Author: CF Clinical Nutrition

What Vitamins and Minerals Help Support my Immune System?

Post author By CF Clinical Nutrition
Post date November 11, 2021
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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 +.

Nutrition

Eat In-Season to Improve Your Health

Post author By CF Clinical Nutrition
Post date November 4, 2021
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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 +.

Healthy Lifestyle Nutrition

What do Electrolytes do in Our Bodies?

Post author By CF Clinical Nutrition
Post date October 28, 2021
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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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Tags electrolyte, electrolyte drink, immunity

Healthy Lifestyle Pediatrics

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

Post author By CF Clinical Nutrition
Post date October 21, 2021
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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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Tags halloween, healthy tips

Colonoscopies

Fainting During Colonoscopy Prep: Is it common?

Post author By CF Clinical Nutrition
Post date October 14, 2021
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The topic of fainting during colonoscopy prep is one you’ll see across the internet when researching what to expect during the prep process—but is it normal and, more importantly, how can you avoid it? Today, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about this common concern. Read on for the expertise and insight you need for a calm, confident prep process.

Is fainting during colonoscopy prep common?

While colonoscopy prep can make you feel dizzy or lightheaded, fainting during colonoscopy prep is rare and not something you should expect.

Why might colonoscopy prep make you dizzy?

The goal of colonoscopy prep is to empty your bowels completely so your doctor can clearly see inside the colon. In the 24 hours leading up to your procedure, you’ll be in the fasting window and asked to consume only clear liquids along with your oral laxative solution. As you begin taking your oral laxative, you’ll experience the frequent urge to empty your bowels—this can lead to dehydration and/or drops in blood sugar that may cause you to feel nauseous, dizzy, lightheaded, and/or thirsty.

What should I do if I feel like fainting during colonoscopy prep?

If you’re feeling lightheaded to the point of possibly fainting during colonoscopy prep, this is likely a sign of low blood sugar or dehydration. Without being able to eat solid food—you’ll want to consume clear liquids and/or a colorless carbonated beverage to settle your stomach. Avoid anything with red, blue or purple dyes.

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How can I set myself up for success and avoid fainting during colonoscopy prep?

It all comes down to proper nutrition and hydration—as low blood-sugar levels and dehydration are the two main components behind side effects like dizziness, nausea, lightheadedness, and/or the rare instance of fainting during colonoscopy prep. Combating these side effects is exactly why we created CF(Colonoscopy Kit)®. We developed our medical-grade CF(Rehydrate)® electrolyte drink and bundled it with the #1-recommended gentle laxative to create a colonoscopy kit that helps ease the discomfort that’s often synonymous with the prep process. The end-result is enhanced hydration, boosted electrolytes, reduced discomfort, and a faster post-op recovery.

Patients also love to use the electrolyte drink that comes in our colonoscopy kit as a “chaser” to mask the taste of their prep powder. Our electrolyte drink is particularly delicious when chilled—so be sure to order your colonoscopy kit in advance and place your bottles in the fridge to chill at least one day before you embark on the prep process.

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Overall, fainting during colonoscopy prep is rare—and grueling side effects are easier to avoid if you remain aware of staying properly hydrated and nourished with colorless liquid nourishment that complies with your doctor’s orders.

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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 flu season with the clean, clinical replenishment and immune support of CF(Rehydrate)® Immunity +.

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Disclaimer: Miralax® is a registered trademark of Bayer. For more information, including drug facts, directions and other information, please see Miralax.com or visit our website for additional support.

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Pediatrics Uncategorized

The Kids are Back in School: Using Immunity Drinks to Keep Your Family Healthy & Nourished

Post author By CF Clinical Nutrition
Post date October 7, 2021
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The school bell has officially rung and eager-to-interact kids everywhere are returning to classrooms across the nation. But with the global pandemic persisting and children under the age of 12 unauthorized to receive COVID-19 vaccinations as of this writing—along with the start of the regular cold-and-flu season looming—the idea of keeping your family healthy, nourished, and strong in today’s climate can feel a bit overwhelming (to say the least).

