Monday, July 27, 2009
Colloidal Minerals: Trace Minerals Lost From Our Diet, Found In Ancient Plants
Living a healthy life is a major challenge in our lives today. In spite of all the hype about a healthy diet, exercise and numerous supplements, good health in the true sense of the word still remains a cause of concern for all of us. All attempts to rid our bodies of diseases result either in partial success or in some other side effects. Every time the concept of a healthy mind in a healthy body evades us. To understand why this happens we must have an idea of what constitutes the human body and how it functions.
Colloidal mineral is trace mineral suspended in a liquid.
The human system requires various nutrients and micro-nutrients to function in an optimal manner. Some of these micro-nutrients are trace minerals, which are vital to the proper functioning of the body. Colloidal Minerals are needed to maintain the delicate cellular fluid balance, to form bone and blood cells, to provide for electrochemical nerve activity, and to regulate muscle tone and activity (including organ muscles like the heart, stomach, liver, etc.). Any imbalance in trace minerals causes a malfunction, which in scientific terminology is called disease. Here it is important to note that while our body is capable of synthesizing several essential compounds on its own, it is not capable of synthesizing its own minerals.
These colloidal minerals therefore must be supplied through the diet or supplements. But the unhealthy modern lifestyles and depleted foods are unable to provide sufficient supply of these trace minerals. In case of processed foods, which are so much in vogue these days the processing leaches out valuable trace minerals required by our bodies thus, necessitating supplementation. A normal diet does not contain the recommended daily dose (RDA) of most colloidal minerals and this makes supplementation crucial.
Research shows that an inadequate supply of trace minerals leads to a variety of diseases including depression, low back pain, arthritis, poor digestion, mental disorders and cardiovascular disease. Not surprisingly these studies also relate mineral deficiency to inadequate diet----foods which are nutrient-poor, highly processed foods including white flour, refined sugar and harmful fats.
Thus we see that colloidal minerals are exogenously sourced micro-nutrients crucial to the smooth execution of innumerable functions within the human body. These essential atomic particles are integral to maintaining tissues, producing energy, synthesizing hormones and repairing cellular damage. Colloidal Minerals also commonly partner with enzymes—intricate proteins produced by living cells—to catalyze biochemical reactions. Trace Minerals also help reduce the probability of all kinds of infections as they render valuable support to the immune system.
Coming to supplementation, the issue of bio-availability is of particular relevance. In simple words, these trace minerals will not be accepted by the human body in crude form. If taken as such they may result in toxicity. We therefore must study numerous factors that can affect mineral absorption, including overall health status, interaction with other nutrients, the presence of certain other diseases and conditions, age and delivery method.
Fortunately, mineral absorption can be increased in most individuals by learning how to take supplemental minerals, improving diet, obtaining adequate exercise, nutrition, rest and reducing stress.
Absorption is the key to colloidal mineral assimilation. If trace minerals are mined from hard rock minerals, the intake is not natural and could be toxic. Trace minerals are normally taken up into the plant, from the ground, through the root, into the leaf or fruit. Consumption of the edible part of the plant allows the colloidal mineral to be absorbed into the bloodstream.
Discovery of ancient plants rich in trace minerals have been unearthed and now are made available in a colloidal mineral solution. The body easily assimilates these colloidal minerals that are plant derived. This natural form of mineral is preferred by the body and will not cause toxicity when taken in the recommended amounts.
The following is a list of trace minerals that should be found in your choice for a colloidal mineral supplement:
Aluminum, Antimony, Arsenic, Barium, Beryllium, Bismuth, Boron, Bromine, Cadmium, Calcium, Carbon, Cerium, Cesium, Chloride, Chromium, Cobalt, Copper, Dysprosium, Erbium, Europium, Fluoride, Gadolinium, Gallium, Germanium, Gold, Hafnium, Holmium, Hydrogen, Indium, Iodine, Iridium, Iron, Lanthanum, Lead, Lithium, Lutetium, Magnesium, Manganese, Mercury, Molybdenum, Neodymium, Nickel, Niobium, Nitrogen, Osmium, Oxygen, Palladium, Phosphorus, Platinum, Potassium, Praseodymium, Rhodium, Rubidium, Ruthenium, Samarium, Scandium, Selenium, Silicon, Silver, Sodium, Strontium, Sulfur, Tantalum, Tellurium, Terbium, Thallium, Thorium, Thulium, Thulium, Tin, Titanium, Tungsten, Vanadium, Ytterbium, Yttrium, Zinc and Zirconium.
Look for as many of these minerals in your colloidal mineral supplement that are derived from plants.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Clearing The Calcium Confusion by Miriam Nelson, Ph.D.
Recent news reports about taking calcium may have confused women, but it is important to go beyond the headlines for your health care. Two recent studies confirmed that women who consistently took calcium and vitamin D reduced their risk for fractures, reinforcing the importance of optimal daily calcium intake.
It is recommended that adults over the age of 19 should consume between 1,000 and 1,200 milligrams (mg) of calcium each day. While peak bone mineral density (BMD) in women is reached around age 30, it is extremely important for women of all ages to make sure they are getting their recommended daily allowance (RDA) of calcium and vitamin D. During pregnancy and through menopause, women's calcium needs increase and lifelong supplementation is beneficial to overall health. Additionally, bone-building exercises are a key component in building and maintaining bone health and preventing harmful bone-deteriorating diseases, such as osteoporosis.
Q: There has been a lot of talk about calcium-is it still good for me?
Yes! Calcium is an essential nutrient to the basic functions of the body. Not only is calcium a key component of bone development, but it is needed for the heart, muscles and nerves to work properly and for blood to clot. Everyone needs calcium but as many as 75 percent of women don't get the RDA in their diet, although they could through a combination of food and supplements.
Q: Should I do any specific exercises to help my bones?
Weight-bearing workouts and resistance training are two different types of exercises shown to improve bone health and they are explained in my updated book, "Strong Women, Strong Bones." Jogging, stair climbing and sports such as tennis are weight-bearing activities and weight lifting or strength training are resistance exercises. Most recently, a study from the University of Arizona found that women who did a specific routine of six weight-bearing exercises and took Citracalāļ calcium citrate supplements gained 1 to 2 percent of their BMD, even though women typically lose 1 to 2 percent per year at that age. A healthy diet and lifestyle that includes weight-bearing exercises are the first defense against osteoporosis.
Tags: Clearing The Calcium Confusion by Miriam Nelson, Ph.D.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Choosing The Right Vitamin Supplement
Millions of people take daily vitamin supplements to encourage good health. With all the different kinds of vitamins, minerals and herbs flooding the market these days, it's sometimes difficult to know what to choose.
The first thing you need to know is that vitamin supplements are not a replacement for eating healthy, vitamin rich whole foods. Food contains the nutrients your body needs in their very purest form, and interact with each other and your body in a way supplements cannot. However, taking vitamin supplements in addition to eating a vitamin-rich diet can be a great way to stay healthy and protect against damage from harmful free radicals.
When shopping for vitamin supplements, there are a few things you should keep in mind:
Always read the label
Reading labels is a wise practice you should do every time you shop for supplements. Labels can tell you more about dosages, ingredients, safety precautions, and other important information.
Choose a reputable manufacturer
Always choose products with “USP” on the label. “USP” is the abbreviation for the U.S. Pharmacopeia and the inclusion on the label means the product has been tested and checked for quality and safety.
Check the Date
Expired vitamins can lose their potency. Always make sure there is an expiration date printed on the bottle, and never purchase or use expired supplements.
Avoid Giant Doses
Do not choose supplements that offer extremely high doses of a particular vitamin or vitamins. Too much of anything can be harmful, sometimes even fatal.
Store Safely
Always keep your vitamins out of the reach of children. Store in a cool, dark, dry place as heat and humidity can affect the integrity of the vitamins.
Always Do Your Homework
Research is always a good idea before deciding to take vitamin supplements. Consult with your doctor. Perform some Internet searches or visit your local library. There is a wealth of resources available for you on the topic of vitamin supplements and the benefits they offer.
Tags: vitamins, vitamin supplements, multi-vitamins, nutritional supplements
CELLFOOD--Vital Cellular Nutrition
I was introduced to the CELLFOOD family at an Health food show in Toronto Canada four years ago.Since then I have been taking three of their products- the original Cellfood, DNA/RNA/Cellfood and the Multi Vitamin/Cellfood.The previous winter, before being introduced to CELLFOOD ,was my first winter in Canada, and I was sick for the entire winter although it was considered to be a very mild one.Since then I have been on the Cellfood family and I have not been sick at all. If I do get exposed to a germ or virus,and I do get infected I would not be knocked flat like others around me.It would have me slightly uncomfortable for a day or two, with maybe a slight sore throat or runny nose for a few hours ..How I wish that everyone I knew would be on this wonderful anti aging product, Cellfood, for instinctively I knew that CELLFOOD was an amazing anti aging product to reverse and prevent the signs of aging.After reading about it ,however, I became convinced that CELLFOOD was a treasure ,yet to be discovered by the bulk of humanity.
Formulated in the mid 50’s by Everett L. Storey, CELLFOOD is a proprietary blend of 129 elements.It is an anti aging supplement that he claimed could be the answer to disease on Earth. Everett Storey is credited for the development of the water -splitting technology among other great inventions. During the second world war ,he witnessed his inventions being used to build the hydrogen bomb and being a humanitarian, he so wanted to do something good for humanity so he produced CELLFOOD.
