog for empowering health, wellness, and lifestyle tips. And don’t forget to fuel yourself and your family in the hectic holiday months with the clean, clinical replenishment of CF(Rehyrdate)® and CF(Rehydrate)® IMMUNITY+—our fan-favorite electrolyte drinks.

Categories
Uncategorized Wellness + Medical Tips

CF(Rehydrate) at Central Market Locations Across Texas

Since the beginning, CF Nutrition has been a physician-founded, conscious clinical nutrition brand. The primary goal of CF Nutrition has always been to help more people, patients, and parents quickly access the game-changing benefits of clean clinical nutrition. Today, then, we’re so excited to announce we’re officially rolling out CF(Rehydrate)® Immunity+ in 10 Central Market locations across Texas—making it easy and convenient to support your immunity and fight dehydration naturally, effectively, and quickly on the go. Read on for everything you need to know about this exciting retail rollout and what it means for your everyday hydration.

Where can I find CF(Rehydrate)® Immunity+ in Texas?

Starting November 12th, look for half-liter bottles of our rehydrate drink on the shelves and in the cold section of Central Market Austin, Central Market San Antonio, Central Market Southlake, Central Market Fort Worth, and Central Market Houston. A subsidiary of HEB stores, Central Market offers gourmet groceries, fresh produce, and a wide selection of organic and natural foods. We’re incredibly excited to have CF Nutrition products in a store that emphasizes overall health and high-quality nourishment.

What exactly is the CF rehydrate drink?

CF(Rehydrate)® Immunity+ is a natural electrolyte drink with immune-boosting ingredients. Formulated with functional vitamins, minerals, nutrients, and naturally-sourced electrolytes—and free from harmful dyes and additives—it offers a clean, clinical-grade, colorless option for replenishing and rehydrating on the go.

What makes the CF rehydrate drink different?

CF(Rehydrate)® Immunity+ provides the nutrition and hydration you won’t get from water alone with a nutrient profile featuring essential electrolytes, vitamins, and minerals. We leave out the synthetics, sugars, and dyes you will get with traditional sports drinks and other hydration beverages on the market.⁠ It’s also specifically formulated to support a strengthened immune system and enhanced general wellness.

How should I use CF(Rehydrate)® Immunity+?

Whether you’re traveling, working out, recovering from a night of fun, fighting the flu, experiencing a bout of stress, or pregaming for the weekend ahead. There are countless reasons and seasons to reach for a half-liter bottle of our rehydration drink. With less than 1 gram of sugar per each half-liter—and none of the synthetics or additives you’ll find in other rehydrate drinks—its intentional formulation rapidly replenishes lost fluids and essential electrolytes, including those lost quickly through sweat and illness. 

When is clinical-grade hydration essential?

  • Fighting a cold or flu
  • Recovering from illness or surgery
  • Preventing or easing a hangover
  • Traveling locally or abroad
  • Experiencing altitude sickness or dehydration
  • Fueling up for—or recovering from—a workout

Who is the CF rehydrate drink for?

Medical-grade hydration is something everyone needs regularly, but we find it’s become a regular fan favorite amongst the following groups…

  • Parents: Available in Aloha Blend, Orange, and Kiwi Strawberry, little ones tend to love the taste of CF(Rehydrate)® Immunity+—and parents appreciate the fact that it’s not only natural, clean, and clinical-grade….but free from harmful neon dyes that make a mess of clothes and cars. The best part? Immune-boosting ingredients like vitamin c, vitamin d, zinc, and magnesium promote optimal immune health and wellness for the whole family—while naturally-sourced electrolytes make for quick-and-effective replenishment, minus all of the added sugar.
  • Athletes, Runners, Yogis, and Cyclists: Even the best sweat sessions can leave you feeling depleted and drained. The problem with most post-workout options? Water alone just won’t cut it when it comes to replacing the electrolytes you lost quickly—and reaching for a traffic-cone-orange, sugar-packed sports drink means undoing all of the hard work you just put in to cleanse your body. A half-liter bottle of CF(Rehydrate)® Immunity+ offers athletes, yogis, runners, and every active person in between a healthy, effective way to treat your body to complete clinical-grade replenishment.
  • Anyone wanting to hydrate more effectively: From keeping your energy levels, mood, and brain function up—to boosting your immune system, preventing hangovers, and relieving constipation—the benefits of staying hydrated are endless. That’s why our team of medical professionals and beverage scientists here at CF Nutrition specifically formulated CF(Rehydrate)® Immunity+ to offer everyone a tasty, on-the-go, next-level clinical hydration option.

How is CF rehydrate drink different from Pedialyte or Gatorade?

