Nutritional Supplements For The Brain

March 5th, 2008 roy Posted in Supplements and Nutrition No Comments »

Individuals with neurological disorders are being offered new hope thanks to cutting edge nutritional science & nutritional supplements for the brain. Because of increasing media publicity revealing widespread negative reactions to synthetic pharmaceutical drugs which are commonly prescribed to treat symptoms of brain disorders, there is a universal groundswell in the use of natural alternative treatments involving supplementation.

A significant proportion of the population is starting to take control of their own health as they come to realize that pharmaceutical drugs do not treat the root causes & any underlying deficiencies that are contributing to neurological illnesses.

In addition to positive outcomes for individual persons with established neurological disorders, proactive consumers in good health are also using brain supplements as a powerful form of long-term preventative health-care. This wellness strategy ensures their brains receive an ongoing range of specific ‘brain nutrients’ which keep this vital organ in tip top shape to avoid disease & reduce free radical damage & degeneration.

This in turn allows them to enjoy the lifestyle they want through benefits including an improved sense of well-being, sharper & clearer thinking, improved memory, less headaches & better sleep. Brain supplements can also be used by those without classic neurological disorder symptoms, but who have a neurological weakness (either hereditary or acquired) which they would like to strengthen.

The Nutrient Keys to Brain Health

The brain is a complex, well-organized matrix of intricate nerve endings. Every second, billions of electrical nerve impulses travel back & forth to this organ, with chemicals acting as neurotransmitters, transporting impulses from one cell to another. Because studies have shown that many nervous system disorders are a direct result of nutrient deficiencies, if the brain has an inadequate amount of the nutrients it needs to manufacture neurotransmitters, it begins to malfunction, leading to many chronic conditions.

The most powerful nutrients for your brain as established through clinical research are listed below. Look for these key ingredients when searching for the most effective nutritional supplements for the brain.

You will not find every single one in a single supplement formula as manufacturers could not afford to do this in effective dose amounts while maintaining an affordable selling price. And so… Since each nutrient has differing properties some are more effective at certain disorders of the brain than others even though there is an overlap for many. So some ingredients will be needed in brain supplements aimed at memory but are not actually needed in one aimed at insomnia. The key ingredients in a supplement formula for anxiety & depression will differ slightly from those in a general brain formula, particularly in the dose amounts.

Acetyl-L-Carnitine for example is used for Alzheimer’s disease, age-related memory deficits, senile depression, Down syndrome, alcoholism-related cognitive deficits & cerebro-vascular insufficiency after stroke. And so… So you should find it in supplement formulas for general brain health, or depression/anxiety formulas & memory formulas but not in supplements for sleep disorders.

In terms of the exact ingredient list in brain supplements we need to rely on the experience & qualifications of the bio-chemists who formulate them. The best supplement companies proudly display Full details of their formulators on their websites. There is more. The accomplishments of the bio-scientist who formulates the multi nutrient nutritional supplement I’ve used for the past 7 years is quite remarkable. He has even created brain formulas for NASA’s Space Program. (The name of the supplement is Total Balance).

Please take time to study not just ingredient dose amounts but especially potency levels, particular of herbal extracts & the other key actives below. Higher potency levels offer far more effective health benefits & value for money… Reputable supplement companies always clearly display potencies for ALL INGREDIENTS.

? Huperzine A
? Vinpocetine
? Phosphatidyl Choline
? Phosphatidyl Serine
? Acetyl-L-Carnitine
? 5 ? HTP (5 ? hydroxytryptophan)
? Gingko Biloba
? SAMe
? Schizandra
? Valerian Root
? Passion Flowers
? DMAE
? Gotu Kola
? Bacopa
? Lithium
? Vitamin C
? Vitamin E
? Vitamin B complex
? Folic Acid

The Most Common Neurological Disorders

Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia. It’s a progressive degenerative disorder characterized by a widespread loss of brain cells, beta-amyloid deposits in the cerebral blood vessels, development of plaque & the presence of neurofibrillary tangles. The exact cause of Alzheimer’s is unknown, how ever, research has found some clues pointing to nutritional deficiencies.

The Gingko Biloba herb is a key nutrient in nutritional supplements for the brain aimed at memory. There is a great deal of clinical evidence supporting the link between long term doses of Gingko & the potential to boost memory & brain function. Gingko has been double-blind tested many times for its ability to increase the oxygen content to the brain & other bodily tissues. So… Search for dose amounts of at least 100 mg. In terms of potency levels the extract must be standardized to 24% ginkgoflavonglycosides, containing 6% terpene lactones. Extract ratio of 50:1

?Other key memory ingredients that must be there are: Acetyl-L-Carnitine; Huperzine A; 5 ? HTP; DMAE; Phosphatidyl Choline; Phosphatidyl Serine; SAMe; Vinpocetine; Bacopa; Gotu Kola; Passion Flower; Schizandra

Depression, Stress, Anxiety

Millions of people worldwide suffer from depression, stress or anxiety. Root causes include heredity, 20th century lifestyles, environment & diet. Conventional treatments use prescription anti-depressants. However, these medications only suppress the symptoms & do not treat the root of the problem. Several natural substances have proven to be highly effective when combined correctly in nutritional supplements for the brain. They can repair neurotransmitter faults, improve mood & rebalance nutrient intake.

?The key ingredients are: 5 ? HTP; Acetyl-L-Carnitine; DMAE; Huperzine A; Phosphatidyl Choline; Phosphatidyl Serine; SAMe; Vinpocetine; Chamomile; Hops; Gotu Kola; Passion Flower; Valerian

Insomnia

Insomnia comes in two forms, sleep onset insomnia (the inability to fall asleep) & sleep maintenance insomnia (the inability to stay asleep) Invariably, people suffering from either type will end up with chronic sleep deficiencies. Insomnia can be caused by many factors such as mood disorders, illness, heartburn, menopause, diabetes & arthritis & periodic limb movement disorders. Nutritional supplements for the brain that target insomnia should contain the following key compounds as the main active ingredients:

?5-HTP; Phosphatidyl Choline; DMAE; Huperzine A; SAMe; Vinpocetine; Bacopa; Hops; Valerian; Chamomile; Passion Flower

Brain wellness is a vital component to a healthy & happy :) life. It effects every other system in the body. The brain is the most intricate & misunderstood organ in the body, which is the main reason why many prescription drugs used to treat problems are ineffective. Nutritional supplements for the brain provide a natural alternative for good neurological health.

