Saturday, October 29, 2011
Natural Cholesterol Lowering Supplements - Are They Effective Alternatives to Statin Drugs?
Cholesterol is a lipid (a fatty substance) that forms part of the outer lining of cells in animal bodies. In humans, cholesterol also appears in the blood circulation. Over the past several decades, a connection has been established between elevated levels of cholesterol and strokes, heart attacks, and other problems.
As a result, much research has been done into methods of controlling cholesterol levels by means of diet and exercise, and with the addition of various supplements to lower these levels.
Several natural nutrients have been shown to equal or outperform the statin drugs in reducing high cholesterol by lowering LDL ("bad") cholesterol and increasing HDL ("good") cholesterol, as well as in lowering triglycerides (blood fats). Triglycerides act with cholesterol to form blood plasma, and they are not affected by the statins.
Let's examine some of the natural cholesterol lowering supplements that are generally known to have no adverse side effects.
* Green tea extract. Green tea extract has been shown to lower LDL cholesterol and levels of triglycerides, as well as to raise HDL cholesterol.
* Policosanol. This is an extract of sugar cane wax, which in some studies has been shown to lower cholesterol naturally. No side effects have been identified.
* Beta-sitosterol. This plant compound occurs naturally in wheat germ, corn oil, rice, and soybeans. It can decrease the digestive system's absorption of cholesterol, as well as decrease the amount of cholesterol produced by the liver. Other possible benefits of beta-sitosterol are reduction of enlarged prostate in men, decreasing risk of gallstones, and protecting the lining of the digestive tract.
* Guggulipid extract. This ancient herb from India has been used in Asia for thousands of years to treat various conditions. Some clinical trials have shown it to be an effective natural cholesterol lowering supplement, but others have not.
* Vitamin B3 (Niacin). Niacin has been shown in several well-designed studies to lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, as well as raising HDL cholesterol. It is available both as a dietary supplement and in prescription form. The American Heart Association cautions that niacin should only be used to lower cholesterol under the supervision of a qualified health practitioner, because of possible side effects. Among these are liver inflammation, high blood sugar, gout, and increasing the effect of high blood pressure medication.
* Artichoke leaf extract. Several controlled studies have shown that artichoke leaf extract may lower cholesterol by limiting its synthesis in the body.
If you are concerned about your cholesterol levels, talk with your physician before deciding to use natural cholesterol lowering supplements for reducing high cholesterol. Be aware of possible side effects from any product you are taking, and be sure to have your doctor arrange for regular blood tests to monitor effects.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Natural Supplements to Reduce Cholesterol
Survey a group of your friends and you will find at least one or two people who are on prescription drugs to lower cholesterol. The most commonly prescribed medications for reducing cholesterol levels are the statins drugs. Statins originally came from a natural source but now are synthetically modified. The statin drugs lower cholesterol by reducing the production of cholesterol by the liver. Statins block the enzyme in the liver that causes the liver to produce cholesterol.
The statin drugs do have side effects such as liver damage, muscle pain, stomach problems and skin rashes. I have had several friends who have taken the drugs complain of muscle aches. There are natural alternatives to the statin drugs and some doctors are now prescribing them. One of most popular of these is red yeast rice.
Red yeast rice has been used by the Chinese for thousands of years. Red yeast rice is a product of the yeast that is grown on rice. The so called "secret ingredient" in red yeast rice is called monacolins. Monoacolin K has the same structure as the cholesterol reducing drug lovastatin.
Several studies have been conducted to measure the effectiveness of red yeast rice to reduce cholesterol. Results have been encouraging. One study by the UCLA School of Medicine involved 83 people with high cholesterol levels. Subjects who ingested red yeast rice over a 12-week period experienced significantly lower levels of total cholesterol, "bad" LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides (fats in the blood) compared to those taking placebo (no drug or supplement). "Good" HDL cholesterol levels did not change in either study group. Though the UCLA study did not show an increase of good cholesterol another 8-week study of 446 people with high cholesterol found those who took red yeast rice had a significant drop in cholesterol levels compared to those who took placebo. In this study HDL (the good cholesterol) l increased by 20% in the group that took red yeast rice.
Guggulipid is another natural alternative to statin drugs. Guggulipid comes from the bark of the Guggul tree and has been used in Asia as a cholesterol reducing supplement. Research indicates that gugglesterone may lower cholesterol and help to decrease body-fat levels.
The vitamin Niacin has also been for the past 50 years as treatment of high cholesterol and other lipid abnormalities. Niacin interacts with fats and lipoproteins and changes their quality and quantity in a way that is good for the body.
So as you can see there are a variety natural supplements to reduce cholesterol. If you are interested in using them ask your doctor about them. These are not supplements to try on your own. Which supplement is right for you is dependent on your medical condition.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Treat Depression Without Drugs - Top 5 Natural Supplements
Beating depression is possible naturally. There are a lot of proven methods to deal with this mental illness at home without the routine administration of prescription drugs. With 11 million Americans contracting the disease every year, the importance of finding out natural ways to treat it is fast becoming imperative. One of the best ways of fighting depression is to take natural supplements. But it is important to note here that most of these "proven" natural treatments are backed only by a coupled of insignificant studies. Following are the top 5 natural supplements which have an actual track record of curing depression.
1) St John's Wort: This herb has strong evidence of being as effective as certain anti-depressants in curing the illness with a lot less side effects than the latter. If you are depressed, this should actually be your first choice when you are in the process of picking out a supplement. A dosage of 600- 900 mg daily should be administered in the initial phase of treatment and later it can be increased to 900-1800 mg daily according to the requirement. This supplement will start showing its efficacy after about 3 weeks of therapy.
2) SAM-e: This natural supplement also is a powerful anti-depressant. In fact its results will start showing not after weeks, but only in days of starting therapy. The normal dose of this supplement for the treatment of depression is 800-1600 mg daily. This supplement is extremely popular in spite of its steep price.
3) 5-HTP: This natural supplement is an amino acid that is known to be a natural depression cure. It increases the production of serotonin, a chemical in the brain which boosts a person's mood. It also specifically targets the symptoms of low levels of serotonin such as change is sleep pattern and feeling down without a reason. Sometimes this supplement acts as a natural weight loss enhancer for depressed people who are overweight.
4) Gingko Biloba: This natural herbal supplement is an excellent way of getting relief from depressive episodes. It is especially helpful in elderly patients. This powerful antioxidant and anti-depressant increases the flow of blood in the body and the brain. The improved circulation is known to not only boost the mood, but also promote cardiovascular health, improve memory and reduce the symptoms of patients suffering from Alzheimer's disease.
5) Siberian Ginseng: This is another natural supplement which cures depression. It works by balancing neurotransmitters such as serotonin, epinephrine, dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. It also helps the body to adjust to physical stress in daily life too. This herb also promotes abstract thought, improve memory and strengthen the immune system to.
Taking an active initiative is treating depression is the best way to deal with it. A lot of people have benefited from the use of these natural supplements in beating their depression. If you or a loved one is depressed, try any one of these and see the difference in yourself.
Treat Depression Without Drugs - Top 5 Natural Supplements
Beating depression is possible naturally. There are a lot of proven methods to deal with this mental illness at home without the routine administration of prescription drugs. With 11 million Americans contracting the disease every year, the importance of finding out natural ways to treat it is fast becoming imperative. One of the best ways of fighting depression is to take natural supplements. But it is important to note here that most of these "proven" natural treatments are backed only by a coupled of insignificant studies. Following are the top 5 natural supplements which have an actual track record of curing depression.
1) St John's Wort: This herb has strong evidence of being as effective as certain anti-depressants in curing the illness with a lot less side effects than the latter. If you are depressed, this should actually be your first choice when you are in the process of picking out a supplement. A dosage of 600- 900 mg daily should be administered in the initial phase of treatment and later it can be increased to 900-1800 mg daily according to the requirement. This supplement will start showing its efficacy after about 3 weeks of therapy.
2) SAM-e: This natural supplement also is a powerful anti-depressant. In fact its results will start showing not after weeks, but only in days of starting therapy. The normal dose of this supplement for the treatment of depression is 800-1600 mg daily. This supplement is extremely popular in spite of its steep price.
3) 5-HTP: This natural supplement is an amino acid that is known to be a natural depression cure. It increases the production of serotonin, a chemical in the brain which boosts a person's mood. It also specifically targets the symptoms of low levels of serotonin such as change is sleep pattern and feeling down without a reason. Sometimes this supplement acts as a natural weight loss enhancer for depressed people who are overweight.
4) Gingko Biloba: This natural herbal supplement is an excellent way of getting relief from depressive episodes. It is especially helpful in elderly patients. This powerful antioxidant and anti-depressant increases the flow of blood in the body and the brain. The improved circulation is known to not only boost the mood, but also promote cardiovascular health, improve memory and reduce the symptoms of patients suffering from Alzheimer's disease.