The same water splitting technology that he invented ,that was being used in the H-bomb’s fusion trigger was incorporated into the CELLFOOD technology. He thus created an oxygen therapy based on the deuterium ions to self-sustain a catalytic type reaction in which our internal body water is split into oxygen and hydrogen.
CELLFOOD , the result of 42 years of research, is made from the finest plant substances, capable of holding its powerful elements in full solution, delivering them to every cell in the human body. This miraculous formula supports and enhances nutritional biochemical activities and brings to our diet what modern living and technology have stripped away. It contains 78 trace minerals,34 enzymes,17amino acids, electrolytes, and nascent (newly created) oxygen and hydrogen as by products--all naturally occurring substances and essential to the body’s many bio-chemical function,in a form that is easily absorbed by the cellls of the body.
Dr. Otto Warburg renowned bio-chemist and 1931 nobel prize laureate has shown that cancer cells cannot grow in a high oxygen environment. Of all the elements that support life ,oxygen is the most abundant. All functions of our body are regulated by oxygen. Oxygen energises cells so they can regenerate. Our bodies use oxygen to metabolize food and to eliminate toxins and waste through oxidation. Our brain needs oxygen each second to process information .Our organs need oxygen to function efficiently. In short oxygen gives life and energy to every living cell. Toxic stress, emotional stress, physical trauma and infections all draw upon and deplete the body’s oxygen supply, and a lack of oxygen results in sickness, poor vitality, poor stamina, fatigue and a general weak disposition.
We can look at oxygen deficiency as the single greatest cause of disease. In 1997 CELLFOOD was unanimously voted by the Inventors Club of America to receive the 1997 Advanced Technology Award presented by the International Hall of Fame in Atlanta GA. CELLFOOD received this award because(1) it’s unique ability to produce both nascent oxygen and hydrogenised the body, resulting in simultaneous cleansing and building of body cells and tissues and (2) its unique ability to maintain 78 minerals in liquid colloidal suspension. CELLFOOD is a highly concentrated super energised proprietary formulation containing 78 ionic colloidal trace elements and minerals(34 from fossilized plants taken from virgin earth and 44 from the clean southern seas surrounding New Zealand, unrefined and still containing trace elements!) combined with 34 enzymes,17 amino acids, dissolved oxygen all suspended in a solution of Deuterium Sulfate.
The nutrients in CELLFOOD are both ionic and colloidal in form. Colloidal particles are minute(4-7 nanometres in diameter)and they take on a negative (ionic) charge and remain suspended in a liquid. Because most body fluids are colloidal and negatively charged the body perceives CELLFOOD as normal healthy body fluid ,and allows the nutrients in CELLFOOD to pass immediately through the sensitive membranes of the mouth throat and oesophagus directly into the blood stream.
Electrolytes support the healthy electrical integrity of the body’s natural colloidal systems including the blood itself. They import a negative charge to the red blood cells separating them to restore their maximum functioning..
CELLFOOD works at the physical level by providing the body with essential minerals, it works at the electrical and electro magnetic levels by increasing the vibrational frequencies of all the body’s organs boosting the immune system, and enabling the nervous system to function more effectively. It works at the biological level by enhancing natural biological processes ,for example digestive and metabolic processes in the body. And it works on the chemical level by supplying amino acids to the body for building protein. And CELLFOOD ‘s ability to supply oxygen and nutrients to the brain supports emotional and psychological wellbeing!!
Tags: cellfood, antiaging products, anti aging supplements, amino acids, ionic minerals, colloidal minerals, cancer prevention products, DNA/RNA
Monday, May 11, 2009
Celedrin - The Natural way to be Free from Pain
When most people think of Celadrin, what comes to mind is usually basic information that's not particularly interesting or beneficial. But there's a lot more to Celadrin than just the basics.
Celadrin – or cetyl myristoleate - is one of a number of supplements taken by arthritis sufferers, but it really came into its own recently when the government withdrew popular painkillers like Vioxx from the market due to health concerns. This left many arthritis suffers with no option but to consider an operation to relieve their pain. An operation – or a supplement like Celadrin? Many decided to try the less invasive option first.
Traditionally, doctors have not been keen to offer supplements to their patients, but many are increasingly coming to see that products like Celadrin may be a suitable alternative for those people who for some reason cannot - or choose not to - have an operation.
A scientist who was trying to understand why he couldn’t induce arthritis into mice discovered Celadrin about a decade ago. It contains a blend of eight stable fatty acids that can easily penetrate cell membranes and by providing lubrication to the cell membranes and decreasing inflammation it supports joint health. In fact, research has shown that it definitely improves not only the range of motion in a joint affected by arthritis, but balance, strength and endurance were also improved.
Placebo-controlled studies in 2002 showed that the subjects were able to perform several day-to-day functions like climbing stairs and even simply walking that had been painfully difficult before. Some subjects were even able to return to jogging, an exercise that had been impossible for some time due to the pain and stiffness experienced from arthritis.
Is everything making sense so far? If not, I'm sure that with just a little more reading, all the facts will fall into place.
University bio-chemist Dr. Daniel Gallaher PhD, prescribes Celadrin for many of his patients and has had no side-effects reported. The pills may need be taken for at least two months before improvement is noticed, though in some cases this time is considerably shorter. Some patients have noted a dramatic improvement within a few days of applying the lotion.
Daniel Hoeffal MD, advises his patients to take the product scientifically. That is, no more than one supplement at a time and stick to the instructions on the bottle. If several supplements are taken at once, there is no way of determining which was the one responsible for giving relief.
Celadrin comes in pill form and topical lotion and is quite affordable compared to some other supplements, with the pills costing about $12.00 a bottle and the lotion half that. It is available as a stand-alone product, or combined with other products such as Glucosamine
Always consult your health care professional before taking supplements, as some can interfere with the absorption of other medications, while others may change how internal organs function, cause blood pressure or clotting
This article's coverage of the information is as complete as it can be today. But you should always leave open the possibility that future research could uncover new facts.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Cancer: Are You a Believer?
First, we must settle one of two issues before you continue reading this article. The first issue is straight forward, a "direct-punch-to-the-nose" kind of a question:
Do you believe cancer is "beatable?"
I don't mean, "Sometime in the future..."
I think everyone believes "some day", "somewhere", "someone" will discover the cure.
Nor do I mean anything like, "Is cancer treatable where people temporarily overcome the disease through the burning of radiation, the surgeon's knife or the necessarily toxic effects of chemotherapy?"
That we all know is possible....
No, my question is far more specific:
In your opinion, is Cancer... Curable...Stoppable ...Conquerable... Whatever synonym you supply, the question remains...Is it or isn't it defeatable?
Yes or no. Can we whip this thing?
...Because if, in your heart of hearts, you believe Cancer is NOT 'defeatable'... there's no sense in continuing this letter.
However, if you're like me, you believe it's certainly defeatable. Now the only question that remains:
Is Cancer NOW facing REAL defeat?
Since we all have a healthy fear of being "sold" the next bottle of snake oil, we need to establish that the claims being made are credible and reliable. Incidentally, I am NOT selling you anything in this letter. I believe you should consider a product or two...but not here.
So, let's deal with cancer:
" According to the American Cancer Society, "cancer is a group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. If the spread is not controlled, it can result in death."
" Cancers tend to metastasize (spread) over time, causing destruction of healthy tissue and damage to bodily functions...
" If left unchecked, cancers can cause death. However, even the treatments for cancer can be destructive to healthy tissues and can do severe damage to bodily functions (side effects)...
" Over the past 100 years, cancers have grown into epidemic proportions without any scientific explanation for the sudden surge in their appearance. Remember, cancer was once comparatively RARE.
" BUT, scientists have now concluded cancer is fundamentally a breakdown of the immune system. As the immune system goes, so goes the cancer. That fact is the new approach ...and it has a whole world of scientific evidence behind it.
Consider carefully:
Changing Cancer Cells' Surface Sugars Can Inhibit Tumor Growth
"According to the research of scientists, as published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, altering the sugar coats of cancer cells can control cancer."
( published in the Scientific American, Jan. 22, 2002)
In other words, "sugar" is a BIG issue in the medical, alternative, and complementary health world. The words "Glycomics" and "Glyconutrition" have sprung up in the vocabulary of health authorities around the world. (Glyco is the Greek word for "sugar."). These sciences refer to the study of biological sugars. What makes these "sugars" so important is among the over 200 known sugars around the world, there are 8 sugars which medical research has isolated as VITAL to human immune system functioning.
The 1999 Nobel Prize for Medicine was awarded to Dr. Gunter Blobel for his work in the science of Glycobiology. Out of the last eight Nobel Prizes awarded in medicine, four Nobel Prizes have been awarded for discoveries made in ONE field…Glycobiology. This is the field that affects CANCER directly. Why? Because, 8 sugars have been isolated that strengthen the immune system and cell communication. Human life cannot be supported without them.
The field is glyconutrition. Glyconutrients are NOT vitamins, amino acids or minerals. Scientifically, glyconutrients are a class all by themselves. The field is revolutionizing the medical world. For the first time in a long time, many authorities in both the conventional medical world and those of the alternative world are in agreement. Powerful glyconutrients have already been included in the Physicians Desk Reference (post 2002), the "Bible" of physicians everywhere throughout the country.