That’s a great question! Check out the breakdown below for an at-a-glance look at what makes CF(Rehydrate)® Immunity+ a superior, cleaner, more practical option for fighting dehydration.

CF(Rehydrate)® Immunity+  

  • Sugar: Rather than being saturated with added and artificial sugars, CF(Rehydrate)® has only 1 gram of added sugar and is lightly sweetened with natural stevia rebaudiana.
  • Colors: CF(Rehydrate)® is clear, colorless, and completely devoid of artificial colors and dyes.
  • Flavors: CF(Rehydrate)® flavors are natural, resulting in a taste that’s light, refreshing, and enjoyed by children and adults alike.
  • Electrolytes: CF(Rehydrate)® contains more electrolytes than Pedialyte®. Magnesium, phosphorus, and selenium for complete hydration. More sodium per bottle for superior replenishment 
  • Amino acids: CF(Rehydrate)® contains the amino acid L-citrulline, used to improve blood flow and aid in the process of muscle repair.

Pedialyte®: 

  • Sugar: While Pedialyte® includes some electrolytes, the majority of this formulation is a mixture of water, dextrose (a simple sugar that is not ideal for diabetics), and acesulfame potassium (a highly processed artificial sweetener).
  • Colors: Many of the color additives in Pedialyte®, like Red-40 and Blue-5, are among the most common allergens and food irritants, especially for children.
  • Electrolytes: Pedialyte® contains less sodium and fewer electrolytes than CF(Rehydrate)®.
  • Amino acids: Pedialyte® does not contain amino acids or other recovery-enhancing ingredients.

Gatorade®: 

  • Sugar: One serving of Gatorade® has 21 grams of added sugar compared to < 1 gram in CF(Rehydrate)®. (The American Heart Association recommends limiting added sugar to 100 calories per day which equals 24 grams or six teaspoons. Gatorade Zero and other low-calorie versions include artificial sweeteners and sugars. Some individuals may find these ingredients challenging to digest and can experience gastrointestinal distress after consumption. 
  • Colors: Just as is the case with Pedialyte®, many of the color additives in Gatorade®, like Red-40 and Blue-5, are among the most common allergens and food irritants—especially for children.
  • Electrolytes: While the original Gatorade® formulation contains sodium and potassium, it does not include additional electrolytes such as magnesium, selenium, and phosphorus.
  • Amino-acids: Gatorade® does not contain amino acids or other recovery-enhancing ingredients.

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Overall, we’re thrilled to bring clean, clinical-grade hydration to families, athletes, and everyday health-conscious consumers via Central Market stores throughout the great state of Texas. Keep an eye out for CF Nutrition products next time you’re in Central Market—and learn even more about our game-changing rehydrate drink right here.

Not in Texas? No problem. You can order CF(Rehydrate)® Immunity+ online.

Categories
Healing Tips Healthy Lifestyle Nutrition Wellness + Medical Tips

What Vitamins and Minerals Help Support my Immune System?

As cold and flu season is officially upon us, knowing what vitamins and minerals help support immunity isn’t easy. Today, we break down four of the essential vitamins and minerals that help support your immune system. CF(Rehydrate)® IMMUNITY+ was designed with an extra dose of Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Magnesium, and Zinc to strengthen your immune system, especially during cold and flu season. Drinking one serving a day may help prevent you from getting sick this season.

Vitamin D’s Role in the Immune System

Vitamin D plays an essential role in immune health. Its function is to regulate adaptive immune responses. Additionally, Vitamin D deficiency appears to increase the risk of certain illnesses and lower levels of Vitamin D may increase infections. Low Vitamin D levels may make you more susceptible to have recent upper respiratory tract infections when compared to those with sufficient Vitamin D levels. Consuming just one serving of CF(Rehydrate)® IMMUNITY+ meets 25% of the DV of Vitamin D.  Another way to ensure adequate Vitamin D is getting enough sunlight. Just taking a 15 minute break at lunch to get your daily dose of Vitamin D can help prevent deficiency in this essential vitamin.

Vitamin C’ and Your Immune System

Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps the formation of collagen. As an antioxidant, Vitamin C protects against environmental oxidative stress. Deficiency in Vitamin C may lead to impaired immunity and increased infection. The way it works is, Vitamin C can readily donate electrons and, in turn, protect from damage by oxidants which makes it an essential part of wound healing. Consuming one serving of CF(Rehydrate)® IMMUNITY+ provides 100% of the DV of Vitamin C. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, especially citrus fruits can also help ensure you are getting enough Vitamin C in your diet.