Today, then, we wanted to serve up everything you need to know about our favorite, parent-friendly solution for on-the-go immune support: immunity drinks. Read on for our top tips—and get ready to tackle the back-to-school season with confidence and clarity.

What is an immunity drink?

That’s a great question! An immunity drink is a beverage that includes intentionally-selected ingredients to support a properly functioning immune system. While no immunity drink can “boost” your immune system in the way a vaccine can, thoughtfully-formulated, scientifically-backed immunity drinks do a great job of helping ensure you’re properly hydrated and nourished with essential vitamins and minerals—which, in turn, aids your immune system in operating at its best, as malnutrition is a leading cause of poor immune function.

Why should I use immunity drinks?

Immunity drinks are an effective, on-the-go solution to help your family get the vitamins and minerals they might not otherwise consume via diet on a regular basis during the busy back-to-school season. With homework back in full swing, carpools abound, lunches eaten in the cafeteria instead of under your watchful roof, and extracurricular activities adding yet another item onto parents’ already-packed to-do lists—ensuring your child eats their fruits, finishes their vegetables, and reaps the benefits of three perfectly balanced meals a day is a struggle. Add on your own career to manage, a household to run, and your personal health to stay on top of—and it can go from a “struggle” to seemingly impossible.

Immunity drinks, then, are a great supplemental solution for easing the overwhelm. They can help you ensure your child consumes the daily intake of vitamins and minerals a properly functioning immune system requires, without having to force them to shovel down steamed broccoli in the coveted few minutes they have in between the end of the school day and the start of baseball practice.

How can I use immunity drinks for immune support?

The options are endless! Throw an immunity drink in with your child’s lunch. Fill their water bottle with a clean, clinical-grade immunity beverage in place of sugary sodas and artificially-dyed sports drinks. Blend one into any smoothies or juices you might make at home. And don’t forget to give yourself the immune support you need with one as well—you can quickly consume an immunity drink while you’re shuffling little ones around, on your lunch break, or whipping up dinner.

What should I look for in an immunity drink for my family?

Not all immunity drinks were created equal. The purpose of a great immunity beverage is overall health and wellness—so it’s important to avoid excess amounts of sugar, unethically sourced ingredients, harmful additives, and anything else that can compromise your health and wellness. Be sure to look for the following things when you’re shopping for an immunity drink you can feel great about giving your family and consuming yourself:

Less sugar: Avoid immunity beverages that contain excess amounts of added sugar. (Wondering where to start? We’ve got you covered. Our immunity drink contains only 1 gram of sugar. You read that right—only 1 gram!)
No neon colors: Avoid immunity drinks that contain harmful colored dyes.
Honest advertising: Read the label and check out the brand’s online presence. Are they promising things that sound too good to be true? Do their words match up with what’s on the label? Is their beverage made domestically or overseas? Do they have their own factory and, as a result, retain quality control of their product?
The right vitamins and minerals: When it comes to immune support, you want a beverage that includes:
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin D
- Zinc
- Magnesium
Specialty-diet friendly: Is the drink safe to consume for anyone in your household who may be gluten-free, vegan, or allergic to soy?
Great taste: Here’s the kicker! Any parent knows: if it doesn’t taste good, the kids aren’t going for it. An immunity drink can have all of the right ingredients—but if it tastes medicinal or has an unpleasant chalky texture (which so many immunity drinks do), it will only serve to take up space in your fridge. With three fan-favorite flavors and a taste that little ones and adults alike rave about, our immunity drink was painstakingly formulated and taste-tested (over and over…and over) until our team of beverage scientists and nutritionists knew it was sure to satisfy even the pickiest of taste buds.

Is there anything else that’s important to note about immunity drinks?

There is! It’s important to note that hydration is a key component of a properly functioning immune system—so consuming an immunity drink isn’t just about the minerals and vitamins it includes; it’s also about the fluids and electrolytes you’re getting from that beverage. Water helps carry oxygen to your cells, which is a key component of proper organ functioning. When your organs are functioning at their best, so is your immune system. Staying hydrated also helps your kidneys eliminate toxins and encourages your cells to get rid of harmful waste, helping flush unwelcome visitors and cold-and-flu-causing bacteria from your body (a toxin build-up in your body weakens your immune system). The immune-supporting benefits of hydration can’t be understated. So if your little one tends to avoid water like the plague and prefers sweeter liquids instead—a clean, additive-free, but still tasty-as-ever immunity beverage might just be the thing you need to increase their fluid intake and, in turn, promote their immunity.