Brett Seagrott is a health researcher who previously worked for a manufacturer in the nutritional supplement industry & is the author of http://www.nutritional-supplement-truths.com In his site Brett reveals a number of industry secrets that supplement manufacturers do not want consumers to know. He has evaluated leading, well known nutritional supplements & presents in-depth head to head comparisons & reviews of these supplements so that you can see which one emerges as the best in the market.

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Vitamin Supplementation - 5 Must Know Facts

March 3rd, 2008 roy Posted in Supplements and Nutrition No Comments »

For some, vitamin supplementation is a way of life; others feel that if they “eat healthy’ there is no need to do anything further. There are, how ever, many important facts that virtually everyone should be fully aware of when making the decision of whether to supplement their diet or not. Did you know?

1. Most vitamin pills/capsules pass through the digestive tract only partially digested.
2. Food alone doesn’t provide all of the daily nutrition our bodies need.
3. Vitamin deficiencies are associated with many chronic diseases.
4. Vitamin supplementation plays a role in the prevention of many diseases?heart disease, prostate cancer, osteoporosis.
5. People over 50 are most at risk to suffer from vitamin deficiencies that result in chronic disease.

It’s fact! The Journal of the American Medical Association, the Journal of the American College of Nutrition, Nutrition Research, Medical Science Monitor, American Journal of Epidemiology, & The Council for Responsible Nutrition Recommended Intakes of Vitamins & Essential Minerals, just to mention a few, have reported & published research supporting these findings.

Getting the Vitamins You Need

The USDA regularly monitors & evaluates the American diet. Its statistics have shown that the average adult’s diet doesn’t provide all the essential vitamins & minerals needed to maintain health. To assure that optimum levels of nutrients are achieved, supplementation is recommended to fill these nutritional gaps. Particularly when one reflects on how fast food, skipped meals, & the lack of exercise impact our lives.

We have only one body & we have to take responsibility for its maintenance. Just as we regularly maintain our automobiles by changing the oil every 3000 miles or putting gas in its tank, we must provide the vitamins & minerals our bodies need to maintain health & ‘run’ smoothly. When our bodies are functioning optimally, we’re energized, our skin, hair, & nails mirror our health, we suffer less from colds, flus, & other maladies. Good nutrition supports & enhances the immune system, just like vaccines ward off disease by stimulating an antibody response that helps to lessen or stop illness.

Bioavailability

Research studies have been conducted to study whether there’re any significant differences between liquid & pill forms of vitamin supplementation (Journal of Medicinal Food, Vol 2, No.3, 1998, p 207). The findings of these studies concluded that liquid supplements had definite benefits over tablet or capsule forms. As a liquid, nutrients are more bioavailable; in other words, they’re more easily digested & absorbed in the intestinal tract. Pills must first dissolve before they become available to your body. It is like swallowing an apple whole versus biting & chewing bites of the apple before swallowing. Chewing breaks down the apple into smaller pieces so it can be more easily digested or processed by your body.

Supplements taken as a liquid have the added benefit of being gentler on the stomach. Have you ever noticed that after taking a multi-vitamin your stomach felt upset? Some individual persons have difficulty swallowing pills. For older adults & children, this can affect whether a daily supplement is taken. A liquid supplement eliminates these negatives. But more importantly, taking a liquid supplement ensures that the nutrients needed to maintain normal health, growth, & repair are actually being utilized, & are not just a number on a label.

Can Vitamins Prevent Disease?

Over 40 years of clinical research point to dietary supplementation as having a role in long term good health. While no one will claim that taking vitamins guarantees good health, indications are that people who eat healthy, who supplement their food intake to ensure adequate intake of both vitamins & minerals, & who follow a healthy life style enjoy a longer active life?they live younger & die older.

Numerous blind studies have compared people over the age of 50 who were given placebos with those who were given supplementation. These individual persons were evaluated for the incidence of heart disease & stroke, Alzheimer’s & cognitive disorders, periodontal disease, & wound healing. Do you follow? The studies consistently showed a significant decrease in the occurrence of illness in people who were supplementing their diet (some conditions with more than a fifty percent decrease in occurrence). The studies also evaluated the blood of individual persons with disease occurrence versus those who were disease free. In ALL cases, those with disease had a deficiency of at least one nutrient, while those who were disease free had no deficiencies (see Nutrition Research, January 2002).

In conclusion, while no one is ready to claim that vitamin supplementation will guarantee a long & healthy life; indications are that there is a favorable correlation.

Selecting the Right Nutritional Supplement

There are many options from which one can choose. You know this just from taking a walk down the vitamin aisle in your local grocery or drug store. But how do you know which one is right for you? You can take the time to compare labels, but the easiest or most obvious solution is just to select a multi-vitamin product. Vitamins are all the same. Right? Most manufacturers claim that their particular supplement gives 100% of an adult’s daily requirements. But wait a minute, given what you have learned earlier in this article, you know that pills are not easily absorbed in the digestive tract. OK. So if you select a pill form of supplementation, just how much of the 100% of your daily requirements are you really getting? Actual absorption will vary from individual to individual, but liquid supplements are proven to be more bioavailable, so it’s logical that this is where one should start. Look for a complete (liquid form) supplement that gives 100% or more of your daily requirements of vitamins, minerals, & antioxidants. There is more. These are the ingredients you really need to keep those 63 trillion cells in your body healthy & strong.

As with any health product, it’s advisable to consult your physician.

