This is an email marketing campaign I am working on for a client to enhance awareness of a phoenominal new breakthrough.
Super Water
Asea's salt and water supercharger
R. Cunningham
For more information, please visit EnduranceandRecovery.com
What if there was a substance that you could take as needed that was undetectable, UCI legal, would boost your performance on the bike - and was good for your body? Would you be interested? Yeah, I was pretty skeptical when I heard that line, too. The product is called Asea, and it was originally formulated as an immune booster to ward off the effects of aging. During testing, however, athletes discovered that the stuff, which smells and tasted a bit like YMCA pool water, significantly boosted their recovery rates and allowed them to stay closer to their anaerobic threshold for extended periods.
So, the Asea folks spent the bucks for some independent tests on endurance athletes and discovered that athletes, on average, could push 10 percent longer at their maximum thresholds with high results in the 30 percent range and lows around 7 percent. After testing the stuff for three months, I'd have to agree with them. We could pedal harder longer and recover from repeated, 100 percent efforts in ridiculously short intervals. The word "recovery' is the operative in the Asea equation.
Recovery is the key to athletic performance. When we think about gaining strength, most often we obsess on the initial phase of training. We talk about tearing our bodies, entering the pain cave or going anaerobic. Basically, we stress our body beyond rational limits in the vain hope that somewhere down the line, its internal recovery mechanism will respond by rebuilding the cells that we nearly destroyed into a stronger, more efficient configuration.
Glamorous as the no-pain-no-gain image is, however, athletic performance is far more dependent upon the body's ability to recover, and getting enough sleep is only part of the process. Complete recovery depends upon proper cell function. During or after a ride, millions of cells are communication with each other and begging for much needed supplies, sending out crews to patch up damage and recycling the dead and wounded. When the body's recovery mechanism keeps pace, we ride strong and aren't dogged by soreness and pain. When we exceed its limitations, we suffer along with our cells.
WHAT IT DOES
Asea's ingredients are listed as sodium and chloride, which suggests that a battle of Asea is basically salt and water. Combined, sodium-chloride is simple salt, but when the two molecules are isolated, they are highly reactive (read "poisonous"). Inside the body, however, the mitochondrion in each cell produce special sodium and chloride molecules, which function as messengers that signal the various healing, defense and regenerative mechanisms, and they also facilitate communication between cells.
The process is called "redox signaling," which refers to matched pairs of reactive molecules (molecules with an unbalanced electronic charge). One molecule is a reductant; the other is an oxidant - hence the term redox. What these guys do for athletes is sound the alarm when our efforts throw our muscle cells into oxidative stress, and then they direct blood flow and regenerative microbes directly to where they are most needed. When the redox messengers are out of balance or exist in larger numbers than necessary, they are converted into Ph-balanced saltwater by antioxidant microbes. The beauty of redox signaling is that, instead of using an invasive drug to force the body to respond in a certain way, we introduce safe levels of nanoparticles to the cells that signal the body to safely heal itself.
The scientists who invented Asea figured out how to break down sodium and chloride molecules into the same structures that our cells produce. By nature, reactive molecules attach themselves to anything with an attractive electronic charge. The trick, which is not explained, is that Asea's inventors figured out how to suspend the sodium and chloride bits so they can make it into the body without being neutralized by the digestive system on their way to cells elsewhere in the body.
When asked to run independent tests and evaluate Asea, Dr. Gary Samuelson took one whiff of the stuff, and smelling chlorine, said "no way." Samuelson has a Ph.D. in atomic/medical physics and works in the health./science industry. Scientists are tragically curious, though, so Dr. Samuelson researched redox signaling and sodium-chloride at the country's top universities, and in a telephone conversation he told us that, indeed, redox signaling has become the highest priority in preventative medicine research - and that the ingredients that make salt are in the center of it all.
HOW TO USE ASEA
Asea is sold in 32-ounce bottles. After working with athletes in the laboratory, Dr. Samuelson recommends you drink 4 to 8 ounces about 20 minutes before exercising on an empty stomach. Cyclists who were part of the initial experiments say 4 ounces was good for one to two hour events, and 6 to 8 ounces would last for four to five hours. To assist with post-ride recovery, 4 ounces was recommended closely following the event.
There is no need for a daily dose to keep the redox level high; instead, you can use it on a race day or when you know you are going out hard. Asea says that you can't overdose, because the body converts the excess redox molecules into saltwater. Because of this, however, Asea's information recommends that anyone who is required, for medical reasons, to be on a low sodium diet should not use the product.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT?
