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Did you know that glutathione is not only great for liver health, but it also promotes beautiful, radiant skin?   
Date:
December 07, 2023 12:12 PM
Did you know that glutathione is not only great for liver health, but it also promotes beautiful, radiant skin?Glutathione (GSH), often considered as an amino acid but actually a tripeptide, is an antioxidant primarily synthesized in the liver. Composed of cysteine, glutamic acid, and glycine, it plays a crucial role in the synthesis and repair of DNA and protein, as well as the synthesis of prostaglandins. With its involvement in various functions like amino acid transport, toxin and carcinogen metabolism, immune system function, prevention of oxidative cell damage, and activation of enzymes, it is undoubtedly the most important tripeptide in the body. While the benefits of supplementing with glutathione are numerous, two particularly compelling reasons are its positive impact on liver health and beautiful skin, which are the key focus of this article. However, before diving into the specifics of liver health and skin benefits, it's important to review the data on glutathione depletion and absorption. GSH depletion can occur due to various oxidative stressors such as radiation, v.infections, enviro toxins, household chemicals, heavy metals, surgery, inflammation, burns, septic shock, and dietary deficiencies of GSH precursors and enzyme cofactors. Additionally, research suggests that GSH levels tend to decline with age. The bioavailability of glutathione as a dietary supplement has encountered challenges in the past. Studies in the 1990s suggested that oral GSH might be inactivated by peptidases in the gut, as the levels of glutathione in the body did not seem to correlate with dietary intake, despite its presence in fruits, vegetables, and meats. Moreover, previous studies showed no significant increase in blood GSH levels when subjects were given high doses of 1,000-3,000 mg. As a result, alternative strategies like supplementation with NAC were used to boost GSH levels. In 2014, something interesting happened that changed the way we look at the bioavailability of GSH. A groundbreaking study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry shed new light on the old research. This study showed that GSH, when taken in its intact form as OPITAC, a yeast-derived glutathione by Kohjin/Mitsubishi, can actually be rapidly transported across intestinal epithelial cells. Once inside, it gets rapidly converted into oxidized glutathione (GSSG) and accumulates in red blood cells and the liver, with only a small presence in plasma. So, although the GSH was indeed absorbed, it didn't show up in blood plasma because it transformed into GSSG and stored in the red blood cells and the liver. The bottom line is, supplementing with GSH is an effective way to boost GSH levels in the body. This finding was further confirmed in another study that described how OPITAC, as a yeast-derived glutathione by Kohjin/Mitsubishi, is directly absorbed in its electrochemically reduced form in the intestine, then transported in the blood in bound forms, and eventually deposited into the liver in its reduced form. But here's where it gets even more significant. A six-month randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial involving 54 adults was conducted to investigate the effects of oral GSH supplementation (250 or 1,000 mg/day, as OPITAC glutathione, Kohjin/Mitsubishi) on GSH levels in various parts of the body, including blood, erythrocytes, plasma, lymphocytes, and exfoliated buccal mucosal cells. The results were astounding. After one, three, and six months, GSH levels in blood increased significantly compared to baseline in both dosage groups. At the six-month mark, GSH levels skyrocketed 30-35 percent in erythrocytes, plasma, and lymphocytes, and a mind-boggling 260 percent in buccal cells in the 1,000 mg group (P < 0.05). Even in the low-dose group, GSH levels in blood and erythrocytes increased by 17 and 29 percent, respectively (P < 0.05). This research clearly demonstrates that supplementation with GSH is not only effective for increasing GSH levels in the body but also for maintaining them. So, to sum it all up, the evidence speaks volumes - supplementing with GSH can have a profound impact on your body's GSH levels, and trust me, that's definitely a good thing! Liver HealthWhen it comes to our well-being, the liver is a true superhero. Let's dive into some fascinating details about this essential organ. Did you know that the liver is not only the largest reservoir of GSH (glutathione) but also a major site of GSH manufacture in the body? Pretty impressive, right? Special cells in the liver work tirelessly to synthesize GSH, which plays a crucial role in detoxification. Speaking of detoxification, the liver is a champion in this field. Its cells have sophisticated mechanisms to break down toxic substances, be it internal or external compounds. During the detoxification process, the liver attaches or conjugates the toxins to water-soluble substances. This attachment makes the toxic molecules more water-soluble, less harmful, and easier to eliminate via urine or bile. In fact, glutathione conjugation produces water-soluble mercaptates that are excreted via the kidneys, effectively detoxifying acetaminophen and nicotine. Isn't it amazing how this process helps our bodies get rid of harmful substances? But that's not all. Adequate levels of glutathione are crucial for the elimination of fat-soluble compounds, particularly heavy metals like mercury and lead. What's more, GSH serves as a cofactor