Why? Consider…
Four Ways Glyconutrients Fight Cancers*
1. Macrophage and Immune killer cells are stimulated by glyconutritional supplementation to destroy malignancies.
2. Glyconutrional research shows that glyconutrients increase the production of substances in the body that target cancer cells for destruction, such as interferon.
3. Glyconutrients activate T-cells to recognize and destroy invasive and abnormal cells.
4. Glyconutrients help regulate the process of apoptosis- the natural "dying off" process in cellular systems.
If these processes are restrained - due to a variety of factors such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, poor glyconutritional dietary habits, etc., the body will fail to prevent the onset of cancer.
(Cited in Miracle Sugars, Rita Elkins, M.H., Woodland Publishing, p. 29)
Note How the Scientific World is Successfully Combating Cancer with the New Discoveries in Glycoscience
The revolutionary "glyconutrition" discoveries found over the past decade have stunned the scientific world. If that sounds "more hype than hope" you might want to take just a few moments to consider just a few developments:
In 1985, an issue of Cancer Research reported the formation of cancer cells in the colon and in the stomach was directly and UNMISTAKENLY related to the absence of glyconutrition or the presence of deformed sugar molecules. Since then, scientists at the University of South Florida believe confirmation of the glyconutritional linkage to cancer inhibition and its spread is profound. For example, according to the 1997 issue of Anticancer Research science periodical, glyconutrition decreases the number of liver tumors.
In addition,
"Dr. Ronald Klatz reported in the now incredibly famous medical research study nicknamed "Norman's Rats", 40% of the animals that had no defense whatsoever against cancer and were injected with just ONE of the eight essential glyconutritionals, showed "tumor regression and complete recovery."
- Advances in Anti-Aging Medicine, Vol. 1, 1996 by Dr. Ronald Klatz.
Obviously, YOU and I must find out about Glyconutrition…for the sake of our health and for those we love.
It is for that reason, and that reason alone, I have written this open letter…
Tags: Cancer, glyconutrients
Calcium helps the heart, nerves, muscles, and other body systems work properly.
Common Forms: calcium citrate, calcium carbonate, calcium gluconate, calcium lactate, calcium chloride, calcium malate, calcium aspartate, calcium ascorbate
Overview
Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body. It is essential for the development and maintenance of strong bones and teeth; roughly 99% of calcium in the body is deposited in these two places. Calcium also helps the heart, nerves, muscles, and other body systems work properly. To function correctly, calcium must be accompanied by several other nutrients including magnesium, phosphorous, and vitamins A, C, D, and K.
The best sources of calcium are foods (see Dietary Sources), but supplements may be necessary for those who cannot meet their calcium needs through diet alone. In fact, according to the National Institutes of Health, many Americans consume less than half the amount of calcium recommended to build and maintain healthy bones. Heavy use of caffeine can diminish calcium levels; therefore, higher amounts of calcium may be needed if you drink a lot of coffee. Also, a diet high in protein can increase loss of calcium through the urine. Excessive intake of sodium, phosphates (from carbonated beverages) and alcohol, as well as the use of aluminum-containing antacids also contribute to increased excretion of calcium.
Calcium deficiency can be found in people with malabsorption problems, such as Crohn's disease, celiac disease, and surgical intestinal resection. Prolonged bed rest causes loss of calcium from the bones and the elderly are less able to absorb calcium.
Symptoms of calcium deficiency include muscle spasm or cramping, typically in hands or feet; hair loss (alopecia); dry skin and nails which may also become misshapen; numbness, tingling, or burning sensation around the mouth and fingers; nausea and vomiting; headaches; yeast infections (candidiasis); anxiety; convulsions/seizures; and poor tooth and bone development.
Uses
Obtaining adequate calcium can help prevent and/or treat the following conditions:
Osteoporosis
An inadequate supply of calcium over the lifetime is thought to play a significant role in contributing to the development of osteoporosis. Calcium is necessary to help build and maintain healthy bones and strong teeth. Studies have shown that calcium, particularly in combination with vitamin D, can help prevent bone loss associated with menopause, as well as the bone loss experienced by elderly men. If adequate amounts of calcium are not being obtained through the diet, calcium supplements are necessary.
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
Calcium levels often measure lower the week prior to one's menstrual period compared to the week after. Studies suggest that calcium supplementation helps relieve mood swings, food cravings, pain or tenderness, and bloating associated with premenstrual syndrome.
High Cholesterol
Preliminary studies in animals and people suggest that calcium supplements, in the range of 1,500 to 2,000 mg per day, may help to lower cholesterol. The information available thus far suggests that keeping cholesterol levels normal or even low by using calcium supplements (along with many other measures such as changing your diet and exercising) is likely to be more beneficial than trying to treat it by adding calcium once you already have elevated cholesterol. More research in this area is needed.
Stroke
In a population based study (one in which large groups of people are followed over time), women who take in more calcium, both through the diet and with added supplements, were less likely to have a stroke over a 14 year time course. More research is needed to fully assess the strength of the connection between calcium and risk of stroke.
Colon Cancer
Although some studies are conflicting, mounting evidence suggests that people who consume high amounts of calcium, vitamin D, and milk in their diets are significantly less likely to develop colorectal cancer than those who consume low amounts of the same substances. Although it is best to obtain calcium from the diet, the suggested amounts for the prevention and treatment of colorectal cancer (namely, 800 IU/day of vitamin D and 1,800 mg/day of calcium) will most likely require supplementation.
Obesity
Both animal and human studies have found that dietary calcium intake (from low-fat dairy products) may be associated with a decrease in body weight. These effects cannot necessarily be attributed to calcium alone since dairy sources of calcium contain other nutrients (including magnesium and potassium) that may be involved in the weight loss. A review of all studies up to the year 2000 did conclude, however, that supplementation of 1,000 mg of calcium can facilitate as much as 8 kilograms (17.6 pounds) of weight loss and 5 kilogram (11 pound) loss of fat.
Dietary Sources
The richest dietary sources of calcium include cheeses (such as parmesan, romano, gruyere, cheddar, American, mozzarella, and feta), wheat-soy flour, and blackstrap molasses. Some other good sources of calcium include almonds, brewer's yeast, bok choy, Brazil nuts, broccoli, cabbage, dried figs, kelp, dark leafy greens (dandelion, turnip, collard, mustard, kale, Swiss chard), hazelnuts, ice cream, milk, oysters, sardines, canned salmon soybean flour, tahini, and yogurt.
Foods that are fortified with calcium, such as juices, soy milk, rice milk, tofu and cereals, are also good sources of this mineral.
Calcium may also be obtained from a variety of herbs, spices, and seaweeds. Examples include basil, chervil, cinnamon, dill weed, fennel, fenugreek, ginseng, kelp, marjoram, oregano, parsley, poppy seed, sage, and savory.
New Life Health Centers has no means of independently evaluating the safety or functionality of the products offered by their suppliers and affiliates and thus can neither endorse nor recommend products. Information presented is of a general nature for educational and informational purposes only. Statements about products and health conditions have not been evaluated by the US Food and Drug Administration. Products and information presented herein are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. If you have any concerns about your own health, you should always consult with a physician or other healthcare professional.
Tags: Herbs, Herbal, Natural Vitamins
Monday, May 4, 2009
Buying Discount Vitamins
There are a number of ways that you can find discount vitamins. The most common is to wait until your favorite vitamin store has a sale but this can be a rather difficult way to get a discount vitamin. The problem is mainly due to the discount time. Most discount vitamin offers only have a limited amount of stock available and it is a case of first-come, first-served. The other issue with trying to get these discount vitamin offers is that they are strictly time limited and again, you may miss out unless you find out about the sale in advance.
A large number of stores produce coupons that offer discount vitamin purchases. These coupons are often distributed in newspapers and magazines - the Sunday newspapers are so full of coupons that it may be time-consuming looking for the discount vitamin offers but it is worth the effort. You may find that some of these coupons do not give an instant discount vitamin purchase but you can claim the appropriate money back through a rebate system. Beware that some of these rebated discount vitamin offers require you to purchase additional equipment or accessories to qualify for them.
One extremely good source for discount vitamin offers is look for bulk purchases. This is an extremely underestimated resource, as many people do not actually understand what a bulk purchase discount vitamin really is. In all honesty, you are likely to get a better discount vitamin offer if you opt for a bulk purchase from your local outlet. This is because the bulk purchases offer the best discount vitamin prices possible. This is especially the case for vitamins that you may want to take on an ongoing basis. Vitamin C, for example, is a great choice to buy in bulk and obtain a discount vitamin price.
It is extremely important, however, to ensure that the bulk discount vitamin purchases do not include vitamins that may have an expiration date that could be exceeded before they are all consumed. Do not be tempted to purchase bulk amounts of vitamins simply to obtain a discount vitamin price unless you are sure that you can consume all of the vitamins within the expiration dates given. One of the major mistakes that people make when looking for a discount vitamin is to overlook the expiration date. There may not be any danger if the discount vitamins are a few days past their sell by date but it is not worth the risk just to save a few pennies.