Magnesium’s Role in the Immune System 

Magnesium is necessary for healthy muscle function and glucose metabolism. This means it plays a vital role in the use of energy-rich compounds. When we exercise, magnesium may be depleted, which can sometimes compromise the ability to perform physical work. Immune function may also temporarily suffer during bouts of prolonged exercise or excessive training. Sometimes, this can lead to infection. Replacing magnesium is crucial and by consuming CF(Rehydrate)® IMMUNITY+ after a workout, you are able to replace some of the magnesium that may have been lost during exercise. Magnesium also has a strong relationship with the immune system. Deficiency in magnesium may lead to an inflammatory response which can be detrimental to our immune health. There is 10% of the DV of Magnesium in one serving of CF(Rehydrate)® IMMUNITY+.

Zinc Can Defend Against Oxidative Stress

We often hear about Zinc being important for our immune healthy, but what role does this mineral play? Zinc strengthens the immune system and promotes healthy cell function. When we have a bacterial infection, plasma zinc levels decline. Dietary zinc (meaning the zinc we get from food or drinks) deficiency predisposes individuals to certain infectious diseases. Zinc also defends against harmful internal macrophages and decreases oxidative stress. There is 25% of the DV of Zinc in one serving of CF(Rehydrate)® IMMUNITY+.

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Now that you have a better idea of the four essential vitamins and minerals that support your immune system—be sure to browse the rest of the CF Nutrition blog for empowering health, wellness, and lifestyle tips. And don’t forget to fuel yourself and your family with the clean, clinical replenishment and immune support of CF(Rehydrate)® immunity +.

Categories
Nutrition

Eat In-Season to Improve Your Health

It is common knowledge to eat 2-3 servings of fruits and 5-7 servings of vegetables per day. Today, we will deep dive into how you can get more bang for your buck when eating fruits and veggies. What does that mean, you ask? While you incorporate fruits and veggies into your diet, you may not know how important it is to eat in-season. If that’s you, have no fear! CF Nutrition is here to break down the benefits of eating fruits and vegetables in season and to help you choose seasonal foods today.

If you’re like most people, you probably aren’t aware of what fruits and vegetables are in season or what “in-season” really means. It’s not an easy task and—just like anything else—it requires a little mindfulness and effort to make this diet and lifestyle change.  Seasonal food is produced and consumed around the time it is harvested. Eating seasonal foods offers an array of benefits—they’re fresher, tastier, cheaper, and more nutritious.

Most people don’t eat seasonal foods because it is relatively easy and convenient to eat most fruits and vegetables year-round. This explains why some of us may not realize that the broccoli we have in July isn’t really in-season, nor is the watermelon we have in December. Due to high consumer demands, farmers and grocery stores have created ways to meet the needs of the consumers by modifying fruits and vegetables so they can be produced and sold in large quantities year-round. Although this is very convenient for us as consumers it may not be best for our health. 

Wondering why eating seasonally is important? We’ve got you covered….

1. Eating seasonally is better for you.

Arguably at the top of the list, eating seasonal foods is better for your health. Foods grown in season are more nutritionally dense, meaning they provide you with more antioxidants. Plus, when foods aren’t grown in season, they may have chemicals added to them to speed up and interfere with the usual ripening pattern. Some fruits and vegetables available year-round have ripening agents added to them to make them taste good to consumers. This is great for those who want to eat an apple in spring, but it affects the nutrient content and freshness of the food. By choosing to eat fruits in their harvest season, you provide your body with more vitamins and minerals. You also avoid the harmful chemicals added to enhance the ripening process, color, and flavor of the food.

2. Produce tastes better when it’s in season.

The second reason to eat in season is that veggies and fruit taste far better when you do. Large production of off-season produce tends to affect the flavor. Ever notice how tasty watermelon is in the summertime? It isn’t just because the heat makes it seem so refreshing. It’s fresher and more flavorful in the summertime when it’s in season. When fruits and vegetables are naturally grown and picked in season, they are full of flavors and nutrients. Again, there is less added to the food and you can taste its natural flavors as they are intended to be. 

3. Eating seasonally is more affordable.

Another reason to eat fruits and vegetables while they are in-season is that they are more affordable. When fruit and vegetables are in season, they are typically grown in bulk. This means there will be more available to the consumer and more for the producer to sell. To cut the cost further, buy fruits and vegetables locally. This will cut transportation time and cost. Whenever possible, it’s always best to buy from a local farmer or farmers market.

Psst…to see what fruits and vegetable are in season visit: https://www.seasonalfoodguide.org/

Although it is easy to consume the same fruits and vegetables that we are used to year-round, you are truly doing yourself a disservice by not consuming foods in-season. At CF Nutrition, we encourage you to educate yourself on seasonal foods to improve your health and get the tastiest and freshest produce available.