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Overall, it’s no secret that the onslaught of school season—especially after an extended time period off due to the pandemic—can make maintaining your family’s health and wellness a tricky, time-consuming challenge. But with the right immunity drink on your side—you, your partner, and your little ones can easily reap the benefits of essential vitamins, minerals, and medical-grade hydration….without spending hours sweating over the stove or bargaining about broccoli. (Can we get a hallelujah?)

Bring on the clean, clinical-grade immunity drink—and let a safe, healthy fall ensue.

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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 the start of school season with the clean, clinical replenishment of CF(Rehydrate)® Immunity +.

Exercise

Staying Safe While Working Out in the Heat This Summer

Post author By CF Clinical Nutrition
Post date June 10, 2021
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Staying consistent year-round with your exercise routine is crucial for seeing results. As the summer months creep up on us, working out might become harder due to the heat. Ensuring you stay adequately hydrated is crucial when you want to workout in the heat. Today we’re discussing the ways to keep your workouts safe and effective despite the sun giving us an added challenge.

While working out in the heat, it is essential to hydrate properly so that you replenish any fluid and electrolytes lost during exercise through sweat. Hydration is a vital component of effective workouts and recovery. If you become dehydrated during exercise, your performance may suffer.

Not only does working out in the heat pose a risk for dehydration, but so does our rising internal temperature. While working out in the heat, an increased metabolic heat production causes a rise in core temperature, which causes us to sweat to limit our body’s rising temp (Lacey et al.) Without proper hydration, hypohydration can occur. This is common at the end of a workout, especially in warmer climates. Replenishing the fluid you lose after training is necessary to restore fluid balance in your body. In addition, prolonged strenuous exercise, especially under hot conditions, may lead to hypomagnesemia or low magnesium levels. When magnesium levels are low, our physical performance can suffer due to decreased muscle function. CF(Rehydrate)® contains the necessary magnesium you need post-workout that can counteract hypomagnesemia by quickly replenishing electrolyte losses

For efficient recovery from any dehydration, CF(Rehydrate)® is the superior choice. The intentional formulation behind CF(Rehydrate)® replenishes lost fluids and essential electrolytes. There are no artificial colors or flavors, and this product has clean ingredients and relies on natural nutrition. CF(Rehydrate)® has an ideal combination of carbohydrates and sodium with less added sugar than traditional sports drinks, giving your body everything it needs and nothing that it doesn’t.

CF(Rehydrate)® contains 45 calories per serving, 10g carbohydrate, less than 1g of sugar, potassium, phosphorus, zinc, magnesium, and selenium. CF(Rehydrate)® provides medical-grade hydration without added sugar, artificial colors, or flavors. Each ingredient has a specific purpose of helping optimize health and support immunity.

Replenishing electrolytes and fluid isn’t the only way to have the most productive workout in the heat. When the weather starts to warm up, it’s essential to ease your training if you aren’t used to working out in the heat. For example, you may not have as strenuous workouts as usual, and it’s vital to listen to your body. If you’re used to running 5 miles in 55-degree weather when the temperature reaches 90, and the sun is beating down on you, you may need to walk some or go a bit slower. Easing back on your workouts when the weather is warm is essential to preventing overheating and even heat stroke.

Another tip is choosing lighter and looser clothing to help you stay cool. Darker colors absorb the heat and may make you heat up faster. It’s also important to always wear sunscreen when working out outside to avoid skin damage. If you dislike the heat, you can aim to wake up early when it’s still cooler and the sun hasn’t come out yet. This way, you get your workout in before it gets too hot. If you are used to working out outside, you can always take your activity inside when the weather heats up.