Joyce Nuzzo, a medical laboratory healthcare professional, has over 35 years experience in t he medical publishing arena as both publisher & author. She has a special interest in nutrition, maintaining a healthy life style, & living young longer. For lots more information about liquid health supplements, contact http://www.jnenterprises.info

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Good Food Good Health - Ginseng

March 1st, 2008 roy Posted in Supplements and Nutrition No Comments »

Hello everybody

As you know good food is good health & Ginseng is a supplement that I’ve taken daily for many years now, for me it really does help with tiredness & I believe helps to suppress my stress levels.

My friends are always saying that I generally appear calm & never stressed, well all I can say is that it’s a good job they’re not with me 24 hours a day as it might paint a different picture.

But it’s true, I’ve felt calmer since taking it & even though some people think that the effect is physiological, I disagree, & I’m really pleased that new studies carried out have shown benefits from taking regular ginseng supplements.

There are generally three types of ginseng, the ‘true’ ginseng- Panax found in Asia, Panax quinquefolius- America & Eleutherococcus senticosus in Siberia, used as supplements.

Ginseng has also been used for centuries as a Traditional Chinese Medicine, where it’s administered as a tonic for its beneficial effects on the body’s central nervous system, anti-fatigue properties, & protection from stress ulcers & increase of gastrointestinal mobility including metabolic acceleration. Also it’s highly considered as an enhancement of sexual functions.

Ginseng is an adaptogenic herb from the Aralacae plant family. Adaptogens are known & defined as being a therapeutic & restorative tonic, which are considered to produce a good feeling - balancing effect on the body.

For any substance to be defined as an adaptogen, it’s required to be innocuous & cause minimal changes or disorders in the physiological functions of an organism. Therefore, an adaptogen is a substance that is thought to help the body deal with the pressure of stress levels, as the substance has to possess a normalising action that is irrespective of the direction of the pathological changes.

Ginseng contains ginsenosides, these are thought to combat fatigue & stress by aiding & supporting the adrenal glands & improve the use of oxygen by exercising muscles.

you can obtained it in either root or powder form. The root is often chewed by Eastern people for its aphrodisiac properties, & is also well known the world over for this. Ginseng is generally safe & without side effects. But as with all supplements, it’s recommended that individual persons with a pre-existing medical condition, or taking any other forms of medication should seek advice from their health care professionals on guidance & advice.

In rare instances consuming caffeine with ginseng can increase the risk of over stimulation & gastrointestinal upset or insomnia. Also it’s not recommended during pregnancy or for breastfeeding women.

As always the correct guidance should always be taken from the product labelling, as different products use different standards of extract, but generally a daily intake of 100 - 300mg capsules taken over a 3 - 6 week period is required to produce the adaptogenic & energetic benefits.

Daily requirements of 1-2gm a day of root American or Asian ginseng, & 2-3gm of Siberian is recommended for production of the adaptogenic & energy benefits, but again always check the products labelling for correct dosage.

Red & white ginseng are the other two primary classes of ginseng, the white root being dried naturally where as the red ginsengs colour comes from a drying process that is said to increase the potency.

White ginseng is for promotion of general well being & good health & the red variety is often used for aiding disease recovery.

Recent studies have been carried out on ginseng & cancer patients, as the illness causes a great deal of stress, anxiety & fatigue, any reduction of this would be greatly beneficial.

The study was carried out on patients who were expected to live for at least six months. There is more. They were divided into four groups, each group was to receive different dosages daily of either - a placebo, 750mg, 1,000mg or 2,000mg of ginseng in capsule form. All patients were given the same crop of Wisconsin ginseng to ensure a level potency.

The study took place over an eight - week period. Patients who received the 750mg dose compared to the group who were given the placebo reported a slight or little improvement in general well-being & fatigue.

25 per cent of the group given the 1,000mg reported moderately better or much better fatigue symptoms & also vitality & well being was moderately improved.

The group with the 2,000mg had over 27 per cent reporting moderately better or much better fatigue symptoms & moderate improvements in vitality & well-being.

Doctors said that any improvement in well- being & vitality, goes a long way on helping a patient whatever the illness, & being an adaptogenic is useful for most patients.

Another study has been carried out again using cancer patients at the Vanderbilt University Medical Centre, which focuses heavily on an’interdisciplinary approach’ to cancer treatment, care & prevention.

30 per cent of the patients were already regular users of ginseng before their breast cancer was diagnosed. The study team found that these subjects when compared to patients that had never taken it, had a significantly reduced risk of death.

Pleasingly, it was found that ginseng use after diagnosis attributed to a higher quality of life score, in association with areas of psychological, social well- being & fatigue. It was noted that as the amount of ginseng administered was increased, the quality of life improved.

Nowadays, we in the Western world are looking to the herbalists of the Eastern world for all types of natural remedies, that they have tried & tested for thousands of years. In every town you’ll now find Traditional Chinese Herbalists popping up as we also reap the benefits of their knowledge.

Just be sure to check with your practitioner as a precaution before taking ginseng or any other supplements for guidance & advice.

Remember good food is good health
Ted & Sandra

This article was composed by Sandra & Ted Wosko. We have always been interested in health issues especially having children, & as with most people, we all suffer with some type of ailment. We are always researching on more & more topics in the endless task of gaining more knowledge to increase our expertise, benefiting ourselves & other people alike.
http://www.goodfoodgoodhealth.com
http://www.thetalkingbooksite.com

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Good News For Joint Pain & Arthritis Sufferers - Goodbye Pain in the Neck!

February 28th, 2008 roy Posted in Supplements and Nutrition No Comments »

As a person who has spent a high percentage of his waking hours adorned in sporting colours & locked in fierce combat with an opposition or digging deep to find that last bit of energy & strength on the field or on the track, I’m fully aware of the physical repercussions as I grow older, & hopefully wiser. How do I now ensure this body keeps functioning like the well oiled machine that it has always seemed to be? The answer may well be as simple as two health supplements, which, when taken in combination are producing promising results.