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Ready for more goodness? Browse the rest of the CF Nutrition blog for empowering health, wellness, and lifestyle tips. And don’t forget to fuel yourself and your family throughout all of the seasons with the clean, clinical replenishment of CF(Rehydrate)® Immunity +.

Categories
Healthy Lifestyle Nutrition

What do Electrolytes do in Our Bodies?

Oh, those pesky electrolytes. We hear all about them—and we know we need them—but what do they actually do? Today, we’re breaking down all you need to know about electrolytes, including the role they play in our wellness and how, exactly, to make sure you’re getting enough of them. Read on for a helpful breakdown!

What are electrolytes? 

Electrolytes are vital minerals that help regulate a variety of essential functions throughout the body. They include minerals like sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, chloride, phosphate, and bicarbonate. When they’re in a fluid environment (like water), these minerals carry an electric charge.

Scientific American puts it this way: “In the world of nutrition, we use the word ‘electrolyte’ more specifically to refer to minerals dissolved in the body’s fluids, creating electrically charged ions. The electrolytes that are the most important in nutrition are sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and phosphate.” So, if we had to sum it up simply: electrolytes are simply minerals that are electric.

What do electrolytes do for our bodies? 

So we know they’re electric minerals, but what does this mean exactly? Electrolytes are essential to a properly functioning body. They are the minerals responsible for directing water to the areas in your body that need it most. They also help maintain optimal fluid balance within our cells themselves. When we sweat, it’s electrolytes that do the important job of keeping proper water balances both inside and outside of our cells. This helps us stay hydrated and ensures our body can function well overall. This is essential for healing after a sweaty workout session, a cold or flu, or a medical procedure.

In other words, the answer to the question: Electrolytes serve a number of roles, which, together, help ensure our cells, tissues, and fluids can “communicate,” allowing our bodies to function properly. These roles include:

  • Sparking nerve impulses (nerve impulses allow muscles to contract, which, for example keeps your heart beating)
  • Balancing the amount of water in our bodies
  • Balancing blood acidity and blood pressure
  • Helping our bodies build new tissue

How do we lose electrolytes, and how can we replenish them?

When you exercise, you lose a significant amount of vital electrolytes through your sweat—including high concentrations of sodium and chloride, and low concentrations of potassium, magnesium, and calcium. Rapidly replenishing these minerals with an electrolyte drink, then, is essential for rapid recovery—as you can’t get these electrolytes from water alone.

Is that why CF(Rehydrate)® contains so much sodium? 

That’s exactly right! We often get asked about the levels of sodium in our electrolyte drink, CF(Rehydrate)®. The reason our electrolyte solution contains higher levels of sodium is because it’s meant to help you quickly and effectively replenish all of those important electrolytes you lose through exercise, sweat, and dehydration.

While our electrolyte drink contains a significant amount of sodium to help you replenish electrolytes, what’s just as important as what it does contain is what it doesn’t:  Just like all of the medical-grade clinical-nutrition products our team of scientists and nutritionists formulates here at CF Nutrition, CF(Rehydrate)® is free from artificial colors , flavors, and sugars. This makes CF(Rehydrate)® the superior option out there for health-conscious athletes, moms, and everyday on-the-go professionals who want to hydrate wholly, without inundating their bodies with the excess sugar and harmful neon dyes you’ll find in sports drinks.

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Overall, the answer to the question is pretty simple: electrolytes help our cells communicate and our body perform at its absolute best. Without electrolytes, your heart wouldn’t beat and you wouldn’t be able to function—making them important heavy-hitters for healthy, happy bodies.

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Now that you have a clear answer to the question What do electrolytes do?, be sure to browse the rest of the CF Nutrition blog for empowering health, wellness, and lifestyle tips. And don’t forget to fuel yourself and your family with the clean, clinical replenishment and immune support of CF(Rehydrate)® Immunity +.

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Categories
Healthy Lifestyle Pediatrics

5 Healthy Halloween Tips: CF Nutrition Breaks Down How to Keep Halloween Healthy and Fun

Halloween is quickly approaching, and our little ones are starting to count down the days until they get to fill their pillowcases with endless amounts of sweet treats. As parents, this may be a rather daunting thought. But don’t worry, CF Nutrition has healthy halloween tips and tricks on how you and your family can stay mindful and well nourished this Halloween. Like any other day, creating balance on holidays is just as crucial to creating a healthy relationship with food and staying on track with our goals while still enjoying ourselves. 

Healthy Halloween Tip No. 1:  Have a healthy meal before trick-or-treating.