Initially, people drink 6 ounces and wait for some chemical "kick," like how a super-caffeinated Coke hits you when you are on the ropes. Instead, Asea quietly powers up the muscles, dramatically reducing recovery times after over-the-top efforts, and it enables you to push precariously close to the anaerobic threshold for prolonged periods of time. Typically, a cyclist can recover from three, perhaps four all-out efforts over the course of an event. Any more than that, and the athlete's overall performance will be cut short and every subsequent effort will be painful. Typically, Asea users can go hard over and over again and count on a full recovery within a few minutes. In addition, it is possible to push harder on the pedals for extended periods without going anaerobic. Most climbs can be ridden at least one gear higher, with some users busting out climbs in the next larger chainring.
DOES ASEA MAKE YOU STRONGER?
Asea doesn't seem to improve your peak strength. If you can't get over a particular hill in your big chainring today, six gulps of Asea won't power you over the mountain tomorrow. You still have to train to get stronger. Asea will help you maintain your existing strength over a long period of time. For instance: If you could push the middle chainring up a 16-percent grade during the first 30 minutes of a ride, two hours later - when most riders would be clicking into the granny gear before a big climb - you could probably repeat that performance.
WILL IT CHANGE THE WAY I FEEL?
Most people simply feel fresher and more energetic when using the stuff. Residual muscle pain and soreness is considerably reduced during a hard ride, so it encourages riders to push even harder. Because of this, you'll find yourself breathing much harder. We aren't scientists, but pushing bigger gears requires more oxygen, so we were probably huffing to keep the cells fueled - we were definitely pushing bigger gears.
ANY SIDE EFFECTS?
Asea's redox action creates a higher level of salt in your body, so your sweat is noticeably saltier. Like the first hard workout after a French fry binge, your sweat may be salty enough to sting your eyes and you'll definitely want to shower right after an epic-length ride. Another by-product of elevated salt levels in the body is that you don't feel as thirsty. We found that it was easy to dehydrate if we didn't drink on a schedule during a ride.
IS ASEA LEGAL FOR CONSUMPTION?
Yes. The UCI reviewed Asea in February 2010 and ruled that it was not on their list of banned substances. Asea, like most vitamins and supplements, is not a federally regulated drug, so Asea cannot legally make any performance or health-related claims.
SHOULD I USE IT?
You'll have to make that decision on your own. Hi-Torque has a long-standing policy of not recommending any supplement or drug for cycling, partly for liability reasons, and also because we lack the resources to do double-blind scientific evaluations of every compound that claims to enhance performance. We can say, however, that our three-month trial use of Asea substantiated Dr. Samuelson's laboratory results.
IS ASEA EXPENSIVE?
Asea costs about $27 for a 32-ounce bottle, which is not all that expensive in the supplement marketplace. That works out to $3.38 per 4-ounce serving. those using Asea in its intended role as an immune booster drink 4 ounces daily. Athletes using Asea as a performance enhancer can use it on demand, so one bottle can go a long way.
WHERE CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION?
Asea offers a DVD that is not very informative, but they also furnish Dr. Samuelson's "Science of Healing Revealed," which is an illustrated, 64-page booklet that explains in very understandable terms how the redox signaling process operates in and around the body's cells. We'd recommend reading that, because it is not an infomercial for Asea and it includes a number or redox-signaling reference sources in the back pages. People are also encouraged to visit EnduranceandRecovery.com
Frequently Asked Questions (and answers)
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ASEA™ is an immune boosting molecular complex consisting of reactive molecules, all native to the human body and naturally balanced. These molecules include a perfect balance of antioxidant enhancers that are balanced to support the immune system, detoxify the body and protect and fortify healthy tissue.
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What are reactive molecules?
Reactive molecules are either active electron acceptors (prone to take on electrons) or electron donors (prone to give up electrons). When these two classes of molecules are chemically balanced in our body, our immune systems can function at its optimal level.
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How do these reactive molecules work?
There are two major roles for these reactive molecules in the body. First, they pair up with the natural antioxidants already in our body to help detoxify and fortify healthy tissue. Secondly, they supply the raw materials that the immune system needs in order to perform its natural function to detect and destroy harmful invaders and damaged cells.
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How much ASEA™ should I take?
ASEA™ has been proven to be entirely non-toxic at any reasonable dose. It can be taken orally, applied topically or inhaled without causing irritation. The recommended maintenance amount is 4 oz. per day for adults. ASEA™ is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women. Consult with a physician if you are sensitive to salt intake.
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Can I apply ASEA™ to my skin, scrapes, cuts, or burns?
ASEA™ is a natural disinfectant and antimicrobial and yet is soothing to the touch. ASEA™ can be used in a spray bottle for use on scrapes, burns and abrasions and can be liberally sprayed on the skin and will not cause irritation. ASEA™ contains a very small amount of chlorine. If you are allergic to chlorine, it is not recommended for use on the face. As always, consult a physician if there are any concerns.