Our body, like a machine, has a limited lifespan & requires much care & maintenance in order to maximise its potential & ensure it lasts as long as possible. All wise mechanics & engineers will tell you that the key to a machine’s output is best found in preventative measures rather than painstakingly lengthy remedies & cures. For too long I’ve watched the ageing, as well as fellow sportsmen & women, suffer at the hands of joint pain after years of high physical activity. On most occasions it’s not our muscular or skeletal systems that give way to fatigue, but rather it’s that which hinges those systems that throws up its hands - our joints!

It had always been in the back of my mind that one day joint pain & arthritis could plague me due to excessive & constant training & competition. Yet it seemed to rocket rapidly to the forefront of my thoughts as seemingly simultaneously my father & father-in-law, both elite sportsmen in their day, started suffering from intense pain caused by degeneration with joints such as knees, neck, elbows & shoulders. There is more. Their physicians presented them with two options: invasive means involving joint replacements & the like or proven supplements that improved joint function & relieved pain. The final results of choosing the latter were & have been remarkable. The key? The highly researched dietary supplements glucosamine & chondroitin.

If you have ever suffered from arthritis or joint degeneration, you’ll know that it can be a debilitating experience. And so… So far so good. Without going into the intricate medical terminology & indepth physiological explanations that often confuse sufferers, it’s often the combination of a diminishing level of fluids & a breakdown of cartilage that normally creates the easy sliding movement within joints which causes decreased movement & corrosion. Without this slipperiness, grating & scraping occurs & movement is restricted as pain is increased.

It isn’t just the aged & elderly that suffer from pain due to arthritis, oesteoarthritis & other forms of joint disfunction. Observing a former elite sportsperson who has played sport at the highest level & represented his nation in Rugby League just a few short years ago, I was amazed at a recent sight. I watched him struggle to put his socks on, thanks to joint pain in his knees & back. Such a simple task for one still so fit but it was causing major discomfort. Yet, this discomfort can be radically lessened with the use of a supplement containing glucosamine & chondroitin. It would now place you in grave danger if you attempted to steal them from him! In many ways they are, & have been his saviour!

Thousands of Oesteoarthritis sufferers throughout the world have been rejoicing at the recent news that studies have confirmed. Glucosamine & chondroitin provide long awaited & anticipated pain relief. The Council for Responsible Nutrition says the clinical trial sponsored by the National Institute of Health in the USA, showed that the combined use of the two dietary supplements provide significant pain relief for arthritis sufferers. Many believe that the early use of both will significantly slow the onset of arthritis & joint pain.

Glucosamine & chondroitin are substances found naturally in the body. Glucosamine is also believed to play a role in cartilage formation & repair. Chondroitin is a part of a large protein molecule that gives cartilage elasticity. The combination of both in a single supplement greatly enhances the effectiveness of relieving pain & increasing joint movement. Many users state that it can take up to two months of use until they fully feel the effects of their use. But it’s well worth the wait, they say!

It would be my strong advice that sufferers of arthritis do not totally rely upon supplements to answer all of their particular questions. There is more. There’re many physical activities that can also assist in increasing movement & reducing pain in joints. So… Stretching & warming up the joints should be a common practice as this assists in making joints more flexible. Any exercise generally will help mobility of joints. However, add to this physical activity the combination of glucosamine & chondroitin, & your chances of better movement with less pain are significantly increased.

When warming up & stretching muscles & joints, it’s important that you do not overstretch & push yourself too early in the exercise session. Commence with long slow movements as opposed to vigorous sharp activities. Hold the stretch if possible for at least 10-15 seconds. Include in your exercise session a wide range of movements depending on your age & mobility as well as some isometrics & some appropriate weight bearing activities.

There are few things worse than constant, debilitating pain. The simplest of everyday activities like cleaning your teeth, lacing your shoes, lifting up your kids & grandkids & even turning on taps, become an ordeal. Arthritis & joint pain sufferers are finding hope in a combination of two health supplements called glucosamine & chondroitin. As a long time health educator & adviser it thrills me to receive emails from join pain sufferers who have found glorious relief in these simple supplements.

Colin Johnson highly recommends Joint Plus which contains glucosamine chondroitin as a researched & proven oesteoarthritis treatment for both pain relief & regeneration . It can sometimes be purchased cheaply & conveniently on line at http://www.protein4health.com Colin has been a health educator, drug educator, elite sports coach & father of five all in one lifetime! He lives with his wife & family on the shores of beautiful Lake Macquarie, Newcastle.

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Herbal Colon Cleansing ? An Alternative To Colonic Irrigation

February 26th, 2008 roy Posted in Supplements and Nutrition No Comments »

If you have not heard of colonic irrigation or colon hydrotherapy by now then the chances are you have been hibernating for the last couple of years. Cleansing your colon has become the “in” thing to do, male or female, young or old. Previously the domain for celebrities such as Princess Diana; walk into any clinic, international hospital or spa & you’re likely to be met by advertisements espousing the benefits of detoxing your body through colon cleansing.

However, some people do not like the idea :idea: of lying on a table with a pipe up their backside, however effective & fashionable it may be! Whilst I’m not questioning the benefits of colonic irrigation, coffee enemas & the like are not for everyone!

So what are the alternatives?

A few years ago, whilst flicking through a women’s health magazine, an illustration of a typical colon (for some one who eats a standard western diet) was enough to pack me off to the pharmacy to check out their range of colon cleansing products. Here I found shelves heaving with a myriad of natural herbal supplements & teas which profess to do the job.

Using a Herbal Colon Cleansing supplement is both simple to implement & maintain, not to mention far more convenient than regular trips to a clinic for colonic irrigation (although Do It Yourself kits are now available.) There is also a wide range of herbs to select from which these days are easily available both from high street stockists & online. Because there’re generally no harmful side effects they’re also very safe, providing of course, you follow the instructions on the label. However just as a precaution, if you’re taking prescription or over the counter drugs it pays to check with your doctor for possible complications, as certain medications may not mix well with some supplements.

Why should I cleanse my colon?

Anyone with a stressful lifestyle or years of eating a typical western diet of low fibre, high fat, sugar products, white flour, microwaved & deep fried foods is likely to have a considerable build up of toxic waste material in the colon. Such diets reduce our colon’s efficiency, & consequently our waste products harden & become clogged in our digestive system.

