Posted by admin on January 7th, 2009 — Posted in Nutrition + More
ZMA is a scientifically designed anabolic mineral formula containing zinc monomethionine aspartate, magnesium aspartate and vitamin B-6. Studies have shown that it has a clinical effect on testosterone levels when taken in a combination containing 30 mg of zinc and 450 mg of magnesium per day. The most famous study conducted by Lorrie Brilla at Western Washington University indicated that this combination could raise testosterone levels by as much as 30%.
Bodybuilders can obviously benefit from taking ZMA, specifically in the following ways:
1. It increases the body’s natural production of testosterone thus boosting its capacity for building lean muscle.
2. It increases levels of growth hormone.
3. It helps sleep if taken 30-60 minutes before bed thus enhancing rest and recovery.
ZMA has no known side effects but it must be taken in the proper dosage to the exact proportions used in most studies - that is 11 mg of vitamin B-6, 450 mg of magnesium and 30 mg of zinc.
Richard Mitchell is the creator of the bodybuildingadvisor.com website that provides guidance and information to athletes at all levels of bodybuilding experience. Go to Bodybuilding Advice to learn more about the issues covered in this article.
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Posted by admin on December 29th, 2008 — Posted in Nutrition + More
Acidophilus is also known as Lactobacillus Acidophilus. It is the good bacteria. This is one of the probiotics normally found in the human intestines. They are essential in antibiotic therapy. There are studies that show the function of the good bacteria as an immunity enhancer. It is essential in the maintenance of normal level and consistency of other bacteria in the body. It is normally found in the gastrointestinal tract and vagina. They are used in treating several health problems and illnesses.
Acidophilus are made as drug supplements. It is available in different forms such as pills, granule or powdered formulations, suppository, liquid formulation, douche and capsules. Some dairy products contain acidophilus as well.
Current Western medicine has a different use for Acidophilus. Traditionally and culturally, it is used as herbal supplements. However, you need to consult a primary health care worker if you will be using this. You should ask professional advise first if you are going to take them as a supplement. Even though they are basically harmless, some people have a different reaction with the said bacteria.
It also helps treat different digestive disorders. It gives relief to the people that suffer from IBS or irritable bowel syndrome. It controls diarrhea. It relieves flatulence and decreases gas in the stomach as well. It is a good treatment for vaginal infections and urinary tract infections. It can also be used to cure bad breath problems.
Pregnant and breast feeding mothers are not allowed to take Acidophilus without the doctor’s permission. People with sensitivity to drugs must also consult to experts first before taking the drug. Other than this, there are no noted restrictions.
This bacteria is of great help to human beings. They can treat illnesses naturally as they are normally present in our bodies.
Article written by Hector Milla, editor of www.acidophiluseffects.com, a website about lactobacillus acidophilus
, they have recently published a free online guide about healthy eating habits, you may read it at www.acidophiluseffects.com/healthy-eating-habits/ , thanks for publish this article in your website or ezine keeping a live link.
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Posted by admin on December 26th, 2008 — Posted in Nutrition + More
Having trouble sleeping can happen to any of us and sometimes the aid of supplements is more beneficial than trying to sleep naturally. Forget the days of taking a few Tylenol PM`s hoping that you will get a good night`s sleep. The supplement industry has evolved well enough to give you the proper supplements to get a good night`s rest. You are going to learn six popular supplements used to help give you the best sleep that you`ve ever dreamed of.
The first supplement that we are going to discuss is melatonin. Melatonin is secreted by the pineal gland and is a pea-sized structure at the center of our brains, which helps our eyes register at the fall of darkness. At night, melatonin is produced to help our bodies regulate our wake-sleep cycle. The amount of it produced by our body lessens as we get older, which is why it is important to supplement with melatonin.
Another useful supplement in helping you sleep better is phosphatidylserine. Phosphatidylserine is a natural nutrient found as part of the cell membranes of cells. Phosphatidylserine is most notably found in the cell membranes of neurons, comprising of about 7 to 10 percent of it lipid content. It has been available in the North American market since the early 1990`s, but has been available to the rest of the world for many decades.