5) Siberian Ginseng: This is another natural supplement which cures depression. It works by balancing neurotransmitters such as serotonin, epinephrine, dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. It also helps the body to adjust to physical stress in daily life too. This herb also promotes abstract thought, improve memory and strengthen the immune system to.
Taking an active initiative is treating depression is the best way to deal with it. A lot of people have benefited from the use of these natural supplements in beating their depression. If you or a loved one is depressed, try any one of these and see the difference in yourself.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Supplements and Drugs: A Hazardous Combination
As I have become more involved in using functional nutritional therapy in my practice, I have come to realize that many people are still confused about the safety and effectiveness of various dietary supplements. Because these products are "natural", many feel they are always safe to use. Although supplements and herbs can be safer than pharmaceutical drugs, they can still function as drugs in the body and should be used with caution and respect.
It is estimated that over 80% of the world's population and 60 million Americans use some form of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). However, although many believe CAM compliments their current traditional healthcare, most do not inform their physicians that they are taking these products. And, many providers don't ask or discuss CAM use with their patients, although one survey of 181 cardiologists found that half of them took antioxidant vitamins, themselves.
What many people don't realize is that there is no regulatory agency in charge of the supplement industry. Herbal products are not tested for purity, effectiveness and safety as drugs are. In 1994, the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) was enacted that requires the FDA to prove beyond any doubt that a supplement is unsafe before removing it from the market. Other than regulating what can be included on the label, they are unable to enforce any other regulation.
There is no incentive for supplement companies to conduct research because they are unable to patent 'natural' products. Those marketing herbs and other supplements save millions of dollars not spent on research, or worse, yet, conduct their own "research", which often does not include rigorous controls. Although there are many excellent and reputable supplement companies on the market, the typical consumer is unlikely to know who the credible ones are. Many independent sales representatives only know what the company tells them, and are as unaware as the consumer.
Even if the supplements are pure and not harmful by themselves, problems arise when combined with drugs. Dietary supplements may compete with drugs, leading to toxicity or treatment failure of that drug. An estimated 4 million people are at risk for herbal-prescription drug interactions. Here is a list of the most common interactions between supplements and drugs:
* Warfarin (Coumadin) is used to prevent blood clotting for those at risk for deep vein thrombosis, stroke, or heart attack. Supplements that can change bleeding time controlled by this drug include flaxseed oil and fish oil supplements, goldenseal, saw palmetto, feverfew, garlic, ginseng, and willow bark, just to name a few.
* Digoxin is another heart medication. Ginseng has been noted to falsely elevate blood digoxin levels. Some herbs that will affect drug effectiveness include senna, licorice, aloe, cascara, hawthorne, foxglove, goldenseal and guar gum.
* Phenytoin is a drug used for seizures. Herbal interactions to be aware of include ginkgo biloba, white willow, lemon balm, skull cap, kava kava, and valerian root, to name a few. It is also important to know that Folate supplementation is necessary with Phenytoin, but excess Folate can be harmful.
* It's important to take calcium supplements and vitamin D two hours apart from taking either Phenytoin or Digoxin in order to not interfere with these drug's effects.
Of particular concern are interactions with the herb St. John's Wort, which is taken by 7.5 million Americans as a depression remedy. This herb can cause serious consequences when taken with drugs such as Prozac, Zoloft, or Paxil, as well as warfarin, cyclosporine, and oral contraceptives. This herb may also interact with Digoxin, chemotherapy drugs, and other drugs, causing treatment failure. Some of these interactions are serious enough that if St. John's Wort were a drug, the government would restrict marketing, make it a prescription-only item, or require label warnings.
So, what can one do??
Anyone taking a dietary supplement should first do their homework. Know exactly what the purpose of a particular supplement is for and learn all known interactions. There are many excellent informational websites on the internet. A good rule of thumb is to look for a site that does not offer products for sale!
It's also important to inform your healthcare professional what supplements you are taking, in order to avoid potential supplement-drug interactions that could put you at medical risk. Although many credible professionals sell products, there are just as many who sell products but don't really understand the physiology of the human body and are just out to make money. Supplement sales is a very popular 'easy' way to make money today!
It's just as important to do one's homework when looking for a complementary care practitioner. Although this is only one set of criteria, the best recommendation is to look for one or any of these: A pharmacist or registered dietitian who is educated in medicinal herbs, a physician who specializes in functional medicine, or an MD, OD, ND, DC, PharmD or RD who also has the CCN credential.
Don't be afraid to take supplements. They serve a very beneficial purpose. But do know why you're taking each supplement, just as you should know why you take any prescription medications. Be an informed consumer and take responsibility for your health and wellbeing.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Joint Pain Drugs
What You Need to Be Aware Of
Some of the most intolerable health conditions that affect mankind are joint pain and arthritis. There are many situations that can cause a person to have painful joints. Some of these include gout, bursitis, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, tendinitis, injury, and many other infectious diseases out there. No matter what the reasons are behind your own joint issues, it is essential to be knowledgeable of the various joint pain drugs because these types of illnesses can often make life difficult.
The elderly population is the one mostly prone and affected by joint pain. If you have painful joints or any other health condition, this can be a cause of some extensive pain and ache during the later parts of life.
Before you decide on which joint pain drugs to choose, it is imperative to approach your joint pain from several angles, like considering what the cause of the pain is. Arthritis is one of the most common circumstances that most of the time leads to joint issues. This kind of illness can potentially bring about tightness, swelling, soreness, and inflammation on the certain joint and also the surrounding areas. Though there are many kinds and types of arthritis, relief for this condition can come in numerous methods. There are individuals who are using over-the-counter joint pain drugs while others go for the prescribed meds. There are even others who do not utilize medications and instead go for some natural remedies as a substitute.
The most ordinary and common joint pain drugs come in the form of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. They work by decreasing pain, inflammation, and stiffness in addition to aiding in the improvement of one's flexibility. However, these drugs have been found to increase the risks of cardiac diseases and stroke and they are only used in severe cases, depending on the diagnosis of the physician. For those people who do not want to take some strong medications, they go for over-the-counter types like ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen.
Join Pain Supplements
Supplements like chondroitin, fish oils, glucosamine, MSM, and turmeric are some of the natural remedies. Some of these boast of their special properties to impact specific joints positively and they work by improving one's condition before the onset of pain and inflammation.
Glucosamine, for example, is an example of an amino sugar that is known to stimulate the generation of specific protein what help in the repair of damaged connective tissues. Because of the numerous and supplements in the market today, it is valuable for one to be knowledgeable of their ingredients and functions.
Synotrex is a kind of joint pain supplement that has been making a name in the market. The ingredients used in its formulation have been proven to work in harmony with a human being's joints. Side effects are certainly not an issue because this supplement is friendly to our bodies. Arthritis pain diseases can often take a person away from his or her daily habits and routine.
Some of the most intolerable health conditions that affect mankind are joint pain and arthritis. There are many situations that can cause a person to have painful joints. Some of these include gout, bursitis, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, tendinitis, injury, and many other infectious diseases out there. No matter what the reasons are behind your own joint issues, it is essential to be knowledgeable of the various joint pain drugs because these types of illnesses can often make life difficult.
The elderly population is the one mostly prone and affected by joint pain. If you have painful joints or any other health condition, this can be a cause of some extensive pain and ache during the later parts of life.
Before you decide on which joint pain drugs to choose, it is imperative to approach your joint pain from several angles, like considering what the cause of the pain is. Arthritis is one of the most common circumstances that most of the time leads to joint issues. This kind of illness can potentially bring about tightness, swelling, soreness, and inflammation on the certain joint and also the surrounding areas. Though there are many kinds and types of arthritis, relief for this condition can come in numerous methods. There are individuals who are using over-the-counter joint pain drugs while others go for the prescribed meds. There are even others who do not utilize medications and instead go for some natural remedies as a substitute.
The most ordinary and common joint pain drugs come in the form of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. They work by decreasing pain, inflammation, and stiffness in addition to aiding in the improvement of one's flexibility. However, these drugs have been found to increase the risks of cardiac diseases and stroke and they are only used in severe cases, depending on the diagnosis of the physician. For those people who do not want to take some strong medications, they go for over-the-counter types like ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen.
Join Pain Supplements
Supplements like chondroitin, fish oils, glucosamine, MSM, and turmeric are some of the natural remedies. Some of these boast of their special properties to impact specific joints positively and they work by improving one's condition before the onset of pain and inflammation.
Glucosamine, for example, is an example of an amino sugar that is known to stimulate the generation of specific protein what help in the repair of damaged connective tissues. Because of the numerous and supplements in the market today, it is valuable for one to be knowledgeable of their ingredients and functions.
Synotrex is a kind of joint pain supplement that has been making a name in the market. The ingredients used in its formulation have been proven to work in harmony with a human being's joints. Side effects are certainly not an issue because this supplement is friendly to our bodies. Arthritis pain diseases can often take a person away from his or her daily habits and routine.