Staying active during summertime is necessary for optimal health but taking proper precautions is key to keeping your workouts safe. Avoid dehydration and replace fluids and electrolytes lost during exercise with CF(Rehydrate)®. Wear light, loose clothing and always protect your skin with sunscreen. Lastly, try working out before or after the sun is out if you prefer to avoid exercising in the heat. As always, CF Nutrition is here to help you create a lifestyle that makes you feel the best and achieve optimal wellness.

References:

Evans GH, James LJ, Shirreffs SM, Maughan RJ. Optimizing the restoration and maintenance of fluid balance after exercise-induced dehydration. J Appl Physiol (1985). 2017 Apr 1;122(4):945-951. DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00745.2016. Epub 2017 Jan 26. PMID: 28126906.

Lacey J, Corbett J, Forni L, Hooper L, Hughes F, Minto G, Moss C, Price S, Whyte G, Woodcock T, Mythen M, Montgomery H. A multidisciplinary consensus on dehydration: definitions, diagnostic methods, and clinical implications. Ann Med. 2019 May-Jun;51(3-4):232-251. DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2019.1628352. Epub 2019 Jun 17. PMID: 31204514; PMCID: PMC7877883.

https://www.pritikin.com/your-health/healthy-living/getting-fit/1373-the-heat-is-on-6-tips-for-exercising-safely-in-hot-weather.html

Healthy Lifestyle

Healthy Travels 101: Staying Healthy on Vacation

Post author By CF Clinical Nutrition
Post date May 27, 2021
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We’ve all been there: your flight leaves in an hour and your stomach is rumbling. You’ve grazed on enough trail mix and pretzels to last a lifetime, and the fast-food chains in the terminal aren’t exactly calling your name. Whether you’re in an airport or on the road, staying healthy while on vacation and eating well isn’t the easiest or most convenient endeavor. Fortunately, with a bit of forethought and some simple planning, you can maintain a healthy lifestyle no matter where you are. Today, we’re sharing some of our best tips and tricks from our travel experts to help you continue eating right and feeling great from departure to arrival and back.

Turbo Charge Your Health

In the days and weeks ahead of your trip, it’s a good idea to consider the many ways you can support your immune system and boost your nutrition status. Whether this means reaching for a multivitamin or adding a nourishing smoothie, like CF(Protein)® to your morning routine, being especially mindful of your nutrient intake will help provide a solid foundation of healthfulness before your trip. In doing so, you can help avoid developing any nutrient deficiencies that might put you at risk for illness while you’re away. Pre and probiotics can also help promote healthy gut bacteria that may limit the chances of illness or gastrointestinal distress while traveling.

Intensifying your exercise regime before vacation is similarly beneficial. Exercise is a proven way to support immunity. Improving cardiovascular fitness and strength also gives you wiggle room to maintain your fitness level on vacation while spending more time lounging and relaxing. Additionally, stretching or doing yoga before taking a long trip may help you to feel more comfortable during your commute and avoid dangerous blood clots resulting from extended periods of seated inactivity. Walk around the airport during layovers and take the long route around your hotel to promote blood flow, limit body aches, and ensure you hit your daily walking targets.

Plan Ahead

Like most things in life, a little bit of preplanning and forethought is often beneficial (if not necessary) for enabling your plans for staying healthy on vacation to run smoothly. If you are visiting a big resort that includes meals, we suggest calling ahead to ensure healthy food and beverage items are available. The same protocol applies to any restaurants you plan to attend, especially if they are part of a preset itinerary where attendance is required. These suggestions are especially important if you have any specific dietary needs or restrictions, such as gluten intolerance or a dairy allergy. Most hotels and chefs will be more than happy to accommodate your needs. If they’re not, checking in beforehand will allow enough time to adjust your travel plans and go elsewhere, if needed.

If you’re traveling for pleasure and can eat wherever you want during your trip, consider browsing local restaurants and cafes that offer healthy menu items beforehand. Yelp, Happy Cow, and Google are all great resources for identifying restaurants that cater to specific dietary needs and specialty food preferences. While trying local cuisines can be a fun part of the travel experience, it may be helpful to eat at least one meal a day closer to your usual diet to avoid shocking your digestive tract. If you plan on arriving in a city early in the morning or late in the evening, you can also check out which restaurants can deliver directly to your hotel room and order on the way. Knowing where to order ahead of time can prevent getting overly hungry and making food choices out of convenience over health.