L-tryptophan is an essential amino acid that humans cannot live without. Tryptophan is a precursor for serotonin, melatonin, niacin, and its functional group is idole. Despite its benefits, tryptophan has been implicated as a possible cause for schizophrenia in people who cannot metabolize it properly. When properly metabolized, it creates a waste product in the brain that is toxic, causing delusions and hallucinations.
The most common sleep aid, ZMA, is a combination of the two essential dietary minerals, zinc and magnesium. These two minerals are sometimes not adequately supplied in the diet so it could benefit you if you don`t have sleep troubles. The zinc is in the chemical forms zinc methionine and aspartate while the magnesium is in the aspartate form. There is no evidence of any claim that ZMA has any effects beyond those of taking equivalent amounts of zinc, magnesium, or Vitamin B6. All of these substances are healthy and the combination will also be healthy as long as it is not overdosed.
Serotonin is known to regulate mood, appetite, sleep, emotion, and is implicated in the control of numerous behavioral functions. Decreased serotoninergic neurotransmission has been proposed to play a key role in the treatment of depression. The concentration of synaptic serotonin is controlled directly by its uptake in the pre-synaptic terminal. In addition to anti-depressants, highly specific serotonin reuptake inhibitors have been developed, which are increasingly prescribed for depressed patients.
The final sleep aid supplement that we will discuss is 5-HTP. 5-HTP is found in some over-the-counter weight loss formulas and is an extract from a West African plant seed containing a contaminant linked to a rare blood disorder. Despite the fact that it can help you sleep, it has not been proven to effectively promote weight loss. 5HTP is also a breakdown product of the amin acid tryptophan present in most protein rich foods.
Everyone wants better sleep and sometimes it`s difficult to teach yourself common methods to use to sleep better. These supplements do help but you may be able to get natural sleep by keeping stress to a minimum, eating a healthy diet, and exercising. If these methods don`t work then feel free to experiment with a sleep product until you find one to your liking. Until next time, later.
MY SITES: http://www.mightybody.com and http://www.geocities.com/bashore69/bodybuildingarticles.html
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Posted by admin on December 25th, 2008 — Posted in Nutrition + More
I’m going to be a bit radical here, but know that I’m only encouraging you to question and think and ideally do your own research, both theory and practice. I’m pretty confident that you’ll thank me for it.
WHAT IF THE SO-CALLED ‘AGING PROCESS’ WAS A CHOICE?
Clearly, we can’t stop time from moving on. When we have a birthday, we are another year older. That’s a fact that, for the moment at least, we cannot change. But what if the weakening organs, bones and tissues and all the ‘usual’ signs of old age were not actually a part of the aging process we’ve come to accept as ‘normal’? Have you ever considered that these conditions are simply symptoms of us mistreating our bodies over the course of our lives to date? Wouldn’t our senior years be a whole lot more fun if we were pain and disease free and could jump around with the energy and vitality of a teenager?
WHAT ARE YOU THINKING?
That this is a crazy, impossible idea borne out of fantasy? Or are you willing to open your mind and accept that actually, if you treat your body right and nourish it properly, it may in fact be possible? And this is where Enzymes come in…
In his book Intuitive Eating, Dr Humbart Santillo MD writes:
“A human being is not maintained by food intake alone, but rather by what is digested. Every food must be broken down by enzymes to simpler building blocks. Enzymes may be divided into 2 groups, exogenous (found in raw food) and endogenous (produced within our bodies). The more one gets of the exogenous enzymes, the less will have to be borrowed from other metabolic processes and supplied by the pancreas. The enzymes contained in raw food actually aid in the digestion of that same food when it is chewed. One can live many years on a cooked food diet, but eventually this will cause cellular enzyme exhaustion which lays the foundation for a weak immune system and ultimately disease.”
Put simply, we are born with a finite supply of endogenous enzymes. It should be enough to last us a lifetime based on current life expectancy, but if we don’t supply some exogenous enzymes through our diet, we will use up our original supplies and that’s when we become susceptible to the accepted ’signs of old age’ including premature death! And the fact is that when we cook our food, we kill all enzymes instead of allowing them to boost our immune system, our brain function and our energy levels.