Unlocking Libido Enhancement in Men - Using Supplements
First off let's be clear that we are talking about libido enhancement and not penis enlargement. Many people tend to combine the two. Most doctors tend to poo poo the idea of anything working to increase the size of the penis. Additionally, not many doctors believe that any non-prescription supplements can ever work to enhance a man's libido.
Many believe that because doctors don't get any of the profit, and can't control the distribution and sale of these supplements they are against it. So they promote "Male Enhancement Drugs" instead. Today we will look at some of the "male enhancement drugs", some popular "natural male enhancement products," and herbal supplements. We will also look at whether they work, and some potential dangers or risks with these drugs and supplements.
Currently, the most popular male enhancement drugs (for E.D.) are Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra. The producers of these drugs spend millions of dollars on ads to market their drugs to men - although many "sex starved" women also are very interested in these ads too! According to WebMD.com, these drugs work by increasing the blood flow to the penis, so when sexually aroused, a man can obtain an erection.
Some common side effects are: headache, nausea, upset stomach, flushing, dizziness, nasal blockage, changes in vision, and back pain. There are risks for men taking medications for high blood pressure and prostate problems. Men with a history of heart attack and stroke are also at risk. Many men are scared and turned off by these risks and side effects. Please consult your physician for any concerns about these medications.
Natural male enhancement products are a combination of herbal blends that work together to help increase the male libido. They also make it possible for a man to have an erection without the use of prescription drugs, but without most of the nasty side effects. However, be careful, some products such as yohimbe, can affect your blood pressure.
Please consult your doctor about the use of any herbal supplements as they may interact with any current medications you are on, or affect your blood pressure. Some common herbs include: catuaba, epimedium ("horny goat weed"), Eurycoma longifolia, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), gingko biloba, hawthorn berry, L-arginine, maca, Muira puama extract, Xanthroparmelia scabrosa, Cnidium Monnier, and yohimbe.
I decided to take a look at three popular natural male enhancement products. I looked at the ratings for: Extenze, Enzyte, and Xytomax. According to MaleEnhancement.org, Xytomax was rated number ONE, Enzyte and Extense were rated numbers FIVE and SIX respectively. Generally speaking these pills are reputed to maximize blood flow to the erectile chambers and in some cases increase the production of testosterone, and increase a man's stamina during sex.
Reportedly, the results are that a man has a fuller more satisfying erection that improves the quality of his sexual encounters. Maybe THAT's why the guy from Enzyte is smiling so much! Again, do not use these products without first consulting your physician.
Many believe that because doctors don't get any of the profit, and can't control the distribution and sale of these supplements they are against it. So they promote "Male Enhancement Drugs" instead. Today we will look at some of the "male enhancement drugs", some popular "natural male enhancement products," and herbal supplements. We will also look at whether they work, and some potential dangers or risks with these drugs and supplements.
Currently, the most popular male enhancement drugs (for E.D.) are Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra. The producers of these drugs spend millions of dollars on ads to market their drugs to men - although many "sex starved" women also are very interested in these ads too! According to WebMD.com, these drugs work by increasing the blood flow to the penis, so when sexually aroused, a man can obtain an erection.
Some common side effects are: headache, nausea, upset stomach, flushing, dizziness, nasal blockage, changes in vision, and back pain. There are risks for men taking medications for high blood pressure and prostate problems. Men with a history of heart attack and stroke are also at risk. Many men are scared and turned off by these risks and side effects. Please consult your physician for any concerns about these medications.
Natural male enhancement products are a combination of herbal blends that work together to help increase the male libido. They also make it possible for a man to have an erection without the use of prescription drugs, but without most of the nasty side effects. However, be careful, some products such as yohimbe, can affect your blood pressure.
Please consult your doctor about the use of any herbal supplements as they may interact with any current medications you are on, or affect your blood pressure. Some common herbs include: catuaba, epimedium ("horny goat weed"), Eurycoma longifolia, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), gingko biloba, hawthorn berry, L-arginine, maca, Muira puama extract, Xanthroparmelia scabrosa, Cnidium Monnier, and yohimbe.
I decided to take a look at three popular natural male enhancement products. I looked at the ratings for: Extenze, Enzyte, and Xytomax. According to MaleEnhancement.org, Xytomax was rated number ONE, Enzyte and Extense were rated numbers FIVE and SIX respectively. Generally speaking these pills are reputed to maximize blood flow to the erectile chambers and in some cases increase the production of testosterone, and increase a man's stamina during sex.
Reportedly, the results are that a man has a fuller more satisfying erection that improves the quality of his sexual encounters. Maybe THAT's why the guy from Enzyte is smiling so much! Again, do not use these products without first consulting your physician.
Monday, October 17, 2011
Drugs, Supplements, and Herbs For Diabetics
If you have diabetes there are many options out there for you to consider when looking to treat and control your diabetes with a supplement or drug. It is important to remember that no supplement or drug will be a quick fix to this problem and that these supplements are meant to be balanced with proper diet and exercise. This is a few reviews for some more popular drugs and/or supplements.
Avandia is a drug that is used to increase a person's insulin sensitivity. It gives the effect of making your insulin stronger and more effective in your body. Usually Avandia is taken once or twice a day in an average of an 8mg supplement per day. This can come with one dose or two doses of 4mg each. Avandia is a very expensive drug if you are not covered by drug insurance. If you do not have the insurance to cover it, expect to pay around $2.50 to $5.00 a day for Avandia. Byetta Like Avandia, Byetta is a very expensive drug to take if you are not covered by drug insurance.
If you do not have the insurance to cover Byetta, you are looking at paying close to $200/month for the supplement. Byetta is a hormone that controls your insulin secretion based upon your blood sugar levels. Byetta must be taken within one hour of eating a meal. Byetta can be great for controlling your insulin levels but it is important to know that it does come with some side effects. It has been known to cause nausea and vomiting among other side effects.
Glycogone This drug is used to maintain a healthy blood sugar level and control insulin levels in your body. It is expected to be used in combination with a healthy diet and exercise regime. Glycogone uses all natural ingredients and is considered to be very safe. One of the reasons Glycogone is so safe and popular is that there are no known side effects to taking the drug. Glycogone uses its natural ingredients to work in your body, affecting your body on a cellular level to reduce insulin resistance. Along with this, Glycogone is also high in vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
The drug has also been known to reduce obesity, high cholesterol, and toxins in your body. Januvia Januvia is a supplement for diabetes to be taken alone or in combination with Avandia, Actos, or metformin. Januvia's typical daily dose is 100 mg and it is taken orally. If you are someone who has kidney issues, you should talk to your doctor before taking Januvia and possibly take a smaller dose. Januvia works as a DPP-4 inhibitor, like Byetta. DPP-4 inhibitors work in the pancreas to increase insulin protection. They also work to regulate the over production of glucose in the liver. This drug was approved for the US market in 2006. Unlike many diabetes drugs and supplements, Januvia is not known to cause weight gain.
Avandia is a drug that is used to increase a person's insulin sensitivity. It gives the effect of making your insulin stronger and more effective in your body. Usually Avandia is taken once or twice a day in an average of an 8mg supplement per day. This can come with one dose or two doses of 4mg each. Avandia is a very expensive drug if you are not covered by drug insurance. If you do not have the insurance to cover it, expect to pay around $2.50 to $5.00 a day for Avandia. Byetta Like Avandia, Byetta is a very expensive drug to take if you are not covered by drug insurance.
If you do not have the insurance to cover Byetta, you are looking at paying close to $200/month for the supplement. Byetta is a hormone that controls your insulin secretion based upon your blood sugar levels. Byetta must be taken within one hour of eating a meal. Byetta can be great for controlling your insulin levels but it is important to know that it does come with some side effects. It has been known to cause nausea and vomiting among other side effects.
Glycogone This drug is used to maintain a healthy blood sugar level and control insulin levels in your body. It is expected to be used in combination with a healthy diet and exercise regime. Glycogone uses all natural ingredients and is considered to be very safe. One of the reasons Glycogone is so safe and popular is that there are no known side effects to taking the drug. Glycogone uses its natural ingredients to work in your body, affecting your body on a cellular level to reduce insulin resistance. Along with this, Glycogone is also high in vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
The drug has also been known to reduce obesity, high cholesterol, and toxins in your body. Januvia Januvia is a supplement for diabetes to be taken alone or in combination with Avandia, Actos, or metformin. Januvia's typical daily dose is 100 mg and it is taken orally. If you are someone who has kidney issues, you should talk to your doctor before taking Januvia and possibly take a smaller dose. Januvia works as a DPP-4 inhibitor, like Byetta. DPP-4 inhibitors work in the pancreas to increase insulin protection. They also work to regulate the over production of glucose in the liver. This drug was approved for the US market in 2006. Unlike many diabetes drugs and supplements, Januvia is not known to cause weight gain.