Our colons take what we eat & separate the usable products from our digested food & put them back into our bloodstream. Any waste material should then be eliminated rapidly but the problem arises when toxins & bacteria build up through a sluggish or blocked colon, causing them to leak back into our body, poisoning our system. Put simply, the greater the toxins in our body, the more likelihood of developing disease. Constipation, IBS, bad :cry: skin, fatigue, joint pain & unwanted weight gain could all be possible symptoms of a clogged colon.

As cleansing your colon is today’s hype many of us have heard horror stories of how much & how heavy this waste product build up can be. What is often considered a “pot belly” or “spare tyre” could actually be a distended colon from the accumulation of years of toxic waste. This is why some people, after successfully cleansing their colon, not just feel a lot healthier but often lose a considerable amount of weight!

Colon Cleansing Herbs

There are numerous colon cleansing herbs available on the market & whilst all the commercial herbal supplements basically claim do the same job it pays to do a bit of research to find out which ones are right for you… It is important to educate yourself & possibly consult with a medical practitioner, as it useful to bear in mind that what works for one person may not work as successfully for you… Depending on your budget & own particular diet & lifestyle, some herbal formulas will be more suitable than others. By example, if your diet is low in fibre then you may benefit from taking a Pysllium supplement to provide you with the fibre you need.

  • Pysllium is a widely used natural cleansing agent & very effective due to its high fibre content. It acts as a lubricant for the colon, allowing waste to pass through without obstruction. Very tough on uncooperative bowels, Pysllium adds bulk to waste matter & helps maintain regular bowel movements. It can also relieve hunger pangs & ease chronic symptoms like diarrhea & colitis. Husk of psyllium can be drunk in teas, water or milk, it’s also a common constituent in herbal supplements.
  • Linseed or Flax Seeds cleanse the colon & promote overall good health by cleansing the liver. It aids digestion & becomes a soft jellylike substance which assists in moving material through the bowel.
  • Slippery Elm helps to normalize stools in the colon & softens any backlog of dried waste. It helps with both constipation & diarrhea & sooths stomach inflammation.
  • Dandelion is another excellent natural herb which cleanses both the colon & the liver.
  • Liquorice Root is also a popular ingredient in pill & mixture supplements, a natural detoxifier which acts as a laxative.

Whatever colon cleansing herbs you choose, be patient. It may take days, weeks or even months before you reap all the benefits of ridding your body of its unwanted waste. And so… So far so good. Whilst one person’s body may respond quickly, for another it may take longer. All herbal formulas should be used in moderation in order to prevent dehydration from too many bowel movements & it s important not to exceed the dose on the label.

Natural herbal supplements will provide you with a simple, natural alternative to colonic irrigation. It requires some research & experimentation to see what works best for you, but they can all be conveniently integrated into your diet. By embarking on a colon cleansing regime you should feel a marked improvement in your general health & wellbeing, as you start to eliminate the poisonous toxic waste from your body.

Disclaimer: This article is offered as information only. It’s not meant to diagnose, treat or cure any kind of a health problem. It’s important to consult a professional health care provider, if you’re in any doubt.

Gill Hart is a freelance article writer & journalist in her spare time.

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Consume Spices to Boost Health

February 24th, 2008 roy Posted in Supplements and Nutrition No Comments »

The significance of spices is known from times immemorial. During European renaissance, many of the voyages were undertaken in the Far East & many lands unknown at that time under the patronage of the ruling royalty to look out for cheaper spice marketsbesidesother commodities. Considering its use in medicine, perfumery, as supplements to add tang & aroma to food, spices were considered as valuable as gold. Spices & condiments are food additives that go hands in hand in adding flavor & aroma to food. They differ in that spices are added at the time of cooking & condiments are used to garnish food post-cooking. Some of the popular condiments include fresh coriander leaves, green chilly, mint, lemongrass, parsley, ginger etc. Botanicals like black pepper, cardamom, paprika, oregano can be utilized both as spice & a condiment.

Observations backed with research work have thrown considerable light on the nutritional value of spices. India being a sub tropical country favors the growth of a great variety of spices. It alone produces spices in tune of 3 million tones approximately & earns noteworthy income of $5 billion annually from their export. Spices are not just capable of stimulating taste buds but also enthrall spirits by their natural flavor & fragrance. These refreshers are store house of vitamins, essential micro elements & antioxidants. There is more. Their medicinal use includes

? Cardamom is the queen of spices & is use to treat diseases of gums & teeth. It helps clear chest congestion, digestive disorders & inflammation of eyelids. There is more. Traditional medicine use cardamom as antidote for snake as well as scorpion venom.

? Cinnamon barks are known to increase shelf life of cooked food due to its inherent antimicrobial properties. It’s mildly used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

? Cloves are widely known for its essential oils used in aromatherapy to relax from body fatigue & pains. It also finds use to relive from toothaches.

? Regular consumption & application of curry leaves prevents graying of hair.

? Black pepper finds a wide variety of uses. Its essential oil mixed with any vegetable oil is used in aromatherapy to relieve of fatigue, body stiffness, arthritis & pain. Steam inhaled in combination with eucalyptus oil cures flue & cold. Black pepper in cooked food helps correct digestive disorders pertaining to flatulence, nausea, loss of appetite, heartburn etc. Black pepper is a tonic & its vital component called piperine strengthens immunity & propels the functioning of heart & kidney.

? Turmeric is a wonder spice & finds much use in medicine. It enhances the tissue sensitivity to hormonesbesidesreceptivity to many drugs. An active component curcumin inherently contained in turmeric prevents the accumulation of beta amyloids in the brain patients of Alzheimer’s disease. This ingredient is known to have anti-carcinogenic properties & is instrumental in curing pancreatic cancer, venereal diseases, colorectal cancer & multiple myeloma. Furthermore curcumin prevents tumor formation in human body by enabling degradation of human protein p53. Intake of turmeric in combination with the anti-cancerous taxol makes its action potent by many folds. Turmeric powder mixed with fresh cream massaged over face followed by rinsing with warm water gives glow to the face & removes dryness. Its prolonged use helps reduce age related pigmentation. In India ground turmeric is mixed in hot milk to strengthen bones & heal injuries. Recent studies point towards role of turmeric in the reduction of fat & its action as an antioxidant in delaying aging. An antioxidant helps to stabilize the free & thus unstable oxygen radical & prevents it to damage cells.

