One of the most frequently asked questions on our Facebook or Twitter pages, or when we’re at shows or giving away in-store samples, is “do your MicroLingual® vitamins contain lactose?”  When told yes, their next comment is “then I can’t take them because I’m lactose intolerant.”

When given the chance to engage in a dialog with those people, it seems that most don’t know whether they are lactose intolerant (LI) or are allergic to dairy; and there is definitely a difference between having a Milk Allergy and being Lactose Intolerant and whether you might be able to take our vitamins.

Lactose Intolerance

People who are lactose intolerant can’t digest milk sugar, lactose, because they manufacture too small a quantity of lactase.  Drinking a very small amount of milk, or a tiny amount of lactase, is sufficient and generally not harmful to those who are lactose intolerance.

Undigested lactose draws water into your intestines producing diarrhea and gas, which is why symptoms also include flatulence, bloating and cramps, all symptoms of the lower intestine.

If consuming too much lactose is causing you to vomit, burp, have heartburn or other stomach ills, you’re probably not lactose intolerant and should look for a different cause.

Milk or Dairy Allergies

A milk or dairy allergy is a reaction to the two proteins in milk; either casein or whey, and one can be allergic to one or both proteins.  If you’re allergic, the safest course is to avoid all dairy products no matter how much you love yogurt or Cherry Garcia ice cream.

Having a milk or dairy allergy is very different from being lactose intolerant, in which cases most people can consume a small amount of milk (or our MicroLingual® vitamins).  Allergies are an immune system reaction where your immune system fights antibodies.  While it can be a good thing if one isn’t allergic, those with allergies can lead to a huge number of possible symptoms including hives, swelling, rashes, coughing, wheezing and shock.  If you’re lactose intolerant the reaction time is usually intermediate, 45 minutes to 20 hours, but if you are allergic to dairy or milk, the reaction is usually within 45 minutes.

Superior Source MicroLingual® Tablets

Unlike most of our competitors, our MicroLingual® tablets do not have a bunch of fillers and binders; they are held together by lactose and acacia gum, and the amount of lactose in each tablet is so minute that most people who are “lactose intolerant” have no problem ingesting our vitamins, while people who have milk or dairy allergies should definitely not ingest any dairy, including our product.

If you have a reaction to any dairy based product as indicated above, see your physician and find out if you’re Lactose Intolerant or have a milk allergy – it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Each summer most of us strive to look great in a bikini. That time of year is upon us, and it takes a combination of healthy eating and exercise to get into Bikini Body shape.  Last week we focused on eating healthy; this week we’re focusing on motivating yourself to tone up and get a bikini worthy body.

Determine where you need improvement

Look at yourself in the mirror without being too critical.  This will help you choose what you need to work on.

Take Measurements and Pictures

No matter what you think, it’s not all about weight loss.  Muscle weighs more than fat, so if your goal is to tone up you might end up gaining weight but have great abs and thinner, shapelier thighs.  Throw away the scale…you can track your progress b

y taking measurements before starting and tracking your progress during the program.  Another way to track progress is in the way your clothing fits.  Toned abs and thighs will ensure that everything fits just a little better.

We al

l have smart phones, so there’s no excuse not to take a “before” picture to measure your progress.  Work hard and you’ll be happy with the “now” picture.

Look at your bikini daily

If you already own it, hang up your bikini in a place you’ll see it every day.  If not, buy one that you know you can fit into after your work is done. This will motivate you, especially on days when you want that extra serving of ice cream or chocolate.

Now that you’ve got the right motivational tools, it’s time to start your routine.  If you eat healthy and are serious about toning up, by the July 4 holiday you could be in Bikini Body shape:

Cardio Trims the Inches

Cardio w

ill burn off those extra inches.  Think about 30 minutes of cardio at least 3-4 times a week, either on the treadmill or on a cycle (cyc

ling classes at your local gym are great).  Interval training is great; try 2-5 minutes at 5 MPH followed by a rest, according to your fitness level.  It’s not always what you do but how you do it that will make the difference.

Keep it fun and interesting

Have you tried cross-training? This is a form of exercise where you engage in different activities during your workouts. This is great to help keep you from getting bored at the gym and the variety will ensure you are engaging different muscle groups, which is valuable since we want all of our fabulous muscles looking toned! Here are a few examples of exercises you should try for cross-training: cycling, stair climbing, calisthenics, free weights, yoga, circuit training, sprinting, plyometrics and jump rope.

Challenge Yourself

If exercising
It’s been a cold and nasty winter, and winter has lasted much longer in many areas around the country.  Start now and you’ll be ready to show off that newly tone Bikini Body in time for the July 4 festivities! becomes too easy, take it to the next level; add more resistance, time or exercises to your circuit.  Make sure you’re working hard enough to yield results.  Just being there is only half the battle.  When you’re at the gym, reach out and talk with a personal trainer to ensure that you’re using the equipment properly, but using the right equipment to reach your goal.

Green Tea – Green tea is known to boost metabolism and help burn fat.  Including 3-4 cups of green tea daily will help reduce your waistline as well as provide many other benefits

Leafy Green Vegetables – Swap out iceberg lettuce for Romaine or spinach in your salad or add a side dish of kale to fill up and get into Swimsuit Shape

Eggs are the perfect breakfast food..  They’re a great source of protein and contain essential amino acids the body needs

Salmon is one of the best foods one can eat.  It’s naturally low in calories, saturated fat and sodium and a good source of protein.

Quinoa – our family recently started eating quinoa instead of rice or pasta.  While the jury is still out with the guys who love pasta, they know that quinoa in loaded with fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants

Cucumbers reduce bloating.  You may end up in the ladies room more often than usual, but your stomach will get flatter and you’ll feel better

Bananas are a great way to start the morning.  Not only are they full of potassium, but they help offset cravings for salty foods.

Greek Yogurt not only helps with indigestion, but it’s packed with protein and is super tasty.  Try to buy brands low in sugar.

Raw nuts, including almonds, walnuts and Brazil nuts, are high in healthy fats, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.  Try to stay away from roasted and salted nuts in your effort to tone up.

Pineapple – if you’re looking for something sweet, tasty, perfect for summer than has a digestive enzyme that helps reduce gas, this is it.