Herbal Supplements vs Prescription Drugs - The Real Score
Why did I not think of that before?
Next to a sigh of relief, that is what every patient recently treated with herbal supplements can quip once the symptoms of the disease begin to clear. There are many others who have witnessed the healing wonders of herbs; some of them are already dependent on prescription drugs for many years, only to find their attempts to cure a chronic infection entirely futile. Though with herbal remedies, they share more promising stories.
What is in the extract of herbs that make them a potent cure for diseases? Plants manufacture naturally occurring compounds that promote a healing effect on humans. Some of these aromatic elements are present as phytonutrients that not only provide essential vitamins and minerals, but also supply the body with antioxidant compounds that buffer vital organs against the harmful action of toxic metabolites. Many of the medicinal properties found in prescription drugs have been derived from the extracts of popular herbs.
So what is the real score between prescription drugs and herbal supplements? Of course, we can not help it that we are born into a culture that is largely reliant on synthetic formulations for medical treatment. Moreover, we can not deny the fact that prescription drugs can provide an effective cure. But the process of treatment between conventional medicine and alternative medicine, that is herbal supplements, spells the difference for the sustenance of your health and well being.
The synthetic formulation inherent with prescription drugs has been devised to cripple down and terminate pathogens contaminating the infected organ or soothe the inflammation. Oftentimes, the treatment comes with harsh side effects that you will either have to endure completely or take a complementary medicine to rid the body of its discomforts. The worst side effect of the prolonged use of prescription drugs, particularly antibiotics, is the weakening of the bodys immune defenses that make it susceptible to chronic infections.
Herbal supplements, on the other hand, offer a holistic approach to treatment where a potent formulation of different herbal extracts work in synergy to soothe the inflammation and subdue the pathogens causing infection while treating underlying systemic disorders and restoring a persons vitality. Best of all, herbal supplements do not come with the side effects pertinent with prescription drugs. And why is that? One of the component herbs in the formulation works to cushion the side effects of the stronger herbs.
Next to a sigh of relief, that is what every patient recently treated with herbal supplements can quip once the symptoms of the disease begin to clear. There are many others who have witnessed the healing wonders of herbs; some of them are already dependent on prescription drugs for many years, only to find their attempts to cure a chronic infection entirely futile. Though with herbal remedies, they share more promising stories.
What is in the extract of herbs that make them a potent cure for diseases? Plants manufacture naturally occurring compounds that promote a healing effect on humans. Some of these aromatic elements are present as phytonutrients that not only provide essential vitamins and minerals, but also supply the body with antioxidant compounds that buffer vital organs against the harmful action of toxic metabolites. Many of the medicinal properties found in prescription drugs have been derived from the extracts of popular herbs.
So what is the real score between prescription drugs and herbal supplements? Of course, we can not help it that we are born into a culture that is largely reliant on synthetic formulations for medical treatment. Moreover, we can not deny the fact that prescription drugs can provide an effective cure. But the process of treatment between conventional medicine and alternative medicine, that is herbal supplements, spells the difference for the sustenance of your health and well being.
The synthetic formulation inherent with prescription drugs has been devised to cripple down and terminate pathogens contaminating the infected organ or soothe the inflammation. Oftentimes, the treatment comes with harsh side effects that you will either have to endure completely or take a complementary medicine to rid the body of its discomforts. The worst side effect of the prolonged use of prescription drugs, particularly antibiotics, is the weakening of the bodys immune defenses that make it susceptible to chronic infections.
Herbal supplements, on the other hand, offer a holistic approach to treatment where a potent formulation of different herbal extracts work in synergy to soothe the inflammation and subdue the pathogens causing infection while treating underlying systemic disorders and restoring a persons vitality. Best of all, herbal supplements do not come with the side effects pertinent with prescription drugs. And why is that? One of the component herbs in the formulation works to cushion the side effects of the stronger herbs.
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Skin Boils Cure and Prevention - How to Cure Boils Without Expensive Drugs Or Supplements
How My Proven Boils Cure and Prevention Program Ended 3 Years of Vicious Boil Outbreaks
I battled vicious skin boils for 3 long years. My body has been peppered with deep bruises, painful swelling, dark blemishes, and permanent scars. It's no exaggeration to say my skin boil condition cost me a small fortune between all the over the counter skin boils cure, house cleaning supplies, and doctor bills.
I was diagnosed with a severe strain of staph bacteria that was very aggressive. Once I had a breakout, it was only a matter of time before it spread. I was so desperate to stop it that I would panic anytime anything resembling a boil appeared on my skin. I was honestly an emotional wreck and I felt helpless.
I got to the point where I tried just about any skin boils cure on the market - often wasting a lot of money through my trial and error process. I was just so frustrated and fed up. One week, I began a very bad skin boil outbreak that caused me to go to the emergency room (primarily because I had skin boils forming on my face). My doctor's "skin boils cure" for this consisted of getting the boils drained and patched. When I left the ER with my antibiotics and doctor's bill in hand, I told myself I would find a way to stop these attacks so I never had to go through this again!
I was determined to find an effective skin boils cure. I got on the internet and spent the next several months looking at medical research, talking to Dermatologists, and emailing other skin boil victims. I did this until I finally found a proven skin boils cure. This skin boils cure has also allowed me to prevent future outbreaks as well. I have gone 14 months without a single skin boil outbreak!
Skin Boils Cure and Prevention Program: Skin Boil Prevention is the Best Skin Boils Cure!
To understand how to completely rid yourself of staph bacteria so you do not get skin boils anymore, first you have to understand the most critical stages of skin boil attack. For staph bacteria to successfully invade your body either through a hair follicle or a break in your skin, 2 absolutely necessary things must occur:
- Staph Bacteria must be near a break in your skin (to be present for the invasion).
- Staph Bacteria must be able to quickly overcome your body's natural defenses.
If you can stop these two vital steps, you can prevent a skin boil attack altogether. However, doing this requires a little more work than meets the eye. However, the 2 major steps for this proven skin boils cure and prevention program are simple enough for you to start doing it right now!
1) Enhance Your Natural Immune System Responses
The primary way to stop your skin boils from coming back is through immune system support. This is the most vital part of this program. If you can provide a compound shown to fight off your skin boils internally - you can successfully suppress them!
There are several natural products out there for under $10 that not only strengthen your immune system response, but also have been shown (tested) to be VERY effective at fighting off the nasty strains of staph bacteria that cause skin boils.
(For more information on what to use, please visit my website at the bottom of this article.)
2) Cripple staph colonization on your body
If you suffer from skin boils that keep coming back, it is usually a sign staph bacteria have colonized on your body. This means the bacteria are being carried on your skin just waiting for the opportunity to infect you!
This is why reducing the amount of bacteria on your skin is vital to both an effective skin boils cure and the prevention of future boil outbreaks. What's more, this can be accomplished by simply using the right kind of soap and/or lotion on your body.
Ensure you wash your body with a cleanser that doesn't over dry but still provides gentle antibacterial cleansing. There are several soaps out there that claim to provide "antibacterial cleansing" but in the process they dry your skin out. This can cause micro tears on your skin that can be easily infected by staph bacteria causing you more skin boils than non-antibacterial soap.
Recently, several non-prescription body washes have been studied, but only a few have been shown to specifically kill nasty skin boil causing staph bacteria. This even includes more dangerous strains of staph like MRSA. The key is to finding a good one and eliminating the bacteria on your body.
For more information about which one to use, please visit my website.
Collectively, these two actions are enough not only to provide a solid skin boils cure, but to help you prevent skin boils altogether. They have allowed me to go more than 14 months without a single skin boil!
I battled vicious skin boils for 3 long years. My body has been peppered with deep bruises, painful swelling, dark blemishes, and permanent scars. It's no exaggeration to say my skin boil condition cost me a small fortune between all the over the counter skin boils cure, house cleaning supplies, and doctor bills.
I was diagnosed with a severe strain of staph bacteria that was very aggressive. Once I had a breakout, it was only a matter of time before it spread. I was so desperate to stop it that I would panic anytime anything resembling a boil appeared on my skin. I was honestly an emotional wreck and I felt helpless.
I got to the point where I tried just about any skin boils cure on the market - often wasting a lot of money through my trial and error process. I was just so frustrated and fed up. One week, I began a very bad skin boil outbreak that caused me to go to the emergency room (primarily because I had skin boils forming on my face). My doctor's "skin boils cure" for this consisted of getting the boils drained and patched. When I left the ER with my antibiotics and doctor's bill in hand, I told myself I would find a way to stop these attacks so I never had to go through this again!
I was determined to find an effective skin boils cure. I got on the internet and spent the next several months looking at medical research, talking to Dermatologists, and emailing other skin boil victims. I did this until I finally found a proven skin boils cure. This skin boils cure has also allowed me to prevent future outbreaks as well. I have gone 14 months without a single skin boil outbreak!