Tags: dietary vitamins, multi vitamins, vitamins
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Buy Natural Health Supplements - Natural Tonics For Health And Wellness
Buy natural health supplements? When looking to buy natural health supplements and natural tonics for health and wellness, chances are you'll find your options are limited in local stores. Online, there are many possibilities. However, an important question is - how to know which natural tonics for health and wellness are legitimate ones that provide specific health benefits?
Ideally, vitamin and nutrient requirements would come totally from your diet. The problem is - many people make poor food choices every day. And even with a well-balanced diet, studies find that nutrient values of foods have been declining for decades because of soil depletion.
When looking to buy natural health supplements, leading the list should be the daily vitamin/mineral/nutrient supplement that is the basis of your supplement program. And all daily supplements are not created equal. Two important natural tonics for health and wellness should be considered these:
• High-Quality Daily Vitamin/Mineral/Nutrient Supplements - a daily high-quality, broad-spectrum anti-aging natural supplement helps fill in the dietary gaps that everyone will have. Few persons obtain the minimum recommended servings of 5-9 cups of vegetables and fruits per day, for example, and thus do not obtain the health benefits associated with these vital foods.
And taking one of the cheap one-a-day vitamins is probably a waste of time and money. When considering to buy natural health supplements, vitamins and minerals are just the beginning. The body needs and will use a wide array of anti-aging natural tonics for health and wellness substances - amino acids, antioxidants, bioflavanoids, neuronutrients, herbal extracts, enzymes and other nutrients such as L-Carnosine, alpha lipoic acid and acetyl L-Carnitine and so on. And these nutrients must be in the correct proportions to each other based on the latest research.
• Omega 3 Supplements - from heart health to depression treatment to pregnancy health, Omega 3 benefits are too good to ignore if you are interested in health. Three of the top Omega 3 food sources are cold-water fish, grass-fed (not grain-fed) meat and eggs. Omega 3 oils provide DHA and EPA in a natural form that your body can easily assimilate. No conversion is required by the body as is required for flax oil, for example. Most of the clinical studies on Omega 3 benefits are based on fish oils from consuming fish and fish oil supplements.
In addition, other natural tonics for health and wellness to consider when you buy natural health supplements with specific health benefits proven by clinical studies are:
• Natural Cholesterol Lowering Supplements - the most effective is policosanol which comes from sugar cane. Its cholesterol-lowering abilities are published in over 80 clinical studies, which are more studies than for most prescription drugs. Policosanol significantly lowers total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and increases high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol without the side affects associated with the statin drugs.
• Arthritis Supplements - there are nutrients that have been shown to reduce inflammation, swelling and stiffness. Aiming to achieve long term pain relief by targeting the cause, not just the arthritis symptoms, should be the goal of arthritis natural tonics for health and wellness.
• Sexual Enhancement Supplements - many sexual problems (and health problems) are related to nutrient deficiencies. In men, for example, men with impotency problems also suffer from cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes or are taking prescription drugs which commonly cause sexual dysfunction problems. Restore your general health and your sexual health will automatically follow.
Is it possible when you buy natural health supplements that you can slow the aging process? Yes! Numerous clinical studies have shown and are still finding the health benefits of many of these nutrients. You can try to come up with your own supplement plan and take many different supplements individually. However, to buy natural health supplements and design your own supplement program is not the best way. It's easy to end up with a dozen or more individual substances to take daily, which is both a hassle and expensive. And if certain substances are out of balance, they can combine to produce other unwanted compounds that can be harmful.
There are manufacturers that provide advanced nutritional products in one broad high-quality daily supplement. Nutrient quantities are combined according to the latest research, and individual ingredients are linked to relevant clinical studies and benefits. Learn as much as you can before you buy natural health supplements and the natural tonics for health and wellness you'll be taking every day.
Copyright 2005 InfoSearch Publishing
Tags: buy natural health supplements, natural tonics for health and wellness, health supplements
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Building Blocks For Bone Health Registered Dietitian Shares Her Top Bone Health Essentials
On average, the human body is made up of 206 bones and cartilage that support and shape the body. Living bone is fragile, and when it's not cared for, osteoporosis can develop and cause increased susceptibility to fractures. According to the Surgeon General, half of all Americans over 50 are expected to suffer or be at risk for osteoporosis.
Fortunately, there are proactive measures people can take to strengthen bones and help prevent osteoporosis. "Calcium along with diet and exercise are the building blocks for strong, healthy bones, but they're not enough," said Los Angeles-based registered dietitian, Carroll Reider. "It's also important to go beyond calcium alone and incorporate other key nutrients into the diet."
Reider's top five bone-building nutrients are:
• Calcium helps build and maintain good bone health. And, as part of a healthy diet, adequate calcium intake helps reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
• Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that helps the body absorb calcium. Vitamin D is essential for the normal development and maintenance of healthy teeth and bones.
• Vitamin K plays an essential role within two important proteins found in all bones.
• Phosphorous is found naturally in the body, with approximately 85 percent being in the bones. Like calcium, phosphorus is an important mineral for bone health.
• B vitamins are important to bone health as they help regulate homocysteine levels. Some studies have shown that high homocysteine levels have a negative effect on bone health.
Other nutrients Reider highlights as bone helpers include vitamin E, magnesium, zinc, copper, manganese, boron and vitamin C. "It's best to try to get these nutrients from your diet alone, but that's not always the easiest thing to do," said Reider.
To ensure you're getting all your bone health essentials, Reider recommends incorporating a specialty bone strengthener, such as Nature Made OsteoRenew Ultra into your daily routine. A comparison of bone health supplements at drugstores found OsteoRenew Ultra to be the complete nonprescription bone strengthener. With more bone-fortifying nutrients than any other leading brand, the ingredients in OsteoRenew Ultra's unique formula have been proven to support bone health in more than 30 clinical studies.
Tags: Building Blocks For Bone Health Registered Dietitian Shares Her Top Bone Health Essentials
Friday, April 24, 2009
Bone Up on Your Calcium And Fiber Knowledge
For many Americans, getting the recommended daily amount of nutrients can be challenging - particularly when it comes to dietary fiber and calcium.
The National Academy of Sciences and the National Osteoporosis Foundation report that adult men and women require a daily calcium intake of 1,000 milligrams to 1,200 milligrams a day, the equivalent of four 8-ounce glasses of milk, to ensure good bone health.
However, according to the National Institutes of Health, a large percentage of Americans fail to meet the recommended guidelines for optimal calcium intake - putting them at increased risk for osteoporosis, a significant health threat for both women and men and the major underlying cause of bone fractures in postmenopausal women and the elderly.
Americans also face a troubling national "fiber deficit." According to Columbia University, typical consumption of fiber averages 10 grams to 15 grams daily - less than half the recommended allowance. Leading health experts and members of the National Fiber Council, whose Web site is www.national fibercouncil.org, encourage Americans to consume at least 32 grams of dietary fiber per day.
Fiber keeps the digestive system running smoothly and may help prevent many diseases. In fact, "soluble" fiber has been shown to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease by lowering cholesterol and some research indicates fiber may help prevent Type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.
Here are some tips from Pat Baird, member of the National Fiber Council and registered dietitian, on adding fiber and calcium to the diet:
* Start off the day by combining fiber and calcium-rich foods, such as a bowl of whole-grain cereal with milk, yogurt sprinkled with fresh berries or calcium-fortified orange juice.
* Choose healthful snacks such as string cheese, nuts, air-popped popcorn or cottage cheese
* Calcium can be found in foods such as broccoli, dry roasted almonds and dried figs - all of which also are sources of dietary fiber.
* Supplements, such as Metamucil Capsules Plus Calcium, which provides 3 grams of psyllium fiber and 300 milligrams of elemental calcium per serving, are a viable option for those unable to meet their daily calcium and fiber requirements through food and drink intake alone.
Tags: Bone Up on Your Calcium And Fiber Knowledge
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Bone Up On Vitamin D
Weak, fragile bones and susceptibility to fractures-these are some of the painful consequences of the debilitating bone disease, osteoporosis. Currently, 10 million people suffer from osteoporosis in the United States and another 34 million are at risk of developing the disease. The Surgeon General has named osteoporosis a national health threat and estimated that by 2020 one in two Americans over the age of 50 will be at risk for fractures from osteoporosis or low bone mass.
There are several risk factors associated with the development of osteoporosis, including inadequate levels of vitamin D, a nutrient essential to the body's absorption of calcium. Recent research has uncovered that over 70 percent of women over the age of 50 have low levels of vitamin D, and even women being treated for osteoporosis have low levels of the important vitamin. To address the need for greater awareness about low levels of vitamin D, Spirit of Women Hospital Network has teamed up with Dr. Marie Savard, an internationally recognized women's health expert, to launch a new vitamin D risk assessment.
"Patients are frequently unaware of the importance of vitamin D in bone health and may not know they have low levels of vitamin D. Given its effect on calcium absorption, vitamin D inadequacy is an important medical concern for women, especially those over 50 or those who have been diagnosed with osteoporosis," said Dr. Savard.
In 2005, The American Medical Women's Association issued recommendations that called for an increase in vitamin D to 800-1,000 IU daily. The risk assessment will enable women to actively address the adequacy of their vitamin D intake and will direct them toward a possible treatment option for osteoporosis to discuss with their doctors.