Another doctor, Edward Howell, has written a book called Enzyme Nutrition. In it, he says:
“Humans eating an enzyme-less diet use up a tremendous amount of their enzyme potential in lavish secretions of the pancreas and other digestive organs. The result is a shortened lifespan (65 years or less as compared with 100 or more), illness, and lower resistance to stress of all types, psychological and environmental. By eating foods with their enzymes in tact and by supplementing cooked foods with enzyme capsules we can stop abnormal and pathological aging processes.”
THESE SCIENTISTS ARE NOT CRACK-POTS WORKING ALONE
The raw food movement is gathering pace and the practice is becoming more mainstream now. In her book You Are What You Eat, Gillian McKeith places raw or living foods at the top of her list of Good Foods and has a section entitled The Case Against Cooking. Now don’t get me wrong; I’m not suggesting that you switch overnight to a 100% raw food diet. Though plenty do and never look back, it’s not always wise. Instead I would give the same advice as Gillian in urging you to eat something raw with every meal.
Just before I sat down to write this, I ate a yummy Quinoa Avocado Salad which other than the cooked quinoa was loaded with raw, enzyme-, EFA- and nutrient- rich foods. I ate it on its own, but you could serve it alongside a piece of grilled chicken or fish instead of dead, heavy, sugar-rush potatoes which do little more than bloat you up. Find the recipe on my Blog at http://claireraikes.blogs.com/claires_blog/.
Claire Raikes is a Wellbeing Coach, Speaker and Writer who ‘cured’ herself of a chronic, disabling and potentially life-threatening bowel condition without the use of steroids, surgery or any other traditional medical intervention. She now shares her passion for natural and vibrant health through coaching, speaking and writing about the importance and power of a truly healthy diet.
She publishes a free weekly eZine, In Essence and is compiling an eBook of Healthy Fast Food with 25% of the proceeds going to The Cancer Project, a charity set up by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) and nutritionists to educate the public on the benefits of a healthy diet for cancer prevention and survival. If you have a recipe you would like to submit, visit http://www.LiveInEssence.com for further details. To book Claire to speak at your event, email her at Claire@LiveInEssence.com.
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Posted by admin on December 7th, 2008 — Posted in Nutrition + More
We have searched the world to assemble the life changing products found on this site. Our goal is to provide you and your family a way to achieve optimal health by providing essential nutrients and minerals that are necessary for the body.
We live in a world polluted with chemicals of all kinds. We consume processed food that has very little nutritional value. The average person drinks more soft drinks than water, and ingests almost a half a pund of sugar a day. We are left with no alternative-we must supplement our diets with the vitamins and minerals that are lacking in our food. No drug can compensate for a nutrient.
Thank you for making the right choice to try these exciting products. As you begin to enjoy the wonderful feeling of vitality and well being that true health brings. Thank you for helping us make a difference…one body at a time.
B Vitamins are nature’s “feel-good” nutrients, promoting energy, stamina, mental clarity and improved mood. Sublingual B-12, B-6 & Folic Acid tablets are designed to dissolve under the tongue to speed B Vitamins directly to the bloodstream where they go to work - without the need for expensive, often painful, B-12 injections.
Unlike caffeine and other artificial stimulants, B vitamins don’t give you that artificial jolt of energy, followed by an inevitable letdown. Your body uses B vitamins the way nature intended - to give you sustained stamina and mental clarity throughout the day, every day.
Vegetarians or individuals consuming a primarily plant-based diet may be at higher risk of Vitamin B12 deficiency since its best sources are animal products. In short, all the critical roles that Vitamin B12 plays in your body, combined with its difficult absorption and availability primarily from animal products compels a careful review of your diet to determine whether you are getting adequate levels.
To learn more about B12 or other supplements go to:
http://www.onlythebestvitamins.com/
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Posted by admin on November 21st, 2008 — Posted in Nutrition + More
The human body is one of the wonderful mechanisms of the nature. The body is built by genes through cell generation, nourished by nature through natural food and air and is finally destroyed by the gradual damage of the cells. The process by which we age and by which most of the diseases happen is through the damage to the cells.