Skin Boils Cure and Prevention Program: Skin Boil Prevention is the Best Skin Boils Cure!
To understand how to completely rid yourself of staph bacteria so you do not get skin boils anymore, first you have to understand the most critical stages of skin boil attack. For staph bacteria to successfully invade your body either through a hair follicle or a break in your skin, 2 absolutely necessary things must occur:
- Staph Bacteria must be near a break in your skin (to be present for the invasion).
- Staph Bacteria must be able to quickly overcome your body's natural defenses.
If you can stop these two vital steps, you can prevent a skin boil attack altogether. However, doing this requires a little more work than meets the eye. However, the 2 major steps for this proven skin boils cure and prevention program are simple enough for you to start doing it right now!
1) Enhance Your Natural Immune System Responses
The primary way to stop your skin boils from coming back is through immune system support. This is the most vital part of this program. If you can provide a compound shown to fight off your skin boils internally - you can successfully suppress them!
There are several natural products out there for under $10 that not only strengthen your immune system response, but also have been shown (tested) to be VERY effective at fighting off the nasty strains of staph bacteria that cause skin boils.
(For more information on what to use, please visit my website at the bottom of this article.)
2) Cripple staph colonization on your body
If you suffer from skin boils that keep coming back, it is usually a sign staph bacteria have colonized on your body. This means the bacteria are being carried on your skin just waiting for the opportunity to infect you!
This is why reducing the amount of bacteria on your skin is vital to both an effective skin boils cure and the prevention of future boil outbreaks. What's more, this can be accomplished by simply using the right kind of soap and/or lotion on your body.
Ensure you wash your body with a cleanser that doesn't over dry but still provides gentle antibacterial cleansing. There are several soaps out there that claim to provide "antibacterial cleansing" but in the process they dry your skin out. This can cause micro tears on your skin that can be easily infected by staph bacteria causing you more skin boils than non-antibacterial soap.
Recently, several non-prescription body washes have been studied, but only a few have been shown to specifically kill nasty skin boil causing staph bacteria. This even includes more dangerous strains of staph like MRSA. The key is to finding a good one and eliminating the bacteria on your body.
For more information about which one to use, please visit my website.
Collectively, these two actions are enough not only to provide a solid skin boils cure, but to help you prevent skin boils altogether. They have allowed me to go more than 14 months without a single skin boil!
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Prescription Drugs Versus Natural Herbal Supplements Including Graviola Extract
Herbal supplements are consistently becoming ever more popular. These natural organic remedies have been helping people improve their health for centuries.
As I review herbal supplements, I discovered that many find natural herbs to be a great alternative to pharmaceutical medication as most prescription drugs contain chemicals and hormones with the addition of other synthetic elements.
Many have said they have developed a dependency when taking prescription drugs for depression, anxiety, phobias and aggression. Numerous chemicals have been said to change this chemical balance in the brain.
Natural herbal supplements or "natural remedies" include elements that control functions of the human body to promote a healthy lifestyle. Therefore, numerous people find when taking herbal supplements along with diet and exercise find it can be very beneficial.
Various health issues are treated with the use of herbal supplements and can be used to boost the immune system to avoid sickness such as colds and the flu. For many centuries, herbal supplements have been used for such purposes, therefore when compared to traditional medicine such as prescription drugs; they are considered as a healthy alternative.
Health problems concerning the human mind and body are not a new concept. Emotional disorders, infertility, pain and organ irregularities are just a few issues we have been dealing with since the beginning of time. These concerns have been remedied for thousands of years with the use of natural organic herbal supplements.
Many scientists have tried to duplicate natural herbs through chemical elements for many years. These natural remedies are the building blocks for traditional medical practice. For the most part, prescription drugs come from natural remedies. Natural habitats such as jungles and wetlands are searched for new compounds to test against viruses and bacteria.
Lucky for us, there are several herbal remedies at our disposal. Graviola, for example is a natural organic herbal remedy that comes from a fruit tree that grows in tropical environments such as the Amazon. This extract has become available as a natural supplement to treat numerous health issues.
Many of the indigenous people of the Amazon use Graviola for its fruit and herbal remedies. The fruit, although sometimes considered to be sour is often used as a healthy dessert. Using the Graviola tree as an herbal remedy often treats intestinal complications such as dysentery.
Amazon natives have used Graviola to reduce fevers, kill parasites and to diminish muscular pain as well as to strengthen the body's natural defenses and reduce blood pressure.
Some herbal supplements such as Graviola can act as dual purposes. For example, one might take Graviola to combat a nasty migraine while it also helps with stomach illness.
Your body needs vitamins and minerals to function successfully. Some say a healthy way to obtain vitamins and minerals is through natural herbs or plants instead of using an artificial supplement.
Prescription drugs and natural remedies can be very confusing subjects for some people to completely understand. I hope that with this review, I was able to break it down into some comprehensible conditions.
Still, there may be some questions unanswered. For those of you that are searching for further information, I have further reviews explaining the benefits of taking herbal supplements such as Graviola and how this natural herb can be used as an aid in fighting cancer cells.
As I review herbal supplements, I discovered that many find natural herbs to be a great alternative to pharmaceutical medication as most prescription drugs contain chemicals and hormones with the addition of other synthetic elements.
Many have said they have developed a dependency when taking prescription drugs for depression, anxiety, phobias and aggression. Numerous chemicals have been said to change this chemical balance in the brain.
Natural herbal supplements or "natural remedies" include elements that control functions of the human body to promote a healthy lifestyle. Therefore, numerous people find when taking herbal supplements along with diet and exercise find it can be very beneficial.
Various health issues are treated with the use of herbal supplements and can be used to boost the immune system to avoid sickness such as colds and the flu. For many centuries, herbal supplements have been used for such purposes, therefore when compared to traditional medicine such as prescription drugs; they are considered as a healthy alternative.
Health problems concerning the human mind and body are not a new concept. Emotional disorders, infertility, pain and organ irregularities are just a few issues we have been dealing with since the beginning of time. These concerns have been remedied for thousands of years with the use of natural organic herbal supplements.
Many scientists have tried to duplicate natural herbs through chemical elements for many years. These natural remedies are the building blocks for traditional medical practice. For the most part, prescription drugs come from natural remedies. Natural habitats such as jungles and wetlands are searched for new compounds to test against viruses and bacteria.
Lucky for us, there are several herbal remedies at our disposal. Graviola, for example is a natural organic herbal remedy that comes from a fruit tree that grows in tropical environments such as the Amazon. This extract has become available as a natural supplement to treat numerous health issues.
Many of the indigenous people of the Amazon use Graviola for its fruit and herbal remedies. The fruit, although sometimes considered to be sour is often used as a healthy dessert. Using the Graviola tree as an herbal remedy often treats intestinal complications such as dysentery.
Amazon natives have used Graviola to reduce fevers, kill parasites and to diminish muscular pain as well as to strengthen the body's natural defenses and reduce blood pressure.
Some herbal supplements such as Graviola can act as dual purposes. For example, one might take Graviola to combat a nasty migraine while it also helps with stomach illness.
Your body needs vitamins and minerals to function successfully. Some say a healthy way to obtain vitamins and minerals is through natural herbs or plants instead of using an artificial supplement.
Prescription drugs and natural remedies can be very confusing subjects for some people to completely understand. I hope that with this review, I was able to break it down into some comprehensible conditions.
Still, there may be some questions unanswered. For those of you that are searching for further information, I have further reviews explaining the benefits of taking herbal supplements such as Graviola and how this natural herb can be used as an aid in fighting cancer cells.
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Supplement and Drug Interactions
A large percentage of the population in America take more than one prescription medication and over 30% also take dietary supplements regularly. Many people are not aware that drug interactions may occur between their medicine and nutraceuticals, and these could have a negative impact on their health.
Despite frequent reports in the newspaper on the latest health scares, we have benefited hugely from advances in both pharmaceutical and nutritional sciences. There is now a huge selection of medication and health supplements for our therapy and massive research is being undertaken into new cures and treatments.
Using Drugs and Supplements Together
Almost eight percent of Americans aged 18 to 44 take three or more prescription drugs daily. In seniors of retirement age this figure rises to nearly fifty percent. Other statistics show that over a third of adults in the USA use health supplements on a daily basis and almost a fifth have used a natural product over the past year.
It does not take a genius to work out that a large amount of people are taking drugs and dietary supplements at the same time and they may not be aware of drug interactions. This statistic is made more worrying by the fact that, according to one study, 70% of patients do not tell their physician that they are self medicating with an alternative treatment for their health concern. Conditions such as like allergies, obesity, arthritis, colds and flu and high blood pressure are now so common place that physicians may feel less inclined to investigate the persons own strategy for treatment. This is compounded by the fact that many people think that doctors will not understand their decision to use alternative treatment. For some of these people drug interactions can pose problems.