? Use of chilies in various curries benefits the user with bronchitis, sinusesbesidesin stabilizing many digestive disorders. It has a powerful impact in dilation of blood vessels. Being stimulant when consumed, it brings a flush on the face & an impression of warmth in ones general being. Application of red chilies over the wound of dog bite delays the spread of the rabies virus for considerable time.

? Fenugreek is popularly used as tonic & as anti-coagulant when consumed in various preparations. It helps in cure of digestive disorders; enable free bowel movement due to its mucilaginous content, diabetes, edema, rickets & dysenterybesidesrectifying hair problems like baldness or premature graying. Fenugreek is known to have hormone effects akin to estrogen & progesterone, the female sex hormones. Right. When roasted its seeds’ inherent ingredient trigonelline is converted into vitamin B-3 also referred to as niacin. It can sometimes be soaked over night & then consumed along with the water giving therapeutic benefits or alternatively sprouted & eaten as salad.

? Cumin is thought of to be imbued with antioxidant & anti-cancerous propertiesbesidesbeneficial digestive indications.

? Saffron is an expensive spice. It’s an active stimulant & is a treasure of many benefits that finds use in Ayurvedic system of medicine & in preparation of beauty products.

Judicious use of spices & condiments go a long way in inducing innate immunitybesidesgiving a completely unique flavor & aroma to the food. They help incitation of taste buds & free flow of digestive juices. So… Spices as natural anti-septic & anti-cancerous are in consonance with the structure & functioning of the human body.

Rosy Vohra works for online bookstore India

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The Skinny on the Weight Loss Fad Diet

February 22nd, 2008 roy Posted in Supplements and Nutrition No Comments »

A weight-loss fad diet is commonly believed by its practitioners to help in the improvement of their health. A typical weight-loss fad diet is often promoted through published books & articles about it, while others sell their special supplements & ingredients that should be incorporated in the diet itself… However, some of these diets do not have any legitimate medical or scientific study backing up the claims.

Unhealthy?

Weight loss experts who attempt weight-loss fad diet varieties state that these can be unhealthy especially if you can not stick to one. And so… Since they’re termed ‘fad’, chances are, they’re only good for a certain period of time. If a person jumps from one weight-loss fad diet to another, then it can be unhealthy for them since the body is exposed to many risk factors involving the diet, which can even result to more weight gain.

Categories

There are 3 categories where a weight-loss fad diet can be identified. These categories determine what kind of dieting is being promoted:
1. Certain foods are omitted from your diet since they’re seen as ‘bad’ or ‘harmful’.
2. There is an emphasis on eating particular foods for expressing a certain lifestyle.
3. The benefits of certain foods & food groups are purported & exaggerated for curing particular diseases, so they’re incorporated as the primary food to be consumed in the diet.

Extreme diets

A weight-loss fad diet can contribute to a person’s lack of energy, vitamin & mineral deficiencies, & lack of nutrients. There is more. These diets can also contribute to a lot of nutritional disorders especially if they’re enforced on children. In actual fact, parents who force children to take part in fad diets to the point of having nutritional disorders is considered as child abuse.

Claims

A typical weight-loss fad diet can only be supported by partly scientific claims. In other words, these diets claim to be very scientific but they never follow the standard scientific methods for proving their effectiveness & validity. Some of the limitations when it comes to scientific claims of fad diets are the following:
1. They are not open to revisions
2. Observations are used as valid evidence to verify the explanation behind the diet.

A lack of knowledge

Some people from scientific & medical communities often remark that fad diets are a result of the lack of knowledge on dietary & nutritional facts in the scientific sense. According to them, there is a lack of evidence on weight-loss due to calorie restriction. Furthermore, there is a lack of evidence supporting the claims that fad diets can assist achieve & maintain sustainable weight loss. Also, they point out that these diets ignore the necessary associations between human health & dietary & nutritional patterns.

Examples of fad diets

An example of one of the most marketed & well-known diets is the Atkins Nutritional Approach. Plainly known as the Atkins Diet or simply Atkins, it was developed by Dr. Robert Atkins in the 60’s because he came across a diet from the Journal of the American Medical Association to be easily able to resolve his own weight problems. So… Since the publication of its diet books, the Atkins diet is one of the most popular low-carb diets in the list of what people consider as fad diets. There is more. The diet consists of carbohydrate restriction to switch the body’s metabolism to burn stored body fat instead of glucose. It also restricts net carbs, which are carbohydrates that contribute effects on a person’s blood sugar. Foods to be eaten when participating in the Atkins diet are unprocessed foods with low glycemic content.

South Beach diet

Another example of a weight-loss fad diet is the South Beach diet. It emphasizes on consuming good fats & good carbs, & it was developed by cardiologist Dr. Arthur Agatston for his cardiac patients based closely on his scientific research on dieting. Do you follow? The diet has 3 phases which gives importance to the minimizing of the consumption of the bad :cry: carbohydrates & bad :cry: fats that can lead to cardiovascular & other health complications.

Jenny Craig weight loss

According to sources, the Jenny Craig Weight Management Program doesn’t have any formal nutritional & exercise training. However, their clients have one-on-one counselling with consultants who are made up of health professionals & nutritionists. Members are given the chance to join any of the many plans & then buy pre-packaged foods developed by the company itself… Members are still given the option to eat non-Jenny Craig foods at some days of the week. The goal of the diet is to promote a change in eating habits & lifestyle so by the time they reach their ideal weight, they can stop relying on the Jenny Craig food, menu, & consultations.