for various peroxidase enzymes, aiding in the detoxification of peroxides generated from oxygen radical attacks on biological molecules. It also assists transhydrogenase enzymes in reducing oxidized centers on DNA, proteins, and other biomolecules. Talk about a multitasker! The practical significance of this liver superhero was demonstrated in a study involving workers exposed to lead. A group of five workers received GSH at 200 mg/day for 30 days, while five others served as the control group. The results were striking. The group receiving GSH showed a significant increase in ALA dehydratase activity (which is inhibited by lead) compared to the control group (p < 0.05). This indicates that GSH could be a valuable solution for treating patients with lead poisoning. So, let's take a moment to appreciate the remarkable liver and its incredible role in maintaining our health and well-being! Alcohol IntoxicationAlcohol consumption is widely recognized for its capability to induce hepatic steatosis, also known as fatty liver disease, and disrupt biomembranes due to hepatic lipid peroxidation. This can lead to various lifestyle-related diseases and even hepatic cirrhosis by diminishing hepatic Physiological function. Nevertheless, animal studies have shown that hepatic damage caused by alcohol intoxication can be mitigated by glutathione (GSH), a powerful antioxidant found in cells. To further investigate the impact of GSH supplementation on the effects of alcohol intake, a human crossover comparative study was conducted. The study involved twenty healthy men and women who were grouped into three categories: placebo, 100 mg GSH (as OPITAC glutathione, Kohjin/Mitsubishi), and 30 mg curcumin. The study evaluated laboratory parameters, including breath alcohol concentration at different time intervals (20, 60, 120, and 180 minutes post-alcohol consumption) as measured by an alcohol checker. Additionally, subjective feelings were assessed through a questionnaire. During the study, all participants consumed whiskey in a quantity equal to their body weight multiplied by 1.25 mL, and were instructed to drink the entire sample within 10 minutes. The results revealed that the breath alcohol concentration in the group supplemented with GSH significantly decreased compared to the placebo and curcumin groups at 20 (p<0.01), 60 (p<0.01), 120 (p<0.05), and 180 (p<0.08) minutes post-consumption. Furthermore, the GSH group reported lower levels of "sleepiness," "headache," and "upset stomach" in the subjective feeling questionnaire. Importantly, the concentration of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), an indicator of alcohol-induced organ damage, was significantly lower in the GSH group after two months compared to the placebo group. The oral intake of GSH has demonstrated its effectiveness in reducing alcohol consumption-related stress and improving long-term hepatic function. These findings highlight the potential benefits of GSH supplementation in alleviating the detrimental effects of alcohol intoxication on the liver. Nonalcoholic fatty liver diseaseNonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a condition characterized by the build-up of fat in the liver of individuals who consume little or no alcohol. Unfortunately, NAFLD is quite common, affecting nearly one-third of all American adults. Interestingly, it often presents without readily apparent signs or symptoms, sometimes resulting in complications, and can lead to liver inflammation and scarring as the fat accumulates. Additionally, NAFLD is typically associated with conditions such as insulin resistance, central obesity, reduced glucose tolerance, type-2 diabetes, and elevated triglyceride levels. Recognizing the substantial role glutathione (GSH) plays in phase 2 liver detoxification, a pilot trial was conducted to examine the therapeutic effects of GSH supplementation in patients with NAFLD. The trial included 29 individuals, and the patients were provided with daily oral supplementation of GSH at a dose of 300 mg (in the form of OPITAC glutathione, from Kohjin/Mitsubishi). The patients' clinical parameters were assessed before and after the GSH supplementation, and liver fat and fibrosis were quantified as well. The primary goal of the study was to determine any changes in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels. The results indicated a significant decrease in ALT levels following the GSH supplementation. Furthermore, triglycerides, non-esterified fatty acids, and ferritin levels also showed a reduction. This pilot study provides promising evidence for the potential therapeutic effects of oral glutathione administration, even at practical doses, in patients diagnosed with NAFLD. However, further investigation through large-scale clinical trials is necessary to validate its efficacy. In summary, NAFLD is a prevalent condition with potential serious consequences, but studies like the aforementioned pilot trial shed light on potential treatment options such as GSH supplementation. The findings demonstrate the need for continued research in order to provide more conclusive evidence and expand our understanding of NAFLD management. Beautiful SkinBy activating melanocytes in the skin, there is a notable increase in melanin formation, resulting in various blemishes such as freckles, pigmentation, and UV-induced skin spots, commonly known as age spots or liver spots. This is especially prominent after prolonged sun exposure and tanning. Age spots appear when melanin becomes concentrated or "clumped" in areas that have had years of frequent sun exposure. Luckily, there are materials like glutathione that