More IRON in the news!

We came across yet another NY Times article on the importance of iron, A Host of Ills When Iron’s Out of Balance.  "Iron, an essential nutrient, has long been the nation’s most common nutritional deficiency....Iron is an essential part of the proteins that transport oxygen in the body." 

Iron deficiency can present with a myriad of symptoms including fatigue and weakness, poor work performance, increased risk of infections, difficulty keeping warm, lightheadedness, rapid heartbeat, and shortness of breath with exercise.  Menstruating women make up the highest percent of iron deficient individuals, as well as, vegetarians who are at high risk.  As a vegetarian myself, this article got me thinking about getting my own iron level checked.

For more information, you can view the article here: A Host of Ills When Iron’s Out of Balance.

- Carlisle

NY Times article, "Iron Supplements May Reduce Pregnancy Risks"

We came upon this NY Times article, "Iron Supplements May Reduce Pregnancy Risks" and thought it might interest people.  The British Medical Journal (BMJ) compiled data from numerous studies involving nearly 2 million subjects and concluded that there is a significant correlation between the dose of iron and the decreased risk of anemia in the mother in the third trimester.  "For every increase of 10 milligrams of iron, up to 66 milligrams, there was a 12 percent decrease in the risk for anemia." 
Fascinating!

- Carlisle

Are you Iron Deficient?

As a vegetarian myself, I questioned whether or not I might be iron deficient.  This query led me to do some research.  There are a couple of self exams you can do if you suspect you might be iron deficient.  First look in a mirror and hold down the bottom of your eye (the part where it is usually red or pink), if you have iron deficiency, it will be white or really pale. Also, press onto your nails hard for a few seconds and observe if they turn back to pink quickly. If this takes 5 seconds or more to return the color, then you could be deficient. 

Of course the best way to determine if you are iron deficient is by having your doctor run a simple blood test.  Fatigue is the most common symptom of iron deficiency and occurs because your body doesn't have enough red blood cells to carry oxygen to its many parts.  Pale skin, brittle nails, swelling or soreness of the tongue and cracks in the sides of the mouth are other possible symptoms of iron deficiency. 

I learned from WedMD that low iron is the most common nutritional deficiency in the U.S. according to the CDC.  Almost 25% of menstruating women are iron deficient.  Starting at adolescence, a woman's daily iron needs increase because of how much blood they lose each month during their period. That's why women from ages 19 to 50 need to get 18 mg of iron each day, while men the same age only need 8 mg/day.

I am a big fan of the Dr. Oz Show and I would suggest you check out the show’s website as there is an interesting video segment on who should take iron supplements.

Our Favorite Health Products, LLC carries an iron supplement made by one of our most popular brands, Hubner.  Hubner’s IronVital F not only contains a high quality Iron but it is combined with vitamin C which helps with absorption and B vitamins to enhance the effects of the iron, as well as, increase the energy boost that iron will supply.

-Carlisle

Kelpies healthy dog treats

Jasper, lover of Kelpies

                                                                                                                               
 I can’t express how good I feel about feeding Kelpies to my dogs! 

• Kelp (seaweed) is one of the most nutrient-rich plants on earth (containing 70 vitamins and minerals!)
• Kelpies contain omegas from flax seed and fish oil
• The Blueberry Wave and Apple Splash have the added antioxidant benefits of the fruit
• Low Calorie - Only 9 calories per treat
• Kelpies are corn and wheat free
• Kelpies are made in the USA

Kelpies have 6 ingredients, all of which I can pronounce: dried kelp, oat flour, lethicin, flax, fish oil and blueberries/apples.

Personally, I like to use Kelpies for treat training so I always have a handful of them in my pocket.  Since they are so healthy and low in calorie, I have no worries about how many I feed.

Of course it doesn’t matter how healthy a treat is if your dogs don’t like them but my dogs, Jasper and Samantha absolutely LOVE Kelpies.  As soon as they see me reach for the bag of Kelpies, they are sitting at attention at my feet.

Kelpies come in money-saving 3 & 6 packs.

-Carlisle

Top Ten List - Why I love Fruitables!

Jasper, lover of Fruitables

Fruitables...oh how I love you.  Let me count the ways!

As a vegetarian myself, I have the utmost respect for natural, organic, vitamin rich fruits and vegetables.  I see the immeasurable value in these foods for myself and I want my dogs to benefit from them as well.  Fruitables healthy dog treats fit my criteria and here are the top 10 reasons why I love them.

1 - Fruitables are 100% natural, nothing artificial
2 - Fruitables are rich in Antioxidants, Vitamins A, C and E
3 - Fruitables are USDA certified organic
4 - Fruitables are low calorie -- only 9 calories per treat
5 - Fruitables contain pumpkin, a rich antioxidant and an excellent source of fiber
6 - Fruitables smell fruity and delicious
7 - Fruitables contain oatmeal which I’ve found is excellent for my dogs’ coats
8 - Fruitables are free of wheat, corn, soy, coloring and preservatives
9 - Fruitables are made in the USA
10 - Fruitables taste great! (yes, I tasted them myself)

-Carlisle

Introducing...Zuke’s Lil' Links dog treats

Zuke’s Lil' Links

Feed as a tasty reward or a nutritious everyday treat.  Every grain-free bite is filled with down-home, healthy goodness – real meat, apples, potatoes, carrots, and antioxidant-rich herbs for a tasty treat your dog will wag about.

Real Meat is #1 Ingredient – Lil’ Links are made with real chicken, apples and tasty herbs.
 
Only the Best – Never any mystery meats, by-product meals, artificial colors, flavors, or added animal fat.
 
Crazy Tasty! – The aroma of fresh cooked sausage and delicious taste will make your dog go crazy.
 
Healthy Antioxidants – Every nutritious Lil’ Link includes antioxidant-rich fruits, veggies, rosemary, turmeric, and sage.

Available in money-saving 6 packs.  Order Here!
 
We believe dogs deserve the very best!