Have an Exercise Game Plan

As mentioned earlier, keeping up with your usual exercise routine may be difficult during travel but it can be hugely beneficial for staying healthy on vacation. However, having ideas for maintaining your fitness beforehand will likely encourage you to stick to a more consistent schedule. Making sure to pack a pedometer or other fitness travel is a simple way to ensure you are still hitting your minimum daily target for movement. If you have cellular service on your trip, exploring local running/walking trails or hikes is an excellent way to explore and stay active. If your trip requires more time indoors, check out some free online fitness classes, including millions of simple and effective workout videos via Youtube and other online platforms. Many of these videos do not require any equipment and take up very little space, so there is no excuse not to get a daily sweat in. Finally, if you plan on visiting a big city or metropolitan area, research local fitness studios or gyms that may interest you. Many businesses offer a free trial class to new customers, so you may be able to try out a fun new workout with no commitment or payment whatsoever. Make sure to plan your exercise recovery accordingly by bringing an electrolyte beverage like CF(Rehydrate)® with you for post-workout recovery.

Pack Snacks

No matter what form of travel you are prepping for, bringing your food and snacks is one of the best ways to ensure you have healthy options available at all times. Notably, having a refillable water bottle on hand should be a priority. Staying well-hydrated is an essential part of healthy travel and staying healthy on vacation, and carrying a refillable bottle is a great reminder to drink up. Another option is packing an electrolyte-rich beverage like CF(Rehydrate) Immunity+ to ensure you are consuming adequate electrolytes while on the road. Specially formulated functional beverages are a great way to conveniently make sure you are consuming immune-supporting ingredients while on the go.

If you’re flying, think about what foods do not require refrigeration and won’t offend other passengers but will help sustain you throughout your journey. Some ideas include raw vegetables like carrots, tomatoes, or cucumbers. For protein and fat, bring packets of nut butter, dried edamame or chickpeas, or a simple sandwich. These balanced snacks will keep your energy levels steady and avoid causing gastrointestinal discomfort while you travel.

If you have ample time to prepare for your trip, making a homemade trail mix with unsweetened dried fruits is a superior snack choice than store bought items with excess sugar and salt. If your trip is last minute, be mindful of what is available at the airport. Some larger airports offer great snack packs with hardboiled eggs and fruit, and you can find a greek yogurt and a banana almost anywhere. Avoid purchasing candy bars and opt for a granola or protein bar with less than 10 grams of added sugar. Lastly, stick to carbonated or flat water over sugary soft drinks or sports beverages loaded with artificial ingredients and flavors.

If you are taking a vacation via road trip, packing good snack items is a breeze. Families can bring individual lunch boxes with sandwiches, fruits, and vegetables for each person. Alternatively, packing one large cooler full of yogurt, grab-n-go protein shakes, or crackers and hummus ensures that there will be plenty of food to fuel everyone in the car.

Vacationing should be a time to rest, relax, and recharge. Fortunately, staying healthy on vacation is a breeze with these simple tips in mind. A bit of simple organization and pre-trip planning helps ensure that you come back from a trip feeling and looking even better than when you left!

Colonoscopies

Colonoscopy Prep 101: What to Expect When It’s Time to Prep

Post author By CF Clinical Nutrition
Post date May 21, 2021
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While the U.S. sees right around 19 million colonoscopies every year, getting through colonoscopy prep is still no easy feat. From foul-tasting prep powders to the uncomfortable reality of clearing your bowels, it’s safe to say colonoscopy prep isn’t exactly an experience to look forward to or write home about. But with a clear understanding of what to expect—and some expert tips on how to best prepare—the dreaded prep process can become a bit more comfortable.

Today, we’re offering up all you need to know about what to expect during colonoscopy prep. Read on for the information, empowerment, and encouragement you need to get that all-important procedure performed.

How important is getting through colonoscopy prep?

While there are times we can get away with secretly skirting our doctor’s orders—colonoscopy prep isn’t one of them. If you neglect to get through prep properly (the end-goal of which is completely emptying your bowels so your doctor can clearly see inside the colon), your physician will absolutely know and—more importantly—won’t be able to perform the procedure.