"Women today want to be on top of their health to ensure their mobility and independence for a lifetime. The vitamin D risk assessment will help women recognize risk factors for osteoporosis and empower them to make important decisions about their bone health," said Tanya Abreu, national director of Spirit of Women Hospital Network. "By spreading the word about the importance of vitamin D, we hope that women would recognize one of the risk factors for osteoporosis and take ACTION to prevent osteoporosis by talking to their doctors."
Tags: Bone Up On Vitamin D
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Body Building Supplements For Beginners|Supplementation To Gain Muscles Fast
“Do I need supplements to gain muscles fast?”, “What supplementations are needed for body building beginners?”, “Are the nutrients from my daily meals enough for me to gain bigger muscles fast?”
All body building beginners must have asked themselves these questions. You are reading this article because you would have probably asked these questions yourself.
The answer to these supplementation questions is an affirmative yes. Body building supplements are necessary if you want gain bigger muscles faster. This is because various supplements have their own benefits and they work together complementing each other to support muscle mass gain. You will probably not be getting enough of them through your normal meals and that is the primary reason why you need supplementation.
Since there are so many body building supplements in out there, choosing the correct and effective supplementation to gain muscles fast is a daunting task for a body building beginner.
Well, your anxiety will be solved in this article. As a body building beginner, you need only the basic supplementations to gain muscles effectively. You may need some other supplements when you are at the intermediate or advanced stages of body building.
So what are the basic supplementation to help a beginner to gain muscle mass?
•Protein Supplements – Without protein, you will never gain muscles. Protein is the fundamental supplement for every bodybuilder. You need 1 gram of protein for every pound of your bodyweight per day to faster gain bigger muscles. This is a lot of protein and most people will never get enough of protein from their meals.
•Creatine Supplements - Creatine can significantly increase muscle volume along with protein. It will also improve your weightlifting performances and raise your energy levels so that your workouts are more intensive and this provides for greater muscle gain.
•Glutamine Supplements – Glutamine is a non-essential amino acid, which makes up to 60% of the amino acids in the muscles. Glutamine helps in your muscle recovery after your workouts and also prevents muscle lost due to muscle catabolism.
•Multi Vitamins / Minerals Supplement – Your muscles need many vitamins and minerals for every stage of its function and recovery. Some vitamins and minerals are antioxidants and will also help in protecting muscle waste, help in muscle recovery and mopping up free radicals after your muscles are stressed out and damaged during your gym workouts.
As a bodybuilding beginner, these are the only supplementation you will need to help you gain bigger muscles fast.
Tags: gain big muscles fast, protein supplements, bodybuilding supplementation, gain muscles supplements
Monday, April 13, 2009
Body Building Supplements
Introduction:
Bodybuilding supplements consists of various substances including proteins and amino acids, metal replacement products, prohormones, testosterone boosters and are taken by boy builders and sports persons to help building muscle or supplement fat loss. These bodybuilding supplements are also suitable for improving sports performance.
Amino acids, Branched chain amino acids, glutamine and protein:
Protein consumed by our body metabolizes into amino acids. The bodybuilders prefer most commonly three branched chain amino acids leucine, isoleucine and valine. Muscles metabolize these branched chain amino acids. Additionally these branched chain amino acids are assumed to have resistance towards muscle breakdown.
Although soy protein, a naturally occurring complete protein may sometime exhibit estrogenic activity and is therefore avoided by many of the bodybuilders, however egg protein is preferred as it is also a complete protein. Casein, another richest protein source of amino acid glutamine is preferred as it contains casomorphine additionally, which releases amino acids at regular intervals.
Bodybuilders prefer to take protein just after exercise or as a replacement of meal. Protein powders are available in the market and right quantity of these at recommended helps in making muscles, as muscles are primarily made of protein and protein also helps us in repairing and growth of muscles.
Whenever you purchase a protein packet, you must look for total serving in the pocket and gram protein, gram carbs, gram sugar and gram fat per servings. If you are lactose intolerant, you should select a protein packet, which does not contain lactose. On the basis of all these information you must select the right product suitable for you.
Metal Replacement Products:
The metal replacement products are either available in powder form or in bar form. Powder form can be mixed with water, milk or juice and can be taken thereafter, however bars can be consumed straight away.
These are made available for complete meal replacement and contains high amount of proteins, moderate amount of carbohydrates and also contains various vitamins and minerals.
Various manufacturers of metal replacement products claim to have added soy protein, egg albumin, whey protein or micellar casein as source of protein. For replacement of carbohydrates ingredients derived from oat fiber, wheat flour or maltodextrin have been added. Some may contain essential fatty acids substitute and other mineral substitutes. Some other products such as glutamine peptide and additional amino acids are also added by some of the manufacturers.
Creatine Monohydrate:
Creatine monohydrate is one of the essential organic acids. It is one of the few products suitable for making healthy muscles. Creatine monohydrate is useful for sports persons engaged in weight lifting and short-range sprinters. Creatine monohydrate works in our body and plays a vital role in making and replenishing of ATP. It is also occurs naturally in beef, pork, and salmon.
If you are on creatine, you may notice a weight gain as creatine has a volumizing effect and draws water and various other nutrients to muscle cells.
Some of the common and minor side effects associated with intake of creatine include stomach upset and gastrointestinal distress. Although, some of the recent studies on creatine shows that it has a positive influence on our heart health and it lowers our lipid profile.
Prohormone Supplements:
Prohormones are precursors to both male and female hormones. Body builders are only interested in the supplements capable to increase male hormone testosterone as at elevated level testosterone will lead to improved muscle growth. Studies carried out on various prohormone have not given the desired results. Some of the horhormone are not significant and effective and may have side effects.
Tags: body building, body building supplements, supplements, diets and supplements
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Better Heart Health May Come From Candy
HDL, LDL, triglycerides - the acronyms and terms of the cholesterol debate are becoming part of our everyday language.
Americans are bombarded with reports to raise their HDL (the "good" cholesterol) and lower their LDL, or "bad." While the terms can be difficult to remember, many already know that cholesterol levels need to be controlled to improve heart health and overall wellness.
To do this, many are watching their diets while also checking with a health care professional for the best strategies. But for many, maintaining a healthy cholesterol level is difficult and often expensive. Prescription treatments for cholesterol can cost several hundred dollars per month, by some estimates.
In response to these concerns, Mosaic Nutraceuticals, a Dallas-based company, has come up with a way to address the cholesterol issue. Wrapped in a soft candy chew, "Lipotrene," Mosaic's aid in promoting cholesterol health, is an option for those wanting to control their cholesterol without pills or expensive prescriptions.
"People have to watch their cholesterol in order to maintain good heart health. People also like candy," said Charles Townsend, chief executive officer of Mosaic. "We took these two issues and combined them into Lipotrene, which is loaded with the natural cholesterol control agent Policosanol."
Tags: Better Heart Health May Come From Candy
Best Vitamin Supplements - 3 Criteria for the additional vitamin A should Undecided
Best vitamin supplements must meet high standards in three critical areas. Quality in all three areas is vital not only for health benefits but for safety reasons as well. The best vitamin supplements should excel in these ways:
1. The Design of the Supplement - the term 'efficacy' means 'to produce an effect'. When combined correctly, the effects or efficacy of certain vitamins and minerals in the body can be increased several times. And substances, whether natural or synthetic, when mixed together, can form other undesired or dangerous substances if they are not combined scientifically. When creating a complex best vitamin supplement formula, the professional qualifications of the design staff is a crucial part of the process.
2. The Quality of the Ingredients - there can be enormous differences in quality and potency as well as differences in costs of the individual ingredients. Priority should be given to quality, potency and purity with the best vitamin supplements since the final product will only be as good as the raw ingredients used. The manufacturer must have a system in place to verify that the ingredients used are as the suppliers claim.
3. The Procedures Used in Manufacturing - the large volume vitamin manufacturers may use a ribbon type blender and mix ingredients for only about 20 minutes. This means that low dose substances may not be mixed properly. The time that passes after mixing before encapsulating or tableting is important - less than two hours between blending and tableting makes sure that the blend's integrity remains intact during the manufacturing process. The only dependable way to be sure you are getting the best vitamin supplements is to buy them from a facility that meets pharmaceutical industry production standards.
Are vitamin and mineral supplements really needed? Numerous studies have concluded that because of soil depletion, the overall nutrient value of foods has been declining for decades. Also, even the best vitamin supplements cannot substitute for a poor diet. Eating mostly junk food and taking vitamins will not provide you with the nutrients you will obtain with vegetables and fruits. Vitamin supplements should be considered supplements, not replacements for food. For example, the latest USDA food pyramid recommends consuming 2.5 cups of vegetables a day for women and 3 cups a day for men - most people do not.
The best vitamin supplements cannot be the one-a-day type. Why? One capsule or tablet simply cannot hold all that's needed in necessary quantities - it would be way too large to swallow. One-a-day vitamins are probably a waste of money. And on the other hand, it is easy to end up with a dozen or more individual vitamins to take daily, requiring bottles and bottles which is both a hassle and expensive.
And finally, women need a different vitamin formula than men. A woman's supplement should contain nutrients that are proven by clinical studies to support the balancing of female hormones before, during and after menopause. The best vitamin supplements for men should contain ingredients specifically for supporting healthy male prostate. Including ingredients proven in clinical studies for the prevention of BPH or enlarged prostate is an important part of the best vitamin supplements for men.