Phillip England is a weight loss expert & Author of the popular report “The Ultimate Weight Loss Secret”. To receive your free information on the secret that doctors, & health companies either do not know, or do not want you to know, please see http://www.theultimateweightlosssecret.com/secret

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CoQ10 And Diabetes - Using Dietary Supplements For Treatment

February 20th, 2008 roy Posted in Supplements and Nutrition No Comments »

CoQ10 stands for Coenzyme Q10, which is also known as ubiquinone or ubiquinol. This substance, a compound that is similar to vitamins, plays a vital role in many biological processes such as protein production & muscle contraction.

As an antioxidant, it helps fight free radicals by destroying compounds that cause damage to the body’s cells. It was first identified by researchers at the University of Wisconsin in 1957.

How Does This Compound Work?

Cells thrive on energy in order to perform their functions. There is more. This energy is sourced from fats, amino acids & sugars. There is more. The part of the cell that processes these sources is called the mitochondrion (plural: mitochondria). CoQ10 is naturally present in mitochondria & plays a major role in the metabolism of energy.

It is carried through the bloodstream by lipoproteins. Right. When lipoproteins are oxidized, CoQ10 is depleted. In healthy amounts, it can potentially reduce the formation of plaques in the arteries. There is more. The organs in the body which have high concentrations of this substance are the liver, heart & kidneys.

Its Role in the Treatment & Management of Diabetes

This substance isn’t the new miracle supplement that may lead to the treatment of diabetes, but it’s being considered for its potential in helping improve heart conditions & blood pressure & regulate high cholesterol. This makes it promising for individual persons with diabetes especially those who have risks of developing hypertension & heart disease. One study even showed that it reduced the likelihood that patients who have had a previous heart attack would again suffer from heart attacks later.

Its antioxidant properties also help scavenge destructive free radicals to keep cells young & robust. Free radicals not just contribute to the process of aging, they also lead to the development of certain health problems, including cancer & health disease. Antioxidants contribute to keeping the body of a diabetic healthy because they also help boost the immune system.

It may also help regulate blood sugar levels because when taken in controlled amounts, it has been shown to improve the functions of the cells that line the blood vessels. There is more. There was some concern, though, that this might lead to hypoglycemia, a condition characterized by a sudden decrease in blood sugar. However, two studies indicated that diabetics who took this supplement twice or two times a day showed no signs of hypoglycemia, which might indicate that it’s safe to use for people with diabetes.

Other Benefits

CoQ10 appears to improve the immune functions in people who have problems with their immune systems & those who suffer chronic infections. It also seems to help increase energy & reduce feelings of fatigue, something that people with diabetes can benefit from as they’re usually generally tired. It may even reduce damage that result from stroke.

Sources of the Supplement

CoQ10 can be easily found in food sources, such as whole grains, oily fish, seafood & organ meats, even though these foods contain only small amounts. For diabetes patients, it’s often taken as a supplement in tablet or capsule form.

Side Effects

Although this supplement is considered generally safe for consumption by adults, it may have certain side effects & risks, something that people with diabetes should know about. It may cause certain adverse reactions in some people, such as nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, heartburn & loss of appetite.

It may also affect how certain medicines work, such as those used for chemotherapy & hypertension. This makes it necessary that any diabetic individual taking the supplement should be supervised & monitored by a health-care provider. It’s still not known how it will affect pregnant & breastfeeding women.

Limitations of Its Use in Diabetes

There are only a few studies involving the use of this compound as a supplement & most of them are focused on its uses & benefits to people with cardiovascular diseases & hypertension. It has been evaluated for use with diabetes but researchers admit more research & studies have to be done in order to confirm its real clinical role in people who have diabetes.

If you are a diabetic considering taking CoQ10 as a supplement, talk to your doctor or health-care provider to discuss if it’s the right choice for you.

Flor Serquina is a successful Webmaster & publisher of Learn-About-Diabetes.com. She gives more information on topics such as Coq10 & diabetes, cure for Type 2 diabetes & the answer to the question is there a cure for diabetes, which you can research on her website even while lounging in your living room.

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Studies On Diabetes Supplements In Management Of Diabetes

February 18th, 2008 roy Posted in Supplements and Nutrition No Comments »

Diabetes:
Diabetes is a chronic disease because of less insulin in body compared to healthy individual or resistance to insulin.

Carbohydrate, fat & protein are the major nutrients in our diet. Body cells utilize carbohydrate & fat for energy production & proteins for growth & development. After absorption from foods, these nutrients first enter into blood & then into cells. Insulin is required for entry of blood sugar into cells. Because of less insulin or resistance to insulin in diabetes, blood sugar can not enter into cells & remain in blood.

Studies have shown that diabetes supplements like chromium, alpha lipoic acid & vanadium are useful in the management of diabetes.

Chromium supplements in diabetes:
Diabetes is associated with low concentrations of chromium in blood, so, an early, long-term addition of chromium as diabetes nutritional supplement to the standard therapy has been recommended in many studies. So… Some latest clinical reports also support the safety & therapeutic value of chromium supplementation for the management of high cholesterol & sugar in subjects with diabetes.

Chromium increases insulin receptor numbers & insulin binding to cells. So… Since chromium acts by increasing insulin efficiency, so lower amount of insulin is required in presence of chromium.

A clinical study published in ‘Diabetes Care. (2006, August)’ has shown that chromium supplementation in subjects with type II diabetes significantly improves insulin sensitivity & glucose control. Chromium supplementation also reduced body weight gain & fat accumulation.

A review article published in Diabetes Technol Ther. 2006 December has mentioned that 13 of 15 clinical studies involving a total of 1,690 subjects reported significant improvement in at least one outcome of glycemic control. (Glycemic control is a medical term used for blood sugar levels in a person with diabetes). Chromium supplementation reduced blood sugar, cholesterol, & triglyceride levels & also reduced the requirements for drugs in diabetes.

Reduction in blood sugar & improvement in insulin sensitivity with chromium as diabetes supplement decreases the risk of long-term diabetes complications.