When you take into the account the fact colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death—and that a staggering 60 percent of colorectal cancer deaths could have been prevented with screening—it’s clear to see why getting through prep is imperative. It’s the first—and most necessary step—for getting vital, possibly life-saving information about your colorectal health.

What should I expect during colonoscopy prep?

One week before your colonoscopy…

You’ll want to begin cutting down on heavy, high-fiber foods and opting for smaller, more digestible meals in the days leading up to your procedure. While it’s tempting to get in as many filling foods as you can before hitting the fasting period, high-fiber foods only make the dreaded colonoscopy prep process that much more uncomfortable. Plus, fibrous foods can leave behind residue in your colon that can make it difficult for your doctor to see polyps (the entire point of a colonoscopy). Foods to avoid include:

Nuts
Seeds
Legumes
Raw fruits and vegetables
Brown rice, oatmeal, wheat bread, and whole grains

2 days before your colonoscopy…

Aside from continuing to avoid high-fiber foods, the most important thing you can do at this point in the process is to hydrate (and then hydrate some more…and some more). The 24-hour colonoscopy prep period before your procedure can be grueling on your body—and can lead to serious dehydration. In addition to drinking plenty of water, PreOp drinks and natural electrolyte drinks will give your body the clean, clinical-grade hydration, vitamins, and minerals it needs to head into the 24-hour prep period strong, nourished, and hydrated (without the colored dyes, harmful synthetics, and added sugars you’ll find in sports drinks and non-medical-grade hydration beverages).

24 hours prior to your procedure…

This is where the real work begins, as you’re officially in the fasting window and on a clear liquid diet. Here’s what you can expect…

The Goal: The entire point of this period is to completely clear your bowels so your doctor can see inside the colon.

The Bowel Prep Liquid or Powder: In addition to clear liquids (think: anything you can see through—water, electrolyte drinks, apple juice, presurgery drinks, apple juice, etc.), you’ll need an oral solution (in the form of a liquid or a powder that you mix with another liquid) designed to help you empty your bowels. Your doctor may have you take the entire oral solution the night before your colonoscopy—or she may have you split the solution into two portions and drink one the night prior and finish the second portion the morning-of.

What Happens: As you begin taking your prep powder or liquid, you’ll experience the frequent urge to empty your bowels. This will happen until your movements become more liquid-like and eventually turn clear or yellow (a sign your colon is clear). The bowel prep may also cause you to experience:

Nausea
Bloating
Thirst
Dizziness

Is there any way to make colonoscopy prep easier?

Brilliant question! And the answer is YES. Like you, our team of nutritionists and beverage scientists knew there had to be a better way, so we developed CF(Rehydrate)®—a medical-grade, clear-and-colorless, great-tasting natural electrolyte drink—and bundled it with the #1 recommended gentle laxative to create our fan-favorite CF (Colonoscopy Kit)®.

The end-result is enhanced hydration, boosted electrolytes, reduced discomfort, and a faster, easier post-op recovery. In addition to getting medical-grade hydration from CF(Rehydrate)®, the electrolyte drink that comes in their colonoscopy preparation kit, patients also love to use it as a “chaser” and mask the taste of their prep powder. PRO TIP: CF(Rehydrate)® is delicious when chilled, so be sure to place your bottles in the fridge a few days before your colonoscopy prep.

What if my doctor already prescribed me a bowel prep liquid?

If you already have a prep liquid or powder, you don’t need our entire colonoscopy preparation kit. Instead, you can just opt for CF(Rehydrate) (our electrolyte drink with added immune-boosting ingredients) to use as part of your clear liquid diet (and, again, to mask that terrible-tasting prep liquid).

Here’s what people are saying about the difference CF (Colonoscopy Kit)® made in their colonoscopy prep process…

“At 70+ years old with significant diverticulitis, I have had many dreaded colonoscopy preps. My last experience was totally different thanks to just 3 bottles of ClearFast” – B. T.

“I felt great and will always repeat this routine in the future! For my last colonoscopy, I was stuck 7 times for my IV as I was so dehydrated. This last experience was a ‘1 stick miracle’! I have highly recommended ClearFast to any eligible patient.” – A. S.