Lack of Knowledge about Drug Interactions with Supplement
Some famous cases in the media highlighting the side effects of drugs as well as the strict regulations concerning the marketing of drugs mean that most people are aware that drugs can have complications. To a lesser extent drug interactions are reasonably well known and your doctor as well as your pharmacist will generally make sure that you have not been prescribed a detrimental combination of medications. There are also regulatory and an ethical incentives for pharmaceutical companies to discover any possible drug-drug interactions. The situation is different when it comes to nutraceuticals and herbal supplements. Little research has been conducted into drug interactions with nutraceuticals. Physicians will usually play it safe if asked by telling patients not to take supplements to avoid drug interactions. This is partly due to the scant formal training for herbal products or nutraceuticals in medical school and the general distrust of the nutrition industry by the medical profession.
How do drugs and supplements interact?
After taking a drug and this then reaching the bloodstream, there are a number of ways that it can be cleared from the system. A major clearance pathway is through the liver. Certain enzymes in the liver will be responsible for the breakdown of certain drugs. These specific enzymes may also have the task of breaking down other substances that have been ingested including alcohol, nutrients and elements of herbal products. If the enzymes responsible for breaking down say paracetamol, are also responsible for breaking down a supplement you have taken previously, the enzymes will be busy with the supplement and the paracetamol will be left to float in the bloodstream.
Pharmacokinetics of Consumption
Problems with drug interactions can arise when the therapeutic window (the difference in concentration of a drug in your bloodstream between no effect, desired effect and harm) is short. A dose is a highly calculated amount so if this is thrown off because your enzymes are tied up dealing with supplements or something else then your drugs may not be working properly. Additionally, if you are taking multiple doses of the drug in a day and it has a long half life (the time it takes to decrease to half of the original concentration in your blood stream) then you will effectively be topping up the concentration of the drug which can lead to dangerously high levels and possible overdose.For example, calcium channel blockers such as felodipine (Plendil©) for high blood pressure or congestive heart failure are broken down by the same enzymes as quercetin, a flavonoid found in grapefruit juice but also available as a supplement. Regular use could easily increase the levels of the drug in the body and cause accidental overdose levels – despite taking the recommended dosage at the right times.
Supplements Can Enhance the Effects of Drugs
Drugs and dietary supplements can also have a synergistic interaction effect when taken at the same time. They can produce similar pharmacological effects in the body or enhance the effect of one another through some drug interaction. This can of course be dangerous to your health. The dietary supplement garlic is now very popular for atherosclerosis and cardiovascular problems. Garlic thins the blood and patients who are undergoing surgery or who are taking anti platelet agents (drugs used to stop the blood forming clots in the heart) can then have problems with blot clotting appropriately upon trauma to a blood vessel.
Useless Drugs
Some dietary supplements can also induce the enzymes in the body to be more “active” than usual - they can have what is called an “inductive effect”. The enzymes are then much more efficient at clearing any prescribed drugs from the body. The drug dose is calculated so that enough of the drug is in the bloodstream for long enough for the active ingredient to be effective. If such drug interactions occur then the drug passes through the system too fast and may have a reduced effect or no effect at all.
Despite frequent reports in the newspaper on the latest health scares, we have benefited hugely from advances in both pharmaceutical and nutritional sciences. There is now a huge selection of medication and health supplements for our therapy and massive research is being undertaken into new cures and treatments.
Using Drugs and Supplements Together
Almost eight percent of Americans aged 18 to 44 take three or more prescription drugs daily. In seniors of retirement age this figure rises to nearly fifty percent. Other statistics show that over a third of adults in the USA use health supplements on a daily basis and almost a fifth have used a natural product over the past year.
It does not take a genius to work out that a large amount of people are taking drugs and dietary supplements at the same time and they may not be aware of drug interactions. This statistic is made more worrying by the fact that, according to one study, 70% of patients do not tell their physician that they are self medicating with an alternative treatment for their health concern. Conditions such as like allergies, obesity, arthritis, colds and flu and high blood pressure are now so common place that physicians may feel less inclined to investigate the persons own strategy for treatment. This is compounded by the fact that many people think that doctors will not understand their decision to use alternative treatment. For some of these people drug interactions can pose problems.
Lack of Knowledge about Drug Interactions with Supplement
Some famous cases in the media highlighting the side effects of drugs as well as the strict regulations concerning the marketing of drugs mean that most people are aware that drugs can have complications. To a lesser extent drug interactions are reasonably well known and your doctor as well as your pharmacist will generally make sure that you have not been prescribed a detrimental combination of medications. There are also regulatory and an ethical incentives for pharmaceutical companies to discover any possible drug-drug interactions. The situation is different when it comes to nutraceuticals and herbal supplements. Little research has been conducted into drug interactions with nutraceuticals. Physicians will usually play it safe if asked by telling patients not to take supplements to avoid drug interactions. This is partly due to the scant formal training for herbal products or nutraceuticals in medical school and the general distrust of the nutrition industry by the medical profession.
How do drugs and supplements interact?
After taking a drug and this then reaching the bloodstream, there are a number of ways that it can be cleared from the system. A major clearance pathway is through the liver. Certain enzymes in the liver will be responsible for the breakdown of certain drugs. These specific enzymes may also have the task of breaking down other substances that have been ingested including alcohol, nutrients and elements of herbal products. If the enzymes responsible for breaking down say paracetamol, are also responsible for breaking down a supplement you have taken previously, the enzymes will be busy with the supplement and the paracetamol will be left to float in the bloodstream.
Pharmacokinetics of Consumption
Problems with drug interactions can arise when the therapeutic window (the difference in concentration of a drug in your bloodstream between no effect, desired effect and harm) is short. A dose is a highly calculated amount so if this is thrown off because your enzymes are tied up dealing with supplements or something else then your drugs may not be working properly. Additionally, if you are taking multiple doses of the drug in a day and it has a long half life (the time it takes to decrease to half of the original concentration in your blood stream) then you will effectively be topping up the concentration of the drug which can lead to dangerously high levels and possible overdose.For example, calcium channel blockers such as felodipine (Plendil©) for high blood pressure or congestive heart failure are broken down by the same enzymes as quercetin, a flavonoid found in grapefruit juice but also available as a supplement. Regular use could easily increase the levels of the drug in the body and cause accidental overdose levels – despite taking the recommended dosage at the right times.
Supplements Can Enhance the Effects of Drugs
Drugs and dietary supplements can also have a synergistic interaction effect when taken at the same time. They can produce similar pharmacological effects in the body or enhance the effect of one another through some drug interaction. This can of course be dangerous to your health. The dietary supplement garlic is now very popular for atherosclerosis and cardiovascular problems. Garlic thins the blood and patients who are undergoing surgery or who are taking anti platelet agents (drugs used to stop the blood forming clots in the heart) can then have problems with blot clotting appropriately upon trauma to a blood vessel.
Useless Drugs
Some dietary supplements can also induce the enzymes in the body to be more “active” than usual - they can have what is called an “inductive effect”. The enzymes are then much more efficient at clearing any prescribed drugs from the body. The drug dose is calculated so that enough of the drug is in the bloodstream for long enough for the active ingredient to be effective. If such drug interactions occur then the drug passes through the system too fast and may have a reduced effect or no effect at all.
Friday, October 7, 2011
How to Build Muscle Naturally Without Drugs Or Supplements - 5 Fool Proof Strategies
Do you struggle to gain weight and muscle and wonder what exactly you are doing wrong? Have you ever go to the point where you thought to yourself "you know what, maybe I NEED to take some of the latest supplements and pills just to get some friggin' muscle!"?
If you've ever thought that, don't worry...most skinny guys tend to suffer the same frustrations. However, there is absolutely NO NEED for you to take unnecessary supplements and certainly not drugs in order to beat your genetics and learn how to build muscle naturally.
In this article I'm going to give you my top five tips on how to build muscle naturally without resorting to drugs or unnecessary supplements. These are the tips that the top natural bodybuilders are using to get AMAZING bodies without messing up their health in the process.
Eat Yourself BIG
The secret of how to build muscle naturally for skinny guys is to get some serious calories into your daily diet. I don't mean eat a load of junk...I'm talking about eating more but focusing on quality and splitting them over 6 meals per day.
A 150 pound guy who is looking to gain muscle mass should be getting around 3,600 calories per day. The only way to build serious muscle quickly is by feeding your body...without this you will always struggle. So get serious about your meal planning...your success depends on it.
Drop Most Of Your Isolation Exercises
Isolation exercises that typically work one muscle group at a time are not bad in themselves...far from it. However, if you're a skinny guy looking at how to build muscle naturally then you'll do well to drop most of them from your workout routines in favour of compound exercises like Squats, Deadlifts, Bench Press, Good Mornings, etc.
This is because compound exercises work multiple muscle groups at the same time giving you more muscle building bang for your buck, stimulating your body to produce more testosterone (which can increase your muscle growth), and allowing you to lift heavier weights. Compound exercises are the closely guarded secret of the natural bodybuilder.