Yes, there are manufacturers that meet or exceed the above criteria. Learn as much as you can about what finding the best vitamin supplements really means - before spending your money, be informed about the products you will be taking every day.
Copyright 2005 InfoSearch Publishing
Tags: best vitamin supplements, best vitamin supplement, vitamin, vitamins, vitamin supplements
Friday, April 10, 2009
Best Vitamin Supplements
Most people want to improve their health, particularly if they can do it easily. Since the way modern food is processed can destroy nutrients, many people choose to supplement their diets by taking vitamin pills. What are the best vitamin supplements to maximize health? Here is a suggested list.
Always consult your physician before you start taking vitamins. Your medical advisor is the only person who can determine what the best vitamin supplements and dosages are for you.
<b>The basics</b>
A multivitamin tablet is a great foundation when looking for the best vitamin supplements. It will contain some of all the basic vitamins and minerals you need and in some cases, a full dose. For example, the amount of Vitamin A in multivitamins is plenty and a separate Vitamin A tablet won't be needed.
Vitamin B complex, which includes 11 different B vitamins, contributes to the health of the nervous system. It is beneficial for medication overuse, alcoholism or recovery from a serious illness. B vitamins assist in reducing the effects of stress and support the adrenal glands. They aid in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins and are essential for the health of your skin, hair, eyes, mouth and liver.
Vitamin B-3 is also known as niacin or niacinamide. It helps maintain healthy functioning of the nervous system, digestive system and skin.
Vitamin B-6 combats carpal tunnel syndrome, joint pain, trigger finger, sensitivity to bright light, burning or tingling in the extremities and inability to recall dreams. It works in combination with magnesium and zinc.
Vitamin B-12 is used as a tonic. It assists in the conversion of iron to hemoglobin in the blood, helps normalize hormone production and increases short-term memory in the elderly. It also contributes to nervous system health.
Folic acid is an essential B vitamin that promotes heart health. Pregnant women need ample supplies of folic acid to reduce the risk of serious birth defects in their babies.
Vitamin C is a strong antioxidant. It reacts with free radicals in the bloodstream to combat cell damage, so it can be considered a cancer fighter. It is important in immune system health and collagen formation. Some people believe high doses of vitamin C can help fight colds, but research to support this is mixed. It is present in citrus fruit and prevents scurvy, a disease caused by vitamin C deficiency.
Vitamin D helps promote healthy bones, largely by helping the body absorb calcium. Vitamin D can reduce the risk of diabetes, heart attack, muscle and bone pain, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and cancers of the breast, colon, prostate, ovaries, esophagus and lymphatic system. It may also help lower blood pressure. It stimulates the pancreas to make insulin and regulates the immune system.
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that fights free radicals whose accumulation can lead to premature cell aging. In addition, vitamin E enhances immune response, which is beneficial in preventing and fighting cancer. Studies suggest it may reduce the risk of prostate cancer. It was formerly believed that Vitamin E helped reduce the risk of heart attack, but recent studies suggest it may increase that risk.
Calcium is necessary for bone maintenance and assists in muscle contraction and nerve function. It may also help prevent colon cancer.
Magnesium works with calcium to build bones. It helps keep muscles strong and nerves alert, as well as helping protect the heart from the stress of exercise. It may also protect against type two diabetes.
<b>Optional extras</b>
Beta carotene supplements the activity of vitamin A. It is a powerful antioxidant and immune system enhancer.
Chromium picolinate stabilizes blood sugar and may promote weight loss as part of a balanced diet and exercise regimen. It can also be used for body building, decreased and increased blood sugar levels and morning sickness.
Coenzyme Q10 is a major antioxidant used in the transfer of cellular respiration inside the inner mitochondrial membranes of the body's cells. It supports heart health.
Lutein promotes eye health. It may protect against aging related eye diseases, including macular degeneration and cataracts.
Selenium binds with heavy metals and helps the body get rid of them. It supports the immune system and may protect against some forms of cancer.
Zinc is another antioxidant supplement believed to be helpful in shortening the duration of colds. People with zinc deficiency may have significantly higher glucose levels and lower insulin levels than similar patients without normal zinc levels.
If you are experiencing health problems, do some research on the Internet to find what the best vitamin supplements are for your condition. People who prefer to avoid taking prescription drugs may be able to find solutions by selecting the best vitamin supplements supported by research studies.
Tags: vitamins, supplements
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Benefits of Vitamin E in question
Although taking vitamin supplements is generally a daily routine with most people, the benefits of vitamin E in the human body is not clearly established, but it is known to be an essential nutrient in more than 20 vertebrate species. The vitamin plays some role in forming red blood cells and muscle and other tissues and in preventing the oxidation of vitamin A and fats. It is found in vegetable oils, wheat germ, liver, and leafy green vegetables. Vitamin E is popularly advocated for a wide range of diseases, but no substantial evidence has been found to back these claims. In fact, recently there have been conflicting reports regarding the benefit of vitamin E. Although vitamin E is stored in the body, overdoses appear to have lower toxic effects than do overdoses of other fat-soluble vitamins. The benefits of vitamin e supplements have been widely discussed and there are various opinions as to it efficacy; however, it has been noted that in low doses it does not seem have a detrimental effect.
Even the finest public health and medical services are of limited value to people who have poor health habits. Numerous studies have proven that physical health and longevity are linked to the following: eating a balanced diet, maintaining proper weight, exercising regularly, using condoms and limiting the number of sexual partners, avoiding tobacco, and avoiding alcohol or consuming it in moderation. People who fail to follow these guidelines increase their risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, AIDS, hepatitis, and other lethal diseases.
The benefits of vitamin E should be discussed with your personal doctor. There have been so many conflicting research results published lately that it makes it very difficult to determine the best course of action for each particular individual. Another report indicated that the effect of low-dose supplements lowered the risk of death by less than 1%, while high dosages contributed to death. As with all supplements (unless otherwise indicated by your physician), moderation is always preferable.
In an article in the July 6 JAMA, I-Min Lee, M.B.B.S., Sc.D., of Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, and colleagues analyzed data from the vitamin E component of the Women's Health Study, which tested whether vitamin E supplementation decreases the risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer among healthy women. The researchers found with the vitamin E group, there was no significant effect on major cardiovascular events, on the incidences of heart attack or stroke, as well as ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke. For cardiovascular death, there was a 24 percent reduction. There was no significant effect on the incidences of total cancer or breast, lung, or colon cancers. Cancer deaths also did not differ significantly between groups. There was no significant effect of vitamin E on total death although some research shows that large doses do indeed have a detrimental effect.
Online merchants that specialize in vitamin supplements can assist you in determining your needs. However, when considering the facts about vitamin E (as with all other supplements), it is wise to first discuss the matter with your own doctor. Once it has been determined that you should take a particular vitamin or many vitamin supplements, you should consider all the online sources for nutritional supplements. The prices are much more competitive than at typical retail stores and they offer the same guarantees.
Tags: vitamin suppliments online merchants
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Benefits Of Vitamin E
Oxygen is one of the primary components of nature that supports life. The same oxygen, when inside the body, through certain molecules, becomes overly reactive and starts causing damage through the formation of free radicals. This is called oxidative stress. Vitamin E, as an antioxidant, helps prevent oxidative stress, thereby preventing cell damage and aging of the cells.
The body absorbs cholesterol, a fatty substance in foods, and this is transferred from the liver to different tissues to be stored as fats. They are carried in the bloodstream by a molecule called Low Density Lipoproteins (LDL). When LDL gets oxidized, they react with cholesterol and a waxy fat substance called plaque is deposited on the walls of the arteries, which results in the stopping of blood flow, high blood pressure and cardio-vascular diseases.
Vitamin E helps prevent the conversion of cholesterol into plaque, and this is done by alpha-tocopherol, not any other form of vitamin E, because liver places it preferentially in the bloodstream through a protein called alpha-tocopherol transfer protein.
The effect of vitamin E in preventing cancer has not conclusively been established. According to a study by The American Association of Cancer Research, reduced risk of cancer is associated with an intake of vitamin E-rich foods. Contradictorily, a study done by Iowa Women’s Health Study finds little evidence that vitamin E has protective effect against breast cancer in women after menopause. Hence, researchers have noted that not just vitamin E alone, but foods rich in antioxidants may be able to protect from cancer.
Numerous studies have established the effect of vitamin E in protecting the skin from ultraviolet radiation, whose harmful effects include photodermatitis, an allergic type reaction to the UV rays of the sun. Vitamin E, whether taken through foods or applied topically, has been shown to protect skin cell membranes.
Besides these benefits, vitamin E may protect from Alzheimer’s, cataracts (clouding of the lens of the eyes), and pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas). Also, vitamin E may be beneficial in healing wounds and burns, reducing scars. The property of combating oxidative stress may be useful for athletes, as their oxygen utilization rate is higher than those not doing exercise, which results in increased generation of free radicals.
Without proper conclusions from studies, it would be premature to opt for supplements without the advice of medical practitioner. However, it is generally recommended to take several servings of vegetables and fruits that are rich in antioxidants.
Tags: Vitamin E, Benefit Of Vitamin E, Vitamin E Oil, Natural Vitamin E
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Benefits Of Vitamin B12 (Methylcobalamin) Supplementation
One of the most overlooked supplements on the market is Vitamin B12.Your body needs this vitamin, in combination with other B vitamins, to maintain a healthy nervous system, maintain energy levels and production of good DNA. All very important processes to your everyday existence.