“Having to go through my first colonoscopy, my worst fear was not only having to drink the solution, but doing so on an empty stomach with the possibility of being nauseous! Sipping on ClearFast after each glass made it bearable, as it tastes good! And, it was comforting to know that it was full of nutrients.” – P

“I used ClearFast during last year’s colonoscopy prep, and after the procedure, I bounced right back and felt normal in record time. Good stuff!” – Amazon customer

“Used ClearFast the day prior to colonoscopy prep. Did not experience the jitters from fasting. Great taste also.” – Amazon customer

“Will buy again. Now I actually don’t dread my next colonoscopy”

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Overall, while colonoscopy prep is absolutely necessary—feeling miserable isn’t. With a clear idea of what to expect—and the power of a colonoscopy prep drink that offers proven, clean, clinical hydration on your side—you can get through the prep period (and get those all-important results) as painlessly 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 give your body the best chance at recovery with the clean, clinical replenishment of CF(Rehyrdate)® and the natural complex carbs you’ll find in CF(Preop)®.

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Wellness + Medical Tips

Can You Cure a Hangover?: Separating Fact From Fiction

Post author By CF Clinical Nutrition
Post date May 18, 2021
No Comments on Can You Cure a Hangover?: Separating Fact From Fiction
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From pounding headaches and nausea to fever and food aversions, there is nothing quite like the painful payback our bodies serve us after a little too much partying. Whether it’s reaching for a sugary sports drink, heading to a drive-through, or sweating it out in a hot shower—anyone who’s all-too familiar with nights of endless imbibing likely has their own sworn-by trick to cure a hangover. But what does the science say about what works and what doesn’t? Today, we’re separating fact from fiction and talking all about the evidence-based art of curing a hangover. Let’s get to it…

But first…why do we get hungover?

There’s no one key “ingredient” or factor that leads to the feeling of a hangover. Instead, feeling less-than-stellar after a night of overindulgence has to do with your individual makeup, the amount you imbibed, and the myriad of ways in which alcohol affects the human body. A few of the most important include:

Alcohol dehydrates you and leads to an electrolyte imbalance: Alcohol is a diuretic—meaning it causes your body to rid itself of fluids (via urination) much quicker than other liquids. The more you drink, the more you urinate, the more dehydrated you become—which ultimately leads to an electrolyte imbalance as well.

Alcohol can cause your blood vessels to widen: This is also known as vasodilatation—and it can lead to that pounding headache you feel upon waking the next morning.

Alcohol disrupts your sleep: While alcohol may help you fall asleep faster, it also lessens the quality of your sleep and can often cause that dreaded 2am wake-up, as it interferes with your body’s nighttime secretion of growth hormones and temperature regulation. A lack of quality sleep can contribute to that foggy feeling that so often accompanies a hangover.

Excessive drinking can lead to withdrawal symptoms: Heavy drinking can suppress your nervous system. When the drinking stops, your central nervous system then “wakes up” and kicks into overdrive, often leading to the “shakes” and a rapid heartbeat.

Drinking can lower your blood sugar levels: Alcohol can decrease your body’s ability to produce glucose while, at the same time, exhausting glucose reserves stored in the liver—ultimately leading to low blood-sugar levels, which may be responsible for that fatigue, weakness, and moodiness you feel during a hangover.

So…can you really cure a hangover? Here’s what the science says

Fiction: The “hair of the dog” method can cure a hangover.

When it comes to how to cure a hangover, some swear by the “hair of the dog” method, or “taking the hair of the dog that bit you”—meaning you drink alcohol in the morning to ease your hangover. (Fun fact: the phrase “hair of the dog” comes from a medieval belief that a person bitten by a rabid dog could be cured by placing the dog’s hair on the open wound or taking some of the dog’s hair in a potion.) Hangover symptoms peak when your blood-alcohol level reaches zero, so giving your body another drink may work to temporarily alleviate the pain you’re feeling—but science shows it only serves to hold off the hangover that’s inevitably coming.

Fact: The type of alcohol you drink can make a difference.