Lift Heavy
As mentioned, lifting heavy is seriously important if you're looking for ways of how to build muscle naturally. This is because your body and muscles respond to increased loads and adapt to compensate. The heavier the weight the more your body is forced to increase strength and muscle size to cope.
An ideal weight on an exercise is when you can typically perform between 6-10 reps per set. Less than that means the weight is too heavy; more than that and it is too light.
Workout Less - and Don't Split Your Workouts
Modern society makes us believe that more is always better. However, for the skinny guy wanting to build muscle naturally, this is not the case...in fact, overtraining will do nothing but hamper your efforts to gain muscle mass and possibly result in injury.
Aim to get 3 full body workouts in per week, lasting between 45 minutes and 1 hour each. This gives you a full day's rest in between.
Many workouts split exercises over 6 days, focusing on different body parts each day. I don't recommend this for skinny guys who to gain muscle quickly because it doesn't give you adequate rest, and increases the possibility of over training. Also, in such a schedule you'll typically only be working out each muscle group once per week.
Rest Days Are Essential
As mentioned above, rest and recuperation is essential in order to build muscle naturally, and many folks fall at this hurdle.
A common misconception is that muscles are built in the gym...when in actual fact the "growth" part takes place during rest, often while we are asleep. So make sure you are getting proper rest and quality sleep, in order to make the most of your time in the gym.
If you've ever thought that, don't worry...most skinny guys tend to suffer the same frustrations. However, there is absolutely NO NEED for you to take unnecessary supplements and certainly not drugs in order to beat your genetics and learn how to build muscle naturally.
In this article I'm going to give you my top five tips on how to build muscle naturally without resorting to drugs or unnecessary supplements. These are the tips that the top natural bodybuilders are using to get AMAZING bodies without messing up their health in the process.
Eat Yourself BIG
The secret of how to build muscle naturally for skinny guys is to get some serious calories into your daily diet. I don't mean eat a load of junk...I'm talking about eating more but focusing on quality and splitting them over 6 meals per day.
A 150 pound guy who is looking to gain muscle mass should be getting around 3,600 calories per day. The only way to build serious muscle quickly is by feeding your body...without this you will always struggle. So get serious about your meal planning...your success depends on it.
Drop Most Of Your Isolation Exercises
Isolation exercises that typically work one muscle group at a time are not bad in themselves...far from it. However, if you're a skinny guy looking at how to build muscle naturally then you'll do well to drop most of them from your workout routines in favour of compound exercises like Squats, Deadlifts, Bench Press, Good Mornings, etc.
This is because compound exercises work multiple muscle groups at the same time giving you more muscle building bang for your buck, stimulating your body to produce more testosterone (which can increase your muscle growth), and allowing you to lift heavier weights. Compound exercises are the closely guarded secret of the natural bodybuilder.
Lift Heavy
As mentioned, lifting heavy is seriously important if you're looking for ways of how to build muscle naturally. This is because your body and muscles respond to increased loads and adapt to compensate. The heavier the weight the more your body is forced to increase strength and muscle size to cope.
An ideal weight on an exercise is when you can typically perform between 6-10 reps per set. Less than that means the weight is too heavy; more than that and it is too light.
Workout Less - and Don't Split Your Workouts
Modern society makes us believe that more is always better. However, for the skinny guy wanting to build muscle naturally, this is not the case...in fact, overtraining will do nothing but hamper your efforts to gain muscle mass and possibly result in injury.
Aim to get 3 full body workouts in per week, lasting between 45 minutes and 1 hour each. This gives you a full day's rest in between.
Many workouts split exercises over 6 days, focusing on different body parts each day. I don't recommend this for skinny guys who to gain muscle quickly because it doesn't give you adequate rest, and increases the possibility of over training. Also, in such a schedule you'll typically only be working out each muscle group once per week.
Rest Days Are Essential
As mentioned above, rest and recuperation is essential in order to build muscle naturally, and many folks fall at this hurdle.
A common misconception is that muscles are built in the gym...when in actual fact the "growth" part takes place during rest, often while we are asleep. So make sure you are getting proper rest and quality sleep, in order to make the most of your time in the gym.
Monday, October 3, 2011
Sleep Better and Eliminate Insomnia Without Drugs or Supplements
Many of you are familiar with the term "insomnia." People who suffer from insomnia may not even be aware of the psychological factors that trigger and prevent them from getting enough sleep. There are oftentimes characteristics of anxiety in which people are essentially afraid of not being able to sleep peacefully at night. Some people even try to trick themselves into falling asleep quicker by going to bed earlier than usual, only to find out that it's more counter-productive than it is beneficial.
To further elaborate, people who suffer from insomnia must understand the different types of insomnia in order to determine a possible treatment option that best fits their particular situation.
There are three different types of insomnia:
Transient insomnia - This is usually short term and can sometimes be the result of emotional excitement, temporary changes in sleep environment, mild symptoms of stress, or even depression. Most people are able to adjust within a few days without any adverse side effects.
Acute insomnia - Lasts for several days or weeks. People who suffer from this type of insomnia are unable to get a consistent nights sleep for a period of less than a month, due to recovering from a serious illness or being under great pressure. There are options out there, such as seeking the advice from a medical doctor or using self-help relaxation audio sessions such as those found in the Insomnia Solutions Series in the QDreams Mind Library.
Chronic insomnia - This type of insomnia can last for periods of more than a month. It can either be caused by another disorder or in some cases be the primary disorder itself. This is the most extreme type of insomnia that debilitates people from carrying on and living normal lives. They are under constant pressure and can almost never fall asleep. Treating chronic insomnia requires the help from doctors and psychologists to overcome this constant uphill battle.
Getting enough sleep (6-8 hours) a night is one of the most important things you can do for your body. During sleep, our brain is being restored and our bodies are rejuvenating in many different ways. Although it might not be the easiest thing to do - especially for those who suffer from any of the three types of insomnia above, you can certainly begin to make small changes on a daily basis that will help put you back on track to getting the normal nights sleep you deserve.
5 Tips to Help You Sleep Better
Exercise - Studies have shown that 30 minutes of physical exercise each day can dramatically help you get more sleep. Try and include a variety of movements in your workout that involves different muscle groups. Weight training and cardio training are two of the most popular forms of exercise. Performed consistently, a person should have no trouble going to bed at night. However, don't exercise too close to bedtime or it may keep you awake. Mornings usually work best if you can fit it into your schedule.
Avoid certain snacks - You'll want to avoid eating grains or sugars a few hours prior to bed. These foods can raise your blood sugar levels and delay sleep. During the middle of the night, once your blood sugar drops, you may wake up and be unable to fall back asleep.
Listen to relaxation CD's - Some people find the sounds of nature, such as the ocean or forest, to be soothing for sleep.
Avoid drugs - Many types of drugs, both prescription and over-the-counter, may affect sleep. It's best to consider using alternative methods such as brainwave entrainment & relaxation audio sessions to address the condition causing the drugs to be taken in the first place.
Avoid alcohol - Drinking alcohol has a tendency to leave you feeling drowsy, but the effects are short lived and you will usually wake up several hours later, unable to fall back asleep. This will make it almost impossible to enter the deepest stage of sleep, where your body does most of its healing.
Habitual behaviors often play a key role in insomnia and should be looked at. Some relevant issues may come to light just through moderate introspection. Once you understand what may be the cause, you can better determine what treatment to engage in.
To further elaborate, people who suffer from insomnia must understand the different types of insomnia in order to determine a possible treatment option that best fits their particular situation.
There are three different types of insomnia:
Transient insomnia - This is usually short term and can sometimes be the result of emotional excitement, temporary changes in sleep environment, mild symptoms of stress, or even depression. Most people are able to adjust within a few days without any adverse side effects.
Acute insomnia - Lasts for several days or weeks. People who suffer from this type of insomnia are unable to get a consistent nights sleep for a period of less than a month, due to recovering from a serious illness or being under great pressure. There are options out there, such as seeking the advice from a medical doctor or using self-help relaxation audio sessions such as those found in the Insomnia Solutions Series in the QDreams Mind Library.
Chronic insomnia - This type of insomnia can last for periods of more than a month. It can either be caused by another disorder or in some cases be the primary disorder itself. This is the most extreme type of insomnia that debilitates people from carrying on and living normal lives. They are under constant pressure and can almost never fall asleep. Treating chronic insomnia requires the help from doctors and psychologists to overcome this constant uphill battle.
Getting enough sleep (6-8 hours) a night is one of the most important things you can do for your body. During sleep, our brain is being restored and our bodies are rejuvenating in many different ways. Although it might not be the easiest thing to do - especially for those who suffer from any of the three types of insomnia above, you can certainly begin to make small changes on a daily basis that will help put you back on track to getting the normal nights sleep you deserve.