Having a healthy, hearty, well-balanced meal before trick-or-treating is a great way to curb candy cravings and set a solid example. By filling up first, the temptation to overindulge on candy is reduced because your little ones will feel satisfied from their meal. Eating a balanced meal also provides fuel for your kids as they walk from house to house. But most importantly, it helps your children learn the importance of eating healthy even on holidays. By instilling the idea of year-round healthy eating in your children from a young age, you can help them avoid the fast-or-famine mindset so many of us adults know all too well. Just because it’s a holiday and candy is involved doesn’t mean you should go completely off the rails and neglect to nourish your body mindfully.

Healthy Halloween Tip No. 2: Check your kids’ candy before they consume it.

Before letting your little ones dig into their treasured supply of candy, make sure to go through and check expiration dates as well as look for any opened pieces. Sometimes, an opened piece will sneak into the batch, and it is crucial to throw any away that have any openings. Also, any candy that has passed the expiration date should be thrown away. Lastly, check for allergens and suspicious ingredients, especially if your child is allergic to anything. 

Healthy Halloween Tip No. 3: Get moving as a family.

We often treat candy and sweets as the “fun part” or “reward” of certain holidays. But by beginning your own traditions that make  physical movements fun, you can expand your little ones’ ideas of what holidays are all about. Whether it’s throwing a dance party in your living room before you head out trick-or-treating, setting up a Halloween-themed relay race in your driveway, or setting a goal of how many houses you’ll walk to as a family—figure out a fun way to put on your costumes and get moving together. No matter what you choose, it’s important to have an activity that your kids can look forward to as much as they look forward to candy!

Healthy Halloween Tip No. 4: Practice portion control.

Halloween is a perfect day to help your child understand portion control. If given the opportunity, children typically will eat enough candy to make themselves sick. And yes, they will ask for more candy than you allow them. Here is a great way to educate your children on enjoying some of something without overdoing it. Allow them to choose two of their favorite candy on Halloween and save the rest for later. If they want more candy, maybe offer them an orange fruit or vegetable instead like a carrot or a cutie. This will allow them to learn that if they don’t feel hungry for a fruit or vegetable, they may not be hungry for more candy either.

Healthy Halloween Tip No. 5: Limit leftover candy.

If your child has an abundance of candy, you don’t need to keep all of it. Instead, let your child pick their favorites and donate the rest. Saving about 15 pieces of candy is plenty. This is crucial to ensure your child is not consuming endless amounts of candy for the days and weeks to come. Limiting to about 15 pieces will allow them to have 2-3 pieces the night of Halloween and have some leftovers to distribute throughout the next 2-3 weeks. This will ensure a habit of eating candy every day does not develop at a young age. 

Healthy Halloween Tip No. 6: Remember balance—it’s only one day a year.

Remember, Halloween is an exciting time for your children. While instilling portion control and balance, also remember to keep the joy of the holiday alive. Try to refrain from telling your children that candy is “bad for you.” Instead, teach them that candy is a fun treat to enjoy some of the time—but that to keep our bodies healthy and strong, we also have to nourish ourselves with balanced meals and fresh produce. It’s not about neglecting to enjoy the holiday altogether—it’s about being mindful, embracing moderation, and avoiding the kind of habits that lead to a lifetime of rollercoaster dieting and unhealthy relationships with food.

Healthy Halloween Tip No. 7: Keep it festive! 

One way to make this Halloween healthy and fun is to make some festive holiday treats. Try making pumpkin seeds with your pumpkin fillings. Offer your children orange fruits and veggies like cuties, carrots, and sweet potatoes. Maybe make some black and orange treats or place natural orange food coloring in your child’s yogurt. You can also check out ourCF(Protein)® Spooky Smoothie Recipe below. It’s a healthy smoothie that’s so tasty your children just might forget all about Snickers Bars and sour gummies. 

CF(Protein)®Spooky Smoothie Recipe:

Need a sweet treat around Halloween? CF Nutrition has you covered

Try sprucing up your CF(Protein)® with this festive smoothie recipe. This delicious and healthy plant based drink makes 2-3 servings. It’s a great way to get in a few servings of fruits and vegetables—and to “trick” your family into enjoying a healthy “treat”. 

Ingredients:

  • -1 cup frozen mango
  • – 3 medium carrots
  • -1 cup almond milk 
  • -1 CF(Protein)® bottle

*Blend together and enjoy

*Option to add spinach

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Ready for more goodness? Browse the rest of the CF Nutrition blog for empowering health, wellness, and lifestyle tips. And don’t forget to fuel yourself and your family this fall season with the clean, clinical replenishment of CF(Rehydrate)® Immunity +.

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