It turns out, there just might be something to the old folklore around clear alcohol not causing as significant of hangovers as darker alcohol. Studies have shown consuming clear alcohol (like vodka or gin) “may have a significant effect” on reducing the symptoms of a hangover the following day. Darker alcohols (whiskey, bourbon, brandy, red wine, etc.) contain congeners, chemically-related compounds which have been associated with a higher incidence of hangovers.

Fiction: Coffee will cure a hangover.

If you’re a java-lover, coffee may be calling your name the morning after a night of drinking…but the experts say don’t reach for that cup of joe so fast. It turns out coffee narrows your blood vessels and boosts your blood pressure, both of which might compound the illness you’re already feeling. Another less-than-ideal fact about coffee as a hangover cure? It’s a diuretic (just like alcohol), which means it can serve to dehydrate you even further. So, why do people swear by it? The caffeine can help to alleviate the grogginess and lethargy you may be experiencing—but that’s about as far as the benefits of coffee for a hangover stretch.

Fact: Complex carbohydrates are your friend.

Remember that blood-sugar drop we talked about earlier when we broke down the factors behind a hangover? When it comes to options that can help you cure a hangover, science shows that consuming bland nutrition that contains lots of complex carbohydrates can work to combat low blood-sugar levels and decrease nausea.

Our anesthesiologist-developed presurgery drink CF(Preop)® was designed to give patients a clean, clinical-grade, easy-to-consume solution to increase their chance of surgical success, reduce post-op nausea, and help speed up recoveries…but it turns out surgery isn’t the only thing it works well for. Because it’s chock-full of complex carbs and functional nutrition designed to quicken the healing process (without any added sugars, harmful dyes, or synthetics) it also works really well for hangovers. We recommend taking one bottle after you’ve finished up your night of fun before you go to bed—and another in the morning when you wake feeling not-so invincible.

Fiction: Hangover pills offer a cure.

According to studies, it turns out those pricey hangover pills, powders, and patches don’t seem to do much to cure a hangover. As CNN Health puts it, “there is little scientific evidence that they will make you feel any better.” Your best bet instead is to get the nutrients and vitamins they offer through clean, healthy, much-less-expensive nutrition.

Fact: Hydration remains your best bet if you’re hoping to cure a hangover.

Study after study and physician after physician tell us: the one thing you can do to help prevent or lessen a hangover is focus on hydration. We mentioned earlier that alcohol is a diuretic (meaning it causes you to eliminate fluids faster than other liquids do). Combine this with the fact hangovers are often accompanied by sweating, vomiting, and diarrhea—which can result in even more fluid loss and increased electrolyte imbalances—and it’s easy to see how the dehydrating effects of alcohol are only further compounded by the hangover they cause.

While there’s no way to know if dehydration is 100% responsible for your hangover—replacing the fluids you lost is one of the quickest, easiest things you can do to give your body a fighting chance at feeling better. The most common recommendation is to make sure you’re drinking plenty of water or clear fluids in between alcoholic beverages. But, if you got caught up in cocktailing and forgot to follow this tried-and-true rule, your best bet is to replenish as rapidly as possible the next morning.

PRO TIP: CF(Rehyrdate)®, our fan-favorite rapid-rehydration drink, offers clean, colorless, clinical-grade hydration that’s ideal for flushing your body with much-needed fluids, zinc, and natural electrolytes after a night of too much fun. (The best part? It’s not full of colored dyes and artificial ingredients like sports drinks and made-for-children solutions.)

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Overall, knowing what will work best for your hangover comes down to understanding your specific symptoms and what caused them. If you’re solely tired and groggy, a cup of coffee may do the trick—whereas if you’re nauseous and have a headache, coffee may only serve to exacerbate those symptoms. Regardless, though, of the individual symptoms you’re experiencing, the one “cure” that comes up time and time again is simple and straightforward: hydrate, hydrate, hydrate (…and our team of beverage scientists, healthcare professionals, and nutritionists couldn’t agree more!).

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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 give your body the best chance at feeling better after a night of drinking with the clean, clinical replenishment of CF(Rehyrdate)® and the natural complex carbs you’ll find in CF(Preop)®.

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