can prevent or improve such pigmentation-related skin conditions. Another aspect to consider is skin pigmentation, wrinkles, and pores. In a study conducted with eight women in their 30s or early 40s, each supplemented with 100 mg/day of GSH (as OPITAC glutathione, Kohjin/Mitsubishi) for two months, their skin conditions were evaluated using the Robo Skin Analyzer. Several parameters were analyzed, including skin brightness, the amount and area of skin pigmentation, number of pores, and number of wrinkles under the eyes. It was observed that all subjects' skin brightness improved when measured on the second day of the study. Additionally, over the course of the two months, both the amount and area of skin pigmentation decreased, leading to an improvement in blemishes and pigmentation. Not only did glutathione exhibit a whitening effect, but it also reduced the number of wrinkles under the eyes and minimized pores. Furthermore, a randomized, double-blind, two-arm, placebo-controlled study was conducted with 60 otherwise healthy medical students. The purpose was to investigate whether supplementing with 500 mg of glutathione daily for four weeks would affect the skin melanin index compared to a placebo. Melanin indices were measured at six different sites on the body. The results demonstrated that melanin indices consistently decreased at all six sites in subjects who received glutathione after four weeks. The reductions were statistically significant compared to those who received the placebo at two sites: the right side of the face and the sun-exposed left forearm (p = 0.021 and 0.036, respectively). This improvement was likewise reflected in the reduction of UV spots. Importantly, both glutathione and placebo were well-tolerated. In conclusion, oral administration of glutathione leads to a lightening of skin color in the tested subjects. Skin LighteningSkin lightening is a process that is of interest to many individuals who seek to achieve a more even and radiant complexion. In recent studies, the use of a lozenge containing GSH 500 mg was explored as a means of skin lightening through an open-label, single-arm trial. The focus of this trial was to evaluate the buccal mucosa as a route for GSH administration and its potential in relation to skin lightening. It is worth noting that substances absorbed through the buccal route have the advantage of entering directly into the systemic circulation, effectively bypassing the gastrointestinal tract. The trial involved thirty Filipino females with Fitzpatrick skin types IV or V who received a daily glutathione-containing lozenge for eight weeks. The results from this trial demonstrated a significant decrease in melanin indices from baseline to endpoint. What is fascinating is that this visible change became evident in as little as two weeks. It is important to highlight that during this trial, there were no recorded serious adverse events, and the laboratory examination findings remained normal. Based on these findings, the researchers concluded that the lozenge containing glutathione was deemed safe and effective in lightening the skin of Filipino women. In addition to the aforementioned buccal route administration, another interesting approach that emerged from the studies is the topical application of GSH. A double-blind randomized clinical trial35 conducted in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, involved 74 healthy Indonesian women, with an average age of 33.3 ± 5.9 years, to explore the potential benefits of topical GSH. The trial subjects received supervised applications of facial wash twice a day, along with day cream containing sunscreen and night cream. The subjects were divided into three groups based on the active ingredients of the tested products, which included GSH (as OPITAC glutathione, Kohjin/Mitsubishi) at concentrations of 0.1 percent and 0.5 percent, and a control group without GSH. Throughout the trial, the effects of the tested products on skin color and pigmentation were measured using colorimetry with Chromameter Minolta for L. Compared to the baseline measurements, there were significant increases in lightness (L) detected as early as week 2 for the group using GSH at 0.1 percent concentration. Interestingly, this increase was significantly higher compared to the group using GSH at the higher concentration of 0.5 percent, as well as the group without GSH. It is important to note that hyperpigmented lesions also showed improvement, particularly in the group using GSH at 0.5 percent concentration, which displayed superiority compared to the other groups at week 8. In conclusion, the skin care products containing GSH at 0.1 percent and 0.5 percent concentrations were found to be effective in lightening facial skin. The findings from these studies shed light on the potential benefits of GSH in achieving skin lightening, either through buccal administration or topical application. It is worth noting that these studies focused on specific populations and more research is necessary to explore its effectiveness and safety across different skin types and ethnicities. In summary, the administration of
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=6592) Why Your Sodium to Potassium Ratio Is Important 
Date:
August 04, 2023 02:09 PM