Alpha lipoic acid as diabetes supplement:
Alpha lipoic acid is a powerful antioxidant. Antioxidant is a substance, which can neutralize the free radicals. Free radical can cause damage to major organs like blood vessels, heart, brain etc.

High blood sugar in diabetes increases free radical formation in body, which leads to complications of diabetes like atherosclerosis, heart problems, nerve damage & cataract. Antioxidant decreases free radicals in body & decreases risk of complications.

Numerous publications have confirmed the beneficial effects of lipoic acid in therapy of many diseases like diabetes, atherosclerosis, degenerative processes in neurons, diseases of joints,

A clinical study on diabetic patients treated with alpha lipoic acid was published in ‘hormones (Athens). 2006 Oct-Dec 5(4)’. The result of the study has proved that short-term oral alpha-lipoic acid treatment as diabetes nutritional supplement increases peripheral insulin sensitivity.

Improvement in insulin sensitivity can improve both blood sugar control & cardiovascular risk factors in diabetes.

In diabetes, blood sugar can not enter into cells because of decrease response to insulin by body cells. Alpha lipoic acid improves the insulin response & enhances glucose uptake by cells, thereby improve the blood sugar levels.

Diabetic neuropathy or nerve damage is a complication of diabetes. It’s a progressive disease, which can cause pain, loss of sensation & weakness, in the feet & sometimes in the hands. So… Studies have revealed that alpha lipoic acid is effective in management of diabetic nerve damage & reduces pain associated with neuropathy.

Vanadium supplement for diabetes:
Vanadium is a trace mineral required by the body in small quantities. Numerous studies have shown that vanadium has insulin-like effects in liver, skeletal muscle, & adipose tissue. It may improve glucose control in people with diabetes.

Along with chromium & alpha lipoic acid, some other diabetes supplements like evening primrose oil, fenugreek & some herbs also help in the management of diabetes.

For detail information on role of other nutritional supplements in diabetes & for scientifically formulated diabetes supplement, please visit www.dietfordisease.com/diabetes-supplement.html

For details on role of nutrients in various diseases, please visit diet for disease & for information on scientifically formulated diabetes supplement, please visit diabetes supplement website.

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Dietary Supplements - Why You Need Them?

February 16th, 2008 roy Posted in Supplements and Nutrition No Comments »

Before you start taking dietary supplements it’s always best to understand your specific health needs & if a dietary supplement might meet those needs. Do you really need to take dietary supplements? The answer depends on your eating & lifestyle habits & some factors beyond your control, such as your age. The following factors will often help you decide if a dietary supplement is necessary:

You have a poor diet: If you eat less than five total servings of fruits & vegetables daily, it may be hard to get all of the vitamins & minerals your body needs. Also, if you eat only one or two times a day, you may be limiting the number & variety of servings you eat from the various food groups.

You are a vegetarian: If you’re a vegetarian, you may not consume enough calcium, iron, zinc & vitamins B-12 & D. You can get these nutrients naturally from nonmeat sources, such as fortified soy products, green leafy vegetables, legumes, whole-grain products & nuts. If you’re not able to regularly consume these foods, dietary supplements may be necessary.

You consume less than 1,200 calories a day: Low-calorie diets limit the types & amounts of foods you eat and, in turn, the types & amounts of nutrients you receive. Unless recommended & monitored by a doctor, a low-calorie diet isn’t recommended.

You have a medical condition that affects how your body absorbs, uses or excretes nutrients. If your diet has limited variety because of food allergies or intolerance to certain foods, such as dairy products, you may benefit from a dietary supplement. Also, if you have a disease of your liver, gallbladder, intestines or pancreas, or if you have had surgery on your digestive tract, you may not actually be easily able to digest & absorb nutrients properly. In such cases, your doctor may recommend that you take a dietary supplement. He or she will be easily able to advise you on which will work best for your condition.

You are in postmenopausal state: After menopause, women experience a sudden drop in estrogen levels, which increases bone loss. There is more. To keep bones strong & to decrease bone loss, you need calcium as well as vitamin D ? the vitamin essential for absorbing calcium. Women who do not obtain enough calcium & vitamin D through foods could benefit from taking a calcium supplement with vitamin D.

You are a woman who has heavy menstrual bleeding. If you have heavy menstrual bleeding, you may need additional iron to replace the iron depleted by blood loss. Iron deficiency can lead to anemia, a condition in which blood is low in hemoglobin, the substance which carries oxygen to tissues.

You are pregnant or trying to become pregnant: During this time, you need more of certain nutrients, especially calcium, folate & iron. Folate is needed very early in pregnancy to help protect your baby against neural tube birth defects, such as incomplete closure of the spine. Iron helps stop fatigue by helping you make the red blood cells necessary to deliver oxygen to you & your baby. Your doctor can recommend a dietary supplement. It is important to start taking a supplement before becoming pregnant.

You use tobacco products: Tobacco decreases the absorption of many vitamins & minerals, including vitamin C, folate, magnesium & calcium. But dietary supplements will not make up for the major health risks caused by smoking. Do you follow? The safest option is to avoid using all tobacco products whenever possible.

You drink excessively: Long-term excessive alcohol consumption can impair the digestion & absorption of many vitamins & minerals, including vitamin B-1, iron, zinc, magnesium & folate. In addition, you may substitute alcohol for food, resulting in a diet lacking in essential nutrients. Excessive drinking is defined as more than two drinks a day for men under age sixty-five & more than one drink a day for men over sixty-five & women. Taking dietary supplements, how ever, will not make up for the major health risks caused by excessive alcohol consumption.

If you’re generally healthy & eat a wide variety of foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, & lean meats, you most likely will not need to take a dietary supplement. But if you seek assurance that you’re getting all the vitamins & minerals you need & you do not mind the added expense & daily routine of taking a supplement, using the standard vitamin & mineral supplement with 100 percent of the Daily Value for the various vitamins & minerals is generally fine. However, it’s always a good idea :idea: to talk with your doctor before taking any supplements, as he or she knows your history & specific situation best.

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