The number one symptom for Vitamin B12 deficiency is feeling tired and lethargic. The B-Complex vitamins play an important role in carbohydrate digestion and energy production. Without all of the proper components this system can breakdown and cause a these symptoms. If left without diagnosis or treatment, B12 deficiency can lead to a serious medical condition, Pernicious Anemia. The symptoms of B12 deficiency include; shortness of breath, fatigue, rapid heart rate, loss of appetite, diarrhea, tingling and numbness of hands and feet, sore mouth, unsteady gait, especially in the dark, tongue problems, impaired smell and bleeding gums. A high intake of Folic Acid can hide B12 deficiency. This condition is easily fixed by adding B12 rich foods to your diet or taking supplements. In most cases, Vitamin B12 should be taken in conjunction with a Folic Acid supplement and a B-Complex vitamin.
Because of changing diets, and highly processed food, there has been a significant increase in Vitamin B12 deficiency. Vitamin B12 is found in red meat, eggs, dairy and fish. There are no know sources of Vitamin B12 in vegetables. At one time it was quite common to feast on organ meat, but you would be hard press to find a fast food restaurant serving steak and kidney pie or liver and onions! The modern diets has led to a decline in nutritionally balanced diets. The highest sources of B12 can be found in mollusks/clams (85 micrograms per 3oz portion) and beef liver (47 micrograms per 3oz portion). Over cooking can lead to the breakdown of the vitamins. If those are not to you your liking then salmon, trout and beef are moderate sources with about 5 micrograms per 3 oz portion. Over cooking these foods can significantly reduce the quantity and quality of nutrients.
If oysters and organ meat are not to your liking then Vitamin B12 supplements will work perfectly well. There are a number of forms of B12, and this list will help you pick the proper supplement for your conditions. When in doubt, contact your doctor or use Methylcobalamin.
Methylcobalamin is a coenzyme form of Vitamin B12 which is biologically active. This means that your body can use it as is, and does not require any metabolic steps to make it body friendly. The product comes in a sublingual tablet(dissolves under your tongue) because your digestive system modifies the molecule. The sublingual method allows the vitamin to directly enter your bloodstream, providing rapid benefits.
Cyanocobalamin is a synthetic, and inactive, form of Vitamin B12 that requires a number of metabolic processes to gain any benefit. This can be problematic in people with certain deficiencies and health issues. Unfortunately, this is the most common form of Vitamin B12 on the market and is found in most Vitamin B-Complex’s.
Hydroxycobalamin is a non-active form of Vitamin B12 and is used commonly as an injectable form. It has a number of benefits depending on your condition. It is recommended for those who have cyanide sensitivity. Hydroxycobalamin helps the body bind free cyanide, by reacting with the molecule to form cyanocobalamin, which can then be excreted from the body. Most people are aware that cyanide is highly toxic, but the body regularly uses it in very small quantities for metabolic processes.
Adenosylcobalamin is the other coenzyme form of Vitamin B12 and is biologically active. This form is usually sold as an injectable form and only available by prescription.
Common Reasons for Vitamin B12 Deficiency
There are a number of reasons why a person may have Vitamin B12 deficiency. Some people lack the proper intrinsic factor to properly digest this molecule. Many times this will show up at a young age but may occur as you age, however many times it is not diagnosed properly.
Vegan’s also may be deficient because their diet does not allow them to eat sources of food derived from animals. Unfortunately, Vitamin B12 is only found in animal sources. Taking supplements of B12 will ensure that there are no issues.
It is also recommended that elderly people take Vitamin B12 supplements. It has been shown in studies that 15% of people over 65 have Vitamin B12 deficiency. This is partially caused by a decline in the gastric system, which results in poor absorption of nutrients. The preferred source of B12 for the elderly is sublingual or injectable forms, since they bypass the digestive systems.
Another culprits for B12 deficiency is gastric acid-blocking products and medication, which can lead to decreased vitamin B12 levels. This is also related to people with malabsorption conditions such as Celiac disease, low stomach acid or those who have had stomach or intestinal surgery. Any stomach condition may result in poor absorption of nutrients.
Vitamin B12 is a very safe, and affordable, supplement with real benefits. For anyone that is concerned about their health, proper supplementation can play a very important role. If you have any of the symptoms or conditions associated with Vitamin B12 deficiency try taking a coenzyme form of B12, usually Methylcobalamin, and a B-Complex Vitamin with Folic Acid for a two week period. If you notice any benefits, great, and if not there was no harm done. You should always check with your doctor if your symptoms continue.
One interesting thought about Vitamin B12 is that oysters were documented as a aphrodisiac food by the Romans in the second century. Could it have been that many Romans were deficient in B12, and when they ate the oysters, which are high in B12, they were no longer deficient resulting in an increase in energy and youthfulness? It’s possible.
Tags: vitamin b12, methylcobalamin, anemia, health, supplements
Benefits Of Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is a safe, reliable and inexpensive vitamin. For health-conscious individuals, a regular intake of a prescribed amount of vitamin B12 is a key element for preserving a balance in the human body. B12 could be obtained from food sources or could be taken in the form of supplements orally or via injections.
In combination with other B-group vitamins, vitamin B12 ensures the smooth functioning of vital life processes of the human body. It is important for maintaining a healthy nervous system and DNA production. Vitamin B12 helps to regulate the formation of red blood cells in the body. Other benefits of vitamin B12 include its role in maintaining and increasing energy levels in the human body.
Vitamin B12 is highly beneficial in various forms. Methylcobalamin, the coenzyme form of vitamin B12 is a body-friendly version, which means that no metabolic steps are required for its ingestion and it can be used it in its normal form. It is available as a sublingual tablet that dissolves under the tongue (because the digestive system might modify this molecule). Through this method, vitamin B12 can directly penetrate the bloodstream and yield numerous benefits. Hydroxocobalamin is another form of vitamin B12 that has been recognized as an effective cure for cyanide poisoning.
Research studies reveal a clear, inverse correlation between homocysteine (an amino acid found in the human body) levels and vitamin B12 levels. Blocking the formation of homocysteine leads to endothelial dysfunction (a narrowing of the arteries) and is a precursor of atherosclerosis; vitamin B12 helps to curb atherosclerosis. A supplement of vitamin B12 also augments the efficiency of folic acid’s capacity to lower homocysteine levels. Researchers are of the opinion that in conjunction with folic acid, an adequate dose of vitamin B12 helps to counter heart diseases and thrombosis. The synthesis of S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe), a compound involved in immune function and mood, depends on the association of folate and vitamin B12.
Studies indicate that absorption of Vitamin B12 decreases with an increase in age. Hence, an increased intake of vitamin B12 is extremely useful for adults above fifty. The recommended form of intake is in supplement form, since elderly people absorb this form better than food forms of vitamin B12. A supplementation of vitamin B12 aids in the cognitive function and heals neurological impairment within this group.
In most cases, vitamin B12 should be taken in conjunction with a folic acid supplement and a B-Complex vitamin. The good news is that while an intake of vitamin B12 facilitates functions necessary for everyday existence, an extra dose causes no harm but instead could be stored for future use.
Tags: Vitamin B 12, Vitamin B 12 Creams, Vitamin B 12 Deficiency, Vitamin B 12 Injections
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Benefits of Supplementing With St. John's Wort
What is St John's Wort?
Extracts of Hypericum perforatum L. (St John's wort) are now successfully competing for status as a standard antidepressant therapy. Because of this, great effort has been devoted to identifying the active antidepressant compounds in the extract. From a phytochemical point of view, St John's wort is one of the best-investigated medicinal plants. Researchers in Europe have studied St John's Wort for decades. They discovered a combination of elements in the plant, foremost of which is "hypericin", react with specific chemicals in the brain to temper emotional discomfort, lift depression, and calm the nerves. Working very much like the common synthetic prescription antidepressants (maprotiline hydrochloride and imipramine), natural extracts from St. John's Wort have shown to relax and soothe the psyche with minimal side effects
St John's Wort Benefits
St. Johns Wort today has been found to be very beneficial in healing wounds and is especially good for dirty, septic wounds. St. Johns Wort has been used in case of putrid leg ulcers, that noting heals. Like the leach that was used not too many years ago for wound cleansing it does not destroy the healthy tissues and healthy cells but it cleans the dirt out of septic wounds. It helps reduce the inflammation in septic sores, in boils, in cellulite and lymhangitis.
The compound Hypericin was isolated from St. Johns Wort in 1942 and has been used as an anti-depressant for emotionally disturbed people. This tranquilizing quality from small quantities hypericin increase blood flow to stressed tissue. There is a reduced capillary fragility and enhanced uterine tone due to the increased Hypotensive blood flow.
St John's Wort Side Effects
The use of St. Johns Wort has been shown to demonstrate a side effect producing a photosensitivity. Hypericin is absorbed in the intestines and concentrates near the skin. An allergic reaction takes place when those with light fair skin are exposed sunlight. That exposure causes tissue damage and in some cases death has resulted. While taking St. Johns Wort one should avoid strong sunlight whether the skin is dark or light. There is a photosensitizing substance produced under the skin by this exposure to sunlight that causes the skin to burn.