The typical Western diet is largely comprised of processed foods, which are notoriously high in processed table salt. This results in an imbalance in the sodium to potassium ratio, a significant health concern. Sodium is necessary for a variety of bodily functions; however, too much can be detrimental, leading to hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases. Simultaneously, potassium is often neglected, despite its crucial role in muscle function, nerve signaling, and balancing fluids. The general dietary advice suggests a potassium to sodium intake ratio of 3:1. However, the reality in diets, particularly those in America, often sees this ratio inverted. The excessive sodium consumption is linked to a myriad of health complications, including high blood pressure and heart disease. Conversely, potassium, a mineral that aids in nerve function and muscle control, is consumed in insufficient quantities. This is a troubling trend that underscores the importance of dietary change towards natural, unprocessed foods. The importance of potassium is often overshadowed by the emphasis on limiting sodium for reducing chronic disease risk factors. Potassium plays an essential role in maintaining healthy blood pressure levels by counteracting the effects of sodium. Furthermore, the mineral is crucial for other functions like heart and muscle cell functioning, nerve transmission, and maintaining fluid balance. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine discovered that individuals with the lowest risk for heart complications or death from any cause were those consuming between four to six grams of sodium per day. This is a fascinating discovery, as this intake is significantly higher than the U.S. daily recommended limits. It suggests a need for a reconsideration of current sodium intake guidelines. Another consideration to balance the sodium-potassium ratio is the type of salt consumed. Unprocessed, natural salts like sea salt and Himalayan salt contain higher potassium levels compared to standard table salt. These natural salts provide a variety of minerals and trace elements that contribute to our overall health and wellness. It's crucial to note that switching to natural salt should be part of a broader shift towards a diet rich in fresh, unprocessed foods. Why You Should Focus on Increasing Potassium While it's beneficial to monitor and moderate sodium intake, it's equally important to shift our focus towards increasing potassium consumption. Potassium-rich foods, such as leafy green vegetables, bananas, potatoes, and beans, not only contribute to a well-rounded and nutritious diet but also help in maintaining an optimal sodium-potassium balance in the body. A high potassium intake can counteract the effects of sodium, aiding in blood pressure regulation and reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Moreover, an elevated potassium level supports various bodily functions, including nerve transmission, muscle contraction, and fluid balance. Thus, prioritizing potassium intake forms a cornerstone for an overall healthier dietary approach. It is recommended that individuals consume 5 grams of potassium daily and potassium to salt ratio should be 2 to 1. To boost potassium intake, one can take a potassium supplement or add the following foods to their diet or both: Watermelon, Orange juice, Boiled red potatoes, Avocado, Bananas, Cantaloupe, Oranges, Coconut water, Tomatoes, Yogurt, Winter squash, and Wild-caught salmon. Why Low-Salt Advice Can Be Harmful Contrary to popular belief, adhering to low-salt advice can sometimes pose risks to certain individuals. While it is true that excessive sodium intake can lead to high blood pressure and heart problems, sodium still plays a vital role in our bodies. It assists in nerve conduction, muscle contraction, and maintaining the body's fluid balance. In fact, low sodium levels in the body, a condition known as hyponatremia, can lead to symptoms such as headache, nausea, fatigue, and in severe cases, coma or even death. Moreover, a low-salt diet may lead to increased levels of cholesterol and triglycerides, hormonal imbalances and insulin resistance. This can potentially elevate the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Low-salt diets can also exacerbate the risk of certain health conditions. For instance, individuals with conditions like Addison's disease or certain kidney disorders, where the body struggles to maintain a balance of electrolytes, might find a low-salt diet harmful. Therefore, it is crucial to balance the intake of sodium, considering both the potential risks associated with too much, or too little, sodium. The key is to consume sodium from natural and unprocessed sources, such as Himalayan salt, fruits, vegetables, grains, and lean meats, which also provide a host of other nutrients necessary for overall health. As with most things in nutrition, moderation and balance seem to hold the answer rather than extreme restriction. The RDA - recommended daily allowance of sodium is 3.5 grams. It is advised to consume 3.5 grams of natural salt each day by way of foods or combination of foods plus Himalayan salt to reach that goal. The Impact of Excessive Salt Intake on Certain Health Conditions While moderate salt intake is vital for normal Physiological functions, its excessive consumption can have detrimental effects, particularly for individuals with certain health conditions. For instance, endocrine disorders, high aldosterone levels, Cushing's syndrome, and elevated cortisol levels can all heighten the body's sensitivity to sodium, making it even more essential to monitor and limit salt intake. Endocrine disorders, which involve imbalances in the body's hormone production, can often lead to increased sodium retention, exacerbating issues of water retention and swelling. Similarly, high aldosterone levels, a hormone that regulates sodium and potassium balance, can cause the body to retain excessive sodium, leading to high blood pressure and potential damage to