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Testing has shown ASEA™ to be entirely safe and non-toxic no matter how it is consumed or applied. It has shown literally zero endotoxicity, cytotoxicity, and genotoxicity (mutagenic properties) in all 16 years of studies that were performed. Consult with a physician if you are sensitive to salt intake.
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Is ASEA™ safe for pregnant for breastfeeding women?
It is not generally recommended that ASEA™ or any nutraceutical supplement be consumed by pregnant or breastfeeding women. No research has been done (or will be done) to show safety for the developing fetus or infant.
Due to the native character of the reactive molecules in ASEA™, no toxic reaction is expected if accidentally ingested by breastfeeding mothers. Consult a physician if there are any concerns or questions.
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Can I drink ASEA™ if I am taking medications?
ASEA™ has not shown any negative interactions with any known medications so far. ASEA™ is a native supplement. The body already naturally contains large amounts of the reactive molecules found in ASEA™. Adding more of these reactive molecules is not expected to interfere with the action of any medication. Consult with a physician if there are any concerns or questions. Consult with your physician if you have a condition where you have been told that increased salt intake might affect your blood pressure.
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Have any clinical trials been conducted on ASEA™?
ASEA™ is a nutritional supplement. Besides extensive safety and antimicrobial testing, no other studies have or must be performed. ASEA™ does not claim to mitigate, prevent or cure any disease. ASEA™ simply contains the raw materials that our body and the immune system need to help protect us and defend us. There is extensive evidence, based on studies done on the individual reactive molecules contained in ASEA™, that these reactive molecules are indeed produced and used in large amounts by the body and the immune system. The role that these reactive molecules play in the body is becoming increasingly well understood and is actively being studied all over the world.
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Is there any research on the benefits of ASEA™?
The reactive molecules contained in ASEA™ are being studied world-wide by an ever-growing group of scientists. These reactive molecules have been shown to play a fundamental role in basic body functions, specifically those native to the immune system. Specific expected benefits include: arming the native antioxidants in the body in their fight against stray toxins and oxidants, increasing the nascent oxygen production in the cells, reducing oxidative stress, better efficiency of the immune system mechanisms and then there is the direct disinfectant action for topical applications. Some search words would be “antioxidants” and “oxidative stress”.
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Is it beneficial to drink ASEA™ along with antioxidants?
ASEA™ will significantly enhance the action of the antioxidants already in your body. The reactive molecules in ASEA™ have been shown to more than double the efficiency of vitamin C in the laboratory. It is recommended that ASEA™ be taken along with the other vitamin supplements that your body needs.
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Can I take more than the recommended amount of ASEA™?
Occasionally taking more than the recommended amount of ASEA™ (two or three times over the recommended amount) will not cause concern. Return to the regular maintenance amount when the condition no longer requires it. Please check with your physician if there is any intolerance to salt (Sodium or Chorine).
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Why does ASEA™ contain a slight aroma and taste of chlorine?
The process that produces ASEA™ produces several compounds that contain Chlorine that are native to the body. This accounts for the slight Chlorine smell and taste. ASEA™ has no added chlorine, it is made from pure water and salt. The slight smell and taste of chlorine comes from a natural form of chlorine created by processing during the creation of the reactive molecules.
This form of chlorine is similar to the forms of chlorine created natively in the body during metabolism and immune system function. Unlike the chlorine added to municipal water supplies, this form of chlorine is not irritating, even to the eyes. It helps the body protect healthy cells, is naturally eliminated by enzymes inside your body, and is beneficial. You have several liters of this form of chlorine naturally inside your body, it forms an essential part of your immune system and healing response.
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What is the difference between ASEA™ and alkaline water?
ASEA™ is not alkaline water. ASEA™ is specifically formulated to be a stable form of the native reactive molecules produced by the mitochondria inside every cell in your body. It requires an ultrapure water and sodium chloride solution that undergoes a complex multi-step electrochemical process that requires three or more days in the making. It is much more than a simple electrolysis process; complex chemistry and physics is involved in the production process with tightly controlled production parameters (temperature, concentration, flow, etc.). This specific stable mixture is designed to safely and effectively support the immune system and healing functions.
In contrast, most alkaline waters on the market are produced by hooking up ordinary tap water to an electrolysis chamber that filters the water and separates it into its alkaline and acidic components. The Alkaline water comes out one side and is generally unstable over time. The acidic water comes out the other side and is generally dangerous to ingest, but can be used as a cleaning solution. Although there may be some characteristics in common with the action of alkaline water and ASEA in the body (as ASEA contains most of the components that could be found in alkaline water), they are two distinct and separate products designed for distinct and separate purposes.
For more information, please visit EnduranceandRecovery.com
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