Benefits
• relieves mild to moderate depression and anxiety.
• promotes restful sleep.
• improves capillary circulation.
• increases cardiac circulation.
• eases gastrointestinal distress.
• relieves discomfort associated with premenstrual syndrome.
• fights retroviruses.
Tags: St John's Wort, St St John's Wort, St John's Wort pills, St John's extract, st john's antidepressant
Monday, March 30, 2009
Benefits of Supplementing With Creatine
What is creatine?
Creatine is an amino acid (amino acids are the building blocks of protein) which is made in the body by the liver and kidneys, and is derived from the diet through meat and animal products. Creatine (creatine monohydrate) is a colorless, crystalline substance used in muscle tissue for the production of phosphocreatine, an important factor in the formation of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the source of energy for muscle contraction and many other functions in the body.
What does creatine normally do in the body?
In the body, creatine is changed into a molecule called "phosphocreatine" which serves as a storage reservoir for quick energy. Phosphocreatine is especially important in tissues such as the voluntary muscles and the nervous system which periodically require large amounts of energy.
Why do athletes take creatine?
Studies have shown that creatine can increase the performance of athletes in activities that require quick bursts of energy, such as sprinting, and can help athletes to recover faster after expending bursts of energy. Creatine is best for the serious bodybuilder. It helps increase muscle mass, rather than muscle endurance, so it’s not well suited for athletes participating in endurance activities. However, the increase in muscle mass may be due to water retention and not an increase in muscle tissue.
Why have I been hearing so much about creatine and neuromuscular disorders?
Two scientific studies have indicated that creatine may be beneficial for neuromuscular disorders. First, a study by MDA-funded researcher M. Flint Beal of Cornell University Medical Center demonstrated that creatine was twice as effective as the prescription drug riluzole in extending the lives of mice with the degenerative neural disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, or Lou Gehrig's disease). Second, a study by Canadian researchers Mark Tarnopolsky and Joan Martin of McMaster University Medical Center in Ontario found that creatine can cause modest increases in strength in people with a variety of neuromuscular disorders. Beal's work was published in the March 1999 issue of Nature Neuroscience and the second paper was published in the March 1999 issue of Neurology.
I want to start taking creatine -- is it safe?
For the most part, athletes haven't experienced adverse side-effects from taking creatine, although recently there have been a few reports of kidney damage linked to creatine usage. No consistent toxicity has been reported in studies of creatine supplementation. Dehydration has also been reported to be a problem while taking creatine.
Athletes generally take a "loading dose" of 20 grams of creatine a day for five or six days, then continue with a "maintenance dose" of 2 to 5 grams of creatine a day thereafter.
What are the side effects?
Little is known about long-term side effects of creatine, but no consistent toxicity has been reported in studies of creatine supplementation. In a study of side effects of creatine, diarrhea was the most commonly reported adverse effect of creatine supplementation, followed by muscle cramping.18 Some reports showed that kidney, liver, and blood functions were not affected by short-term higher amounts or long-term lower amounts of creatine supplementation in healthy young adults. In a small study of people taking 5–30 grams per day, no change in kidney function appeared after up to five years of supplementation. Muscle cramping after creatine supplementation has been anecdotally reported in some studies.
Benefits
• increases athletic performance
• increases muscle mass
• beneficial for muscular disorders
Tags: creatine, creatine powder, kre-alkalyn creatine, creatine monohydrate
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Benefits and deficiencies of Vitamins
Vitamins are compounds found in food, which help us to be fit and healthy. These organic compounds help in the functioning of the various metabolic systems of our body. Vitamins are found naturally in the various foods, which we consume and we can also obtain vitamins in the form of vitamin supplements. Vitamins also help to protect our body from diseases and infections. Vitamins are also essential for the formation of various enzymes and hormones of the body which control the metabolic activities such as digestion, circulation excretion etc. There are about eleven types of vitamins, which are essential for the human body. Vitamin A is essential for the proper functioning of our eye and it also acts as an anti oxidant preventing certain oxidizing chemical reactions, which cause harm to our body. Vitamin A can be obtained from green leafy vegetables, broccoli, carrot, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, papaya etc. The B group vitamins include thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, folic acid, cyanocobalamin and biotin. These are essential for the proper functioning of our nervous system and for the conversion of food in to energy by the body. It is also essential for the proper functioning of various metabolic activities of our body. Vitamin B is available from whole grains, beans, fish, lean meat, fruits and vegetables, dry fruits, nuts, milk, egg, soy beans, etc. Vitamin B-12 can be obtained only from animal sources such as liver, egg, meat, cheeses etc. B group vitamins are essential for the amino acid metabolism, nitrogen metabolism, and for the healthy skin. Vitamin C can be obtained from citrus fruits such as lemon, sweet lime, oranges, grapes, grapefruit etc. Vitamin C is essential for the prevention of diseases and infection. It also helps in the absorption of iron. Vitamin D can be obtained from sunlight. It is essential for the bones and teeth. It is also needed for the growth of our body. Vitamin E is an essential antioxidant. It can be obtained from whole grains, asparagus, wheat germ, corn, green leafy vegetables and seeds.
If you do not take a proper nutritious diet then you may suffer from vitamin deficiency health problems. Lack of Vitamin A can cause problems related to eyesight such as night blindness. Insufficient Vitamin B can cause diseases like Beriberi, Anemia, poor resistance to diseases, etc. Lack of Vitamin C causes gum bleeding, weakness, loss of appetite, tiredness etc. Insufficient vitamin D causes deformation of bones and teeth. Deficiency of vitamins in food leads to poor health. An effective way of filling the nutritional gaps due to poor eating habits is the use of vitamin supplements. These vitamin supplements can help us to boost our immune system and to build up stamina.
It is always better to take vitamins as a whole from food sources rather than synthetic vitamins. Taking synthetic vitamins is more like taking half vitamin and our body treats natural and synthetic vitamin differently. It is very essential to provide our body with natural nutrients for protecting various organs and body functions. Our body needs whole vitamins, which are found naturally in the foods such as grains, vegetables and fruits rather than vitamin supplements. Our body utilizes the natural vitamin more efficiently than the synthetic vitamin.
Tags: vitamins, nutrition, benefits
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Bee Supplements For Your Health
Bee Pollen
Bee pollen is often referred to as nature's most complete food. Human consumption of bee pollen is praised in the Bible, other religious books, and ancient Chinese and Egyptian texts. Bee pollen rejuvenates your body, stimulates organs and glands, enhances vitality, and brings about a longer life span. Bee pollen's ability to consistently and noticeably increase energy levels makes it a favorite substance among many world class athletes and those interested in sustaining and enhancing quality performance.
Bee Propolis
Bee propolis, often called Nature’s penicillin, has historically been used to treat TB, ulcers, mitosis, colitis and to boost immunity. Bee propolis has been shown to destroy bacteria, viruses, fungus and even penicillin-resistant bacteria (staphylococcus). It contains bioflavonoids, one of which (galangin) is a natural antibiotic. As well, Bee propolis boosts immune functioning, specifically by increasing the activity of phagocytes (killer cells). Bee Propolis also inhibits prostaglandin production, thereby stopping inflammation.
Bee Propolis is a resin collected from plants by bees and used in the construction of hives. Bees adopted sterilization habits long before humans. The most sterile place in nature is the bee hive. Propolis is the natural substance responsible for neutralizing any bacteria, fungi or virus which enters the hive. One of the most powerful foods found in nature, Propolis is a highly complex mixture of waxes, resins, balsams, oils and a small amount of pollen.
Bee Propolis is a waxy substance collected by honey bees which contains phytotonizides. Phytotonizides are believed to contain immunity factors, which when used internally, stimulates the body and gives it a natural resistance to diseases (a natural antibiotic). Propolis is gathered from all around the world, and proper temperature control will assure maximum freshness and consistency.
As a supplement, Bee Propolis is an excellent aid against bacterial infections. Stimulates 'phagocytosis'; helps white blood cells to destroy bacteria. Good results against inflammation of the mucous membranes of the mouth and the throat, dry cough, halitosis, tonsillitis, ulcers, and acne. Stimulates immune system.
Royal Jelly
Royal Jelly is a substance of complex chemical structure produced by the young nurse bees as larva food. Although it is not quite as well known as bee pollen, royal jelly equals pollen in its salutary effects.
The young nurse bees make royal jelly, it is a secretion from glands on the tops of their heads. For 2-3 days, royal jelly is the only food given to all young larvae in their maturation process, while for the queen larvae, it is the specific food for their whole life period. During the 3 days in which the worker bee larvae are fed on royal jelly, they reach the maximum development; their weight multiplies about 250 times. The queen (fed only on royal jelly for her entire life) reaches maturity 5 days earlier than the worker bees; and, when she is fully grown, her weight is double that of the working bee. The span of the worker bee's life is about 35-40 days; while the queen lives 5-6 years and is extremely prolific. She is fertilized once, and from that moment on can lay as many as three thousand eggs a day during the season. As incredible as this may seem, she can lay that many eggs for five years.
This rich concentrated food is not just useful for the bees. It contains remarkable amounts of proteins, lipids, glucides, vitamins, hormones, enzymes, mineral substances, and specific vital factors that act as biocatalysts in cell regeneration processes within the human body.
Tags: bee pollen, bee propolis, queen bee propolis, royal jelly, bee products