the cardiovascular system. Cushing's syndrome, a condition characterized by excessive cortisol production, can lead to a host of symptoms, including high blood pressure and rapid weight gain, both of which can be intensified by high sodium intake. The excessive cortisol found in Cushing's syndrome promotes sodium retention, further elevating the risk for hypertension. Similarly, elevated cortisol levels, even outside of Cushing's syndrome, can lead to heightened sodium retention, contributing to high blood pressure, fluid retention, and an imbalance of electrolytes. Therefore, individuals with these conditions should be particularly mindful of their sodium intake. In these scenarios, reducing salt consumption can help mitigate the associated health risks and symptoms. Switching to a diet rich in whole, unprocessed foods, and taking conscious steps to limit the use of added table salt can play a crucial role in managing these health conditions. As always, it is essential to seek personalized advice from a healthcare professional, as individual needs may vary. In summary, while salt is often villainized in the health community, its consumption, especially from natural sources, is vital for maintaining bodily functions like nerve conduction, muscle contraction, and fluid balance. However, excessive or inadequate sodium intake can have adverse health effects, such as hypertension, imbalances in cholesterol and triglycerides, and even hyponatremia in severe cases. Certain health conditions, including endocrine disorders, high aldosterone levels, Cushing's syndrome, and elevated cortisol levels, can also exacerbate these risks, making it crucial for individuals with these conditions to carefully monitor their salt intake. On the other hand, increasing potassium intake can help maintain an optimal sodium-potassium balance, reducing blood pressure and lowering the risk of cardiovascular diseases. In a nutshell, moderation and balance are key in sodium consumption, but the emphasis should be on consuming more potassium-rich foods to ensure your potassium intake is higher than sodium levels which will ensure a healthier dietary approach.
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=6582) Understanding Benfotiamine: The Fat-Soluble, Bioavailable and Physiologically Active Form of Thiamine
Date:
July 27, 2023 12:12 PM
What if there existed a form of thiamine that was more bioavailable and Physiologically active than the conventional form we all know about? Well, that form does exist, and it is called Benfotiamine. Benfotiamine has been gaining popularity lately, especially among people dealing with diabetes and other metabolic disorders. But what exactly is Benfotiamine, and what makes it different? Lets explore Benfotiamine, its bioavailability, and its Physiological effects. Thiamine, also known as Vitamin B1, is a nutrient that plays a crucial role in energy production, nerve function, and metabolism. It is a water-soluble vitamin, which means it dissolves in water and is not stored by the body. However, conventional forms of thiamine have a limited ability to cross cell membranes and are easily excreted out of the body, rendering it ineffective for some individuals. This is where Benfotiamine comes in; it is a modified form of Vitamin B1 that is fat-soluble, highly bioavailable, and because cells are wrapped in lipid fat this form of B1 is capable of crossing cell membranes with ease. Since our cell membranes are composed of lipids, fat-soluble nutrients can easily penetrate the cell barrier and get into living cells where the vitamin is needed. Upon entering the bloodstream, benfotiamine is converted to thiamin pyrophosphate (TPP), the biologically active co-enzyme of thiamin, which is responsible for energy metabolism. By raising the blood levels of TPP, benfotiamine has been shown to support glucose metabolism, reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, and protect against the damage caused by high levels of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). In addition to its bioavailability, benfotiamine has been shown to have several Physiological effect on the body. One of the key enzymes that benfotiamine influences is transketolase, which is involved in the pentose phosphate pathway, a metabolic pathway that generates NADPH, a vital molecule that protects cells against oxidative stress. By stimulating transketolase, benfotiamine supports the diversion of excess glucose to the pentose phosphate pathway, thereby reducing the production of reactive oxygen species and increasing the production of NADPH. Another significant benefit of benfotiamine is that it helps protect the nervous system. Chronic high blood glucose levels are known to cause oxidative stress and to damage the peripheral and central nervous systems. However, benfotiamine has been shown to help lower oxidative stress markers and reduce the risk of nerve damage. This can in turn help reduce pain, numbness, and tingling sensations associated with nerve damage, making it a promising adjunct therapy for people with diabetic neuropathy. In Summary: benfotiamine is a modified and bioavailable form of thiamine that offers unique benefits compared to conventional forms of Vitamin B1. Its fat-solubility enables it to cross cell membranes, raise levels of thiamin pyrophosphate, stimulate the transketolase enzyme, and support proper glucose metabolism. Its notable effects on the nervous system make it an attractive therapeutic agent for people with diabetic neuropathy. If you're seeking an alternative and highly effective form of thiamine, benfotiamine is definitely worth considering. Give it a try today!