5 Tips to Help You Sleep Better
Exercise - Studies have shown that 30 minutes of physical exercise each day can dramatically help you get more sleep. Try and include a variety of movements in your workout that involves different muscle groups. Weight training and cardio training are two of the most popular forms of exercise. Performed consistently, a person should have no trouble going to bed at night. However, don't exercise too close to bedtime or it may keep you awake. Mornings usually work best if you can fit it into your schedule.
Avoid certain snacks - You'll want to avoid eating grains or sugars a few hours prior to bed. These foods can raise your blood sugar levels and delay sleep. During the middle of the night, once your blood sugar drops, you may wake up and be unable to fall back asleep.
Listen to relaxation CD's - Some people find the sounds of nature, such as the ocean or forest, to be soothing for sleep.
Avoid drugs - Many types of drugs, both prescription and over-the-counter, may affect sleep. It's best to consider using alternative methods such as brainwave entrainment & relaxation audio sessions to address the condition causing the drugs to be taken in the first place.
Avoid alcohol - Drinking alcohol has a tendency to leave you feeling drowsy, but the effects are short lived and you will usually wake up several hours later, unable to fall back asleep. This will make it almost impossible to enter the deepest stage of sleep, where your body does most of its healing.
Habitual behaviors often play a key role in insomnia and should be looked at. Some relevant issues may come to light just through moderate introspection. Once you understand what may be the cause, you can better determine what treatment to engage in.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
USATF Now Lets Members Ask About Drugs and Supplements
The USATF has teamed up with The National Center for Drug Free Sport to allow free access for all of their members to the Resource Exchange Center, a subscription service of Drug Free Sport.
The REC is a portal where athletes and coaches can ask questions about drugs and supplements to make sure that they are not ingesting anything illegal within the sport and to learn of any known health risks or side effects.
The U.S. Anti-Doping Agency already has a hotline that elite athletes can call to determine if a medication or specific substance is banned. The REC broadens this concept by enabling any USATF members - not just athletes in USADA's drug-testing pool - to inquire about supplements, which can contain multiple substances, some labeled and some not. In addition, the REC and Drug-Free Sport will provide USATF members with information that is reported by athletes who take a supplement and have an adverse reaction to it.
The directions and the method for accessing the portal is a little confusing. First, you need to log in to the USATF website using your member ID number. It doesn't say so, but you then need to return to the REC directions page and click on the REC logo to get to the REC Access Page which will provide your login information. Be aware that choosing your login name can also be difficult given their funky little widget.
I took a look around the site after I figured out how to access it, and there are some good informational articles mixed in with pages that don't exist yet and are just coming soon... While the articles are certainly worth reading, the main feature I was hoping to see is conspicuously missing, and that is a list of common drugs and supplements and all of the information about each one that the site can provide.
As far as I can tell, if you want information about a specific drug or supplement, you need to ask and then wait for up to 24 hours for a response. That seems like it's a a poor use of resources, as I have to imagine that many of the drugs and supplements people would ask about are going to be repeated over and over.
Still, it's a great resource to have available, so if you are a member of the USATF and are at all curious about a supplement that you are or are considering taking, I highly recommend requesting information through the REC.
The REC is a portal where athletes and coaches can ask questions about drugs and supplements to make sure that they are not ingesting anything illegal within the sport and to learn of any known health risks or side effects.
The U.S. Anti-Doping Agency already has a hotline that elite athletes can call to determine if a medication or specific substance is banned. The REC broadens this concept by enabling any USATF members - not just athletes in USADA's drug-testing pool - to inquire about supplements, which can contain multiple substances, some labeled and some not. In addition, the REC and Drug-Free Sport will provide USATF members with information that is reported by athletes who take a supplement and have an adverse reaction to it.
The directions and the method for accessing the portal is a little confusing. First, you need to log in to the USATF website using your member ID number. It doesn't say so, but you then need to return to the REC directions page and click on the REC logo to get to the REC Access Page which will provide your login information. Be aware that choosing your login name can also be difficult given their funky little widget.
I took a look around the site after I figured out how to access it, and there are some good informational articles mixed in with pages that don't exist yet and are just coming soon... While the articles are certainly worth reading, the main feature I was hoping to see is conspicuously missing, and that is a list of common drugs and supplements and all of the information about each one that the site can provide.
As far as I can tell, if you want information about a specific drug or supplement, you need to ask and then wait for up to 24 hours for a response. That seems like it's a a poor use of resources, as I have to imagine that many of the drugs and supplements people would ask about are going to be repeated over and over.
Still, it's a great resource to have available, so if you are a member of the USATF and are at all curious about a supplement that you are or are considering taking, I highly recommend requesting information through the REC.
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Permanent Weight Loss - No Drugs, No Supplements - 100% Guaranteed
Have you ever imagined losing those extra calories forever?
You might have tried several diet programs and heard people claiming to be experts. Indeed, there are very few of these so-called Fat loss experts, who really are what they claim.
But the one I am referring here is 100% guaranteed system to reduce body fat.
The author of this e-book, over past 14 years, through a long and painstaking process of trials, errors and experimentation, has developed this flawless system for losing body fat based on the ever hidden nutrition secrets of competitive natural bodybuilders and fitness experts.
This fat loss system is the most effective and healthy way to lose fat and gain muscle.
If you are still doubtful, then I am the witness to the reliability of this fat loss system! Even I have tried it and surprisingly, now I am being considered as the man with the sexiest physique wherever I go. Now, I can wear anything and everything without tension of hiding my bulky areas.
Hats off to this fat loss system!
The most striking thing about this Fat Burning Breakthrough is that it gives you the power to:
o Lose fat permanently
It has been proven that 95% people who opt for typical diet plans gain all the weight back and as a result they end up getting fatter than when they started. Now would you like to be the one among the already mentioned 95% or to get blessed by joining the rest 5%?
o Lose your body fat without damaging your metabolism
This fat loss system will not only prevent you from metabolism damage in the future but also make you learn more ways to fire up your metabolic engine and accelerate natural rate of your body to burn those extra calories permanently.
o Lose fat without supplements
97% of all supplements are usually fake! These wicked companies mislead you making up false promises. This fat loss program will expose the dark side of the $13 billion per year supplement industry, and the $40 billion per year weight loss industry that could save you thousands of your hard-earned dollars!
o Lose fat without drugs
The image of bodybuilders is that their good and healthy bodies are result of steroids or fat burning illegal drugs. Unfortunately, this is the bitter reality with most of pro bodybuilders. As these drugs are really effective but they do not last longer and thinking about side-effects are life-threatening. A very few number of natural bodybuilders are there who know how to use the training and nutrition science to alter body composition without drugs. Its only these who keep their fat loss and muscle gains permanently.
If you desire then you too can learn these fat burning secrets from the one and only natural bodybuilding champion who knows from real-world experience exactly how it is done.
You might have tried several diet programs and heard people claiming to be experts. Indeed, there are very few of these so-called Fat loss experts, who really are what they claim.
But the one I am referring here is 100% guaranteed system to reduce body fat.
The author of this e-book, over past 14 years, through a long and painstaking process of trials, errors and experimentation, has developed this flawless system for losing body fat based on the ever hidden nutrition secrets of competitive natural bodybuilders and fitness experts.
This fat loss system is the most effective and healthy way to lose fat and gain muscle.
If you are still doubtful, then I am the witness to the reliability of this fat loss system! Even I have tried it and surprisingly, now I am being considered as the man with the sexiest physique wherever I go. Now, I can wear anything and everything without tension of hiding my bulky areas.
Hats off to this fat loss system!
The most striking thing about this Fat Burning Breakthrough is that it gives you the power to:
o Lose fat permanently
It has been proven that 95% people who opt for typical diet plans gain all the weight back and as a result they end up getting fatter than when they started. Now would you like to be the one among the already mentioned 95% or to get blessed by joining the rest 5%?
o Lose your body fat without damaging your metabolism
This fat loss system will not only prevent you from metabolism damage in the future but also make you learn more ways to fire up your metabolic engine and accelerate natural rate of your body to burn those extra calories permanently.
o Lose fat without supplements
97% of all supplements are usually fake! These wicked companies mislead you making up false promises. This fat loss program will expose the dark side of the $13 billion per year supplement industry, and the $40 billion per year weight loss industry that could save you thousands of your hard-earned dollars!
o Lose fat without drugs
The image of bodybuilders is that their good and healthy bodies are result of steroids or fat burning illegal drugs. Unfortunately, this is the bitter reality with most of pro bodybuilders. As these drugs are really effective but they do not last longer and thinking about side-effects are life-threatening. A very few number of natural bodybuilders are there who know how to use the training and nutrition science to alter body composition without drugs. Its only these who keep their fat loss and muscle gains permanently.
If you desire then you too can learn these fat burning secrets from the one and only natural bodybuilding champion who knows from real-world experience exactly how it is done.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)