The cell damage is caused by free radicals present in the body. Free radicals are “atoms or groups of atoms with an odd, unpaired number of electrons”. For example, sodium that is present in salt as sodium chloride has the chemical structure, Na. When it loses an electron, it becomes positively charged and is chemically represented as Na +. Similarly, there are negatively charged particles. In nature, everything balances to a state of equilibrium, for instance, water flows from a higher level to lower level. Hence, these charged particles are highly reactive.
Free radicals are formed when oxygen interacts with certain molecules in the body. Once formed, they start a chain reaction by reacting with the molecules in the cells and, in the process, damage the cells. To respond to this challenge, the body has a defensive mechanism through an army of molecules called antioxidants. They interact with the free radicals, neutralize them (i.e. make them neutral) and terminate the chain reaction, thereby preventing the damage to the cells.
Vitamin E is one of the most powerful antioxidantsalong with vitamin C and beta-caroteneavailable for this task, scavenging in the body for free radicals. Although the term “vitamin E” looks like a single term, it is actually a family of eight molecules called tocopherols and tocotreinols in different structures called alpha, beta, gamma and delta. Vitamin E is soluble in fats and is found mostly in oil (sunflower, soya, palm) and in vegetables such as spinach and fruits such as kiwi. Of the eight forms, alpha- and gamma-tocopherols are predominantly found in the body. Very little is known about the functions of tocotreinols.
It is believed that vitamin E protects against certain diseases like heart disease, cancer and arthritis, but no conclusive clinical results have been established to prove the validity of this hypothesis. Hence, it is recommended that a medical practitioner be consulted before taking vitamin E supplements.
Vitamin E provides detailed information on Vitamin E, Benefit Of Vitamin E, Vitamin E Oil, Natural Vitamin E and more. Vitamin E is affiliated with Liquid Multi Vitamins.
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Posted by admin on November 19th, 2008 — Posted in Nutrition + More
Phytonutrients or phytochemicals have recently been recognized as playing an important part in one’s health. Research has shown that phytonutrients play a crucial role in proper absorption of nutrients. Also, they have been important in cellular function and regeneration. They work on our body systems to promote health and prevent disease. There are many that fit in this category. However, they are not considered essential but more so semi-essential nutrients. These semi-essential nutrients have been attributed as anti-oxidants, immune system boosters, and hormone regulators.
Phytonutrients are nutrients found in fruits, vegetables, and their extracts. Phytonutrients can also be found in liquid vitamin supplements. To begin, an explanation of some classes of the phytonutrients is necessary.
Bioflavonoids are a class of phytonutrients that bind to toxic metal ions and help to rid the body of them. They also provide anti-infection properties and are anti-carcinogenic as well. Some of the best food choices are rosehips, berries, citrus fruits, broccoli, cherries, papaya, grapes, cantaloupe, plums, tea, buckwheat leaves, red wine, and tomatoes.
Another class of phytonutrients is the allium compounds. Allium compounds benefit the body by fighting cancer and heart disease. Garlic is in this class of phytonutrients. How do the allium compounds prevent cancer? Garlic is able to block the conversion of nitrites and nitrates (found in many preserved foods). Why is this important? Well, the nitrites and nitrates convert in the body to nitrosamines. Nitrosamines are known cancer causing compounds. Also, garlic has been linked to lower cholesterol in the blood. So garlic acts similar to antioxidants. Onions, leeks, shallots, and chives are also considered allium compounds.
Why is broccoli good for us? Broccoli is good because it is considered a glucosinolate? Glucosinolates are a class of phytonutrients. Glucosinolates have been found to be important cancer fighters. Studies show that foods high in glucosinolates reduce the risk of lung, stomach, colorectal, and breast cancer. Glucosinolates are so good at fighting cancer by detoxifying the liver. Brussel sprouts and other cruciferous vegetables are good sources of glucosinolates.
Ellagic acid is a class of phytonutrient. High levels of ellagic acid can be found in strawberries, raspberries, and grapes. This compound neutralizes carcinogens before they can damage DNA. Ellagic acid neutralizes a specific carcinogen found in red meat, nitrosamine. Also, ellagic acid is effective against another common carcinogen, aflatoxin. This carcinogen is found to be in low levels in a number of foods, including peanuts.
Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant and phytonutrient found in tomatoes. Lycopene is credited for giving the tomato its red color. Lycopene is also found in watermelon as well as recognized on your ketchup bottle label. Some tomato plants have actually been bioengineered to contain 3 to 4 times the normal levels of lycopene. These are only a few of the phytonutrients known to health science. There are many more with many different benefits. The secret of phytonutrients has been discovered by health professionals and awaits many to reap the benefits. Maintaining good health is worth the time it takes to add a tomato to a cheese burger or take a liquid vitamin supplement fortified with phytonutrients.
Copyright 2005 Daniel Weigum
Daniel Weigum is a webmaster working to inform the health consumer. Learn more about your health and Buy Vitamins Online at vitaminmaniac.com.
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Posted by admin on November 19th, 2008 — Posted in Nutrition + More
Parents always tell their children to take their vitamins. Every day, consumers are bombarded with vitamin advertisements, and it is common knowledge that vitamins are beneficial to the human body. Unfortunately, many people do not know exactly how vitamins are beneficial. Knowing how vitamins can be helpful, and other important information about vitamins can help anyone decide the right vitamins to take, and shows their true benefits.
Two Types of Vitamins
It is very important to understand that there are two types of vitamins: fat soluble and water-soluble. Fat-soluble vitamins are stored in the fat tissues in your body as well as in your liver. The vitamins remain in the body fat until they are needed. When the vitamins are called upon, special carriers take them to the source. The period of time that fat-soluble vitamins stay in the body can be up to 6 months. Vitamins A, D, E, and K are all fat-soluble vitamins.
The second type of vitamin is water-soluble. Water-soluble vitamins are quite different than fat-soluble vitamins because they are not stored in the body. Water-soluble vitamins are moved through the bloodstream, and whatever is unused by the body comes out when you urinate. For this reason, these vitamins ought to be replaced most often because they don’t remain in the body for a long period of time. Some water-soluble vitamins are vitamin C, and a large group of B vitamins: B1 (thiamin), B2 (riboflavin), B6 (pryidoxine), B12 (cobalamine), niacin, biotin, and pantothenic acid.
How Vitamins Help
Most people understand that vitamins are helpful, but they do not know exactly what each vitamin does. Vitamin A is very important for eyesight and also helps you see colors more clearly and distinctly. Finally, vitamin A helps proper growth and healthy skin. B vitamins are very important in metabolic activity. B vitamins help create energy and set it free when it is needed by the body (during heavy physical activity, for example). B vitamins are also involved in the creation of red blood cells. Vitamin C keeps body tissues, such as muscles and gums, healthy. Vitamin C can help resist infection and helps heal wounds. Vitamin D is a very important vitamin for your bones. Vitamin D helps the body absorb the calcium it needs to have stronger bones. Vitamin E maintains a lot of the body’s tissues. Some of the tissues vitamin E maintains are found in the eyes, skin, and liver. Vitamin E also joins with the B vitamins in the formation of red blood cells. Finally, vitamin K helps with blood clotting. Vitamin K and C work together to heal wounds.
Where to Get Vitamins
For most children, eating healthy can provide them with all the vitamins needed. However, some adults may be advised to take vitamins in order to get their daily-recommended amounts. The best way to get vitamins is to have a balanced diet. It is always a good idea to look at the nutrition facts on labels. Some foods contain a variety of vitamins. Orange Juice is rich in vitamin C, but did you know that eggs contain vitamins A, B, D, and E? Vitamin supplements can always help, but there is simply no substitute for eating foods with vitamins naturally found in them.
Conclusion
Vitamins are quintessential for a healthy body. Vitamins can help heal wounds, create new blood, maintain tissue, and improve basic body processes. It is important to have an in-depth understanding of vitamins in order to truly appreciate their benefits. Kids and Adults alike should always be vitamin conscious. Eating healthy, and taking vitamin supplements if needed is the only way to make sure that you get your daily recommended amount of vitamins. Having the recommended amount of vitamins will lead to a healthier, happier, and longer life.
Ruth Stattmiller enjoys writing about health topics. Learn more about vitamin benefits at MyVitaminGuide ( http://www.myvitaminguide.com/ ).
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