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=6580) New from NOW FOODS, Quercetin supplement
Date:
October 19, 2022 10:17 AM
The Many Health Benefits of QuercetinQuercetin is a nutrient that is found in many plants and foods. It is classified as a flavonoid and is known for its powerful antioxidant properties. Quercetin has been shown to provide numerous health benefits, including supporting a healthy immune system. Let's take a closer look at quercetin and its many health benefits. The Health Benefits of Quercetin As an antioxidant, quercetin scavenges harmful toxins and free radicals from the body. This helps to protect cells and DNA from damage. Free radicals are believed to contribute to the development of chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer. By reducing the amount of free radicals in the body, quercetin can help to reduce the risk of these chronic diseases. In addition to its antioxidant properties, quercetin also has anti-inflammatory effects. Inflammation is a normal Physiological response that helps to protect the body from infection and injury. However, chronic inflammation can lead to the development of various diseases such as arthritis, autoimmune disorders, and cancers. Quercetin's ability to reduce inflammation makes it a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of these conditions. Another health benefit of quercetin is its role in supporting a healthy immune system. Quercetin has been shown to increase the production of cytokines, which are proteins that play an important role in immunity. Quercetin has also been shown to improve the function of natural killer cells, which are a type of white blood cell that helps to protect the body from infection. These effects make quercetin an important nutrient for supporting a healthy immune system. Quercetin is a nutrient that is found in many plants and foods. It is classified as a flavonoid and is known for its powerful antioxidant properties. Quercetin has been shown to provide numerous health benefits, including supporting a healthy immune system, reducing inflammation, and scavenging harmful toxins from the body. These effects make quercetin an important nutrient for overall health and well-being.
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=6508) D-Flame - Herbal Support for a Healthy Response to Stress
Date:
October 07, 2022 10:26 AM
Feeling stressed? You're not alone. In today's fast-paced world, it's more important than ever to find natural ways to support our bodies in responding to stress. Introducing D-Flame, a carefully crafted blend of herbal extracts that may help to support a healthy response to Physiological stress. Read on to learn more about the key ingredients in D-Flame and how they work together to keep your body operating at its best. The Science Behind D-Flame D-Flame contains a unique blend of botanical extracts that work together to support the body's natural response to stress. Here's a closer look at some of the key ingredients in D-Flame and how they contribute to its ability to promote a healthy stress response: Holy Basil Extract - Holy basil is an ayurvedic herb that has been used for centuries in India for its many purported health benefits. Among these is the ability to help the body adapt to stress by supporting the activity of key stress mediators. Ursolic Acid - Ursolic acid is a type of triterpenoid compound that is found in a variety of plants. It has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may help to protect cells from damage caused by oxidative stress. Turmeric Extract - Turmeric is a well-known spice with powerful antioxidant activity. Its active ingredient, curcumin, has been shown to modulate the activity of enzymes involved in inflammation, helping to keep inflammation levels in check. Ginger Extract - Ginger has long been used as a natural remedy for digestive issues like nausea and indigestion. It also possesses potent anti-inflammatory activity, which may help to reduce pain and swelling associated with occasional overexertion or injury. Green Tea Extract - Green tea is rich in antioxidants and polyphenols, which may help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. It also contains caffeine, which has been shown to increase alertness and focus while also reducing fatigue. Boswellin® - Boswellin® is an extract of the herb boswellia serrata that has been shown to inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory molecules known as leukotrienes. This action helps to reduce inflammation throughout the body. Bromelain - Bromelain is an enzyme found naturally in pineapple that possesses powerful anti-inflammatory activity. It works by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, helping to reduce inflammation and pain associated with conditions like joint pain and arthritis. Baikal Skullcap - Baikal skullcap is an herb native to Southeast Asia that has traditionally been used as a remedy for digestive issues and skin ailments. It also possesses potent anti-inflammatory activity, which makes it ideal for alleviating occasional pain and swelling associated with injury or overexertion. Resveratrol - Resveratrol is a type of phytonutrient that is found in grapes, berries, and other plant foods. It has strong antioxidant activity and has also been shown to modulate the activity of genes involved in inflammation, making it an effective tool for reducing chronic inflammation throughout the body.* Berberine - Berberine is a bitter alkaloid compound that is found in a variety of plants including goldenseal, barberry, and Oregon grape root. It has powerful antimicrobial activity against bacteria, viruses, and fungi.* Additionally, berberine has strong anti-inflammatory activity, making it ideal for alleviating occasional pain and swelling associated with injury or overexertion.* In Summary: D-Flame is an all-natural blend of botanical extracts that have been traditionally used for centuries to support the body's response to stress.* These herbs work together synergistically to modulate key enzymes and mediators involved in inflammation.* This action helps reduce chronic inflammation throughout the body.* Additionally, these herbs also help protect cells from damage caused by oxidative stress.* If you're looking for an herbal supplement to help support your body during times of stress, look no further than D-Flame!*
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=6487) D-Flame - Herbal Support for a Healthy Response to Stress
Date:
October 06, 2022 04:01 PM
Feeling stressed? You're not alone. In today's fast-paced world, it's more important than ever to find natural ways to support our bodies in responding to stress. Introducing D-Flame, a carefully crafted blend of herbal extracts that may help to support a healthy response to Physiological stress. Read on to learn more about the key ingredients in D-Flame and how they work together to keep your body operating at its best. The Science Behind D-Flame D-Flame contains a unique blend of botanical extracts that work together to support the body's natural response to stress. Here's a closer look at some of the key ingredients in D-Flame and how they contribute to its ability to promote a healthy stress response: Holy Basil Extract - Holy basil is an ayurvedic herb that has been used for centuries in India for its many purported health benefits. Among these is the ability to help the body adapt to stress by supporting the activity of key stress mediators. Ursolic Acid - Ursolic acid is a type of triterpenoid compound that is found in a variety of plants. It has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may help to protect cells from damage caused by oxidative stress. Turmeric Extract - Turmeric is a well-known spice with powerful antioxidant activity. Its active ingredient, curcumin, has been shown to modulate the activity of enzymes involved in inflammation, helping to keep inflammation levels in check. Ginger Extract - Ginger has long been used as a natural remedy for digestive issues like nausea and indigestion. It also possesses potent anti-inflammatory activity, which may help to reduce pain and swelling associated with occasional overexertion or injury. Green Tea Extract - Green tea is rich in antioxidants and polyphenols, which may help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. It also contains caffeine, which has been shown to increase alertness and focus while also reducing fatigue. Boswellin® - Boswellin® is an extract of the herb boswellia serrata that has been shown to inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory molecules known as leukotrienes. This action helps to reduce inflammation throughout the body. Bromelain - Bromelain is an enzyme found naturally in pineapple that possesses powerful anti-inflammatory activity. It works by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, helping to reduce inflammation and pain associated with conditions like joint pain and arthritis. Baikal Skullcap - Baikal skullcap is an herb native to Southeast Asia that has traditionally been used as a remedy for digestive issues and skin ailments. It also possesses potent anti-inflammatory activity, which makes it ideal for alleviating occasional pain and swelling associated with injury or overexertion. Resveratrol - Resveratrol is a type of phytonutrient that is found in grapes, berries, and other plant foods. It has strong antioxidant activity and has also been shown to modulate the activity of genes involved in inflammation, making it an effective tool for reducing chronic inflammation throughout the body.* Berberine - Berberine is a bitter alkaloid compound that is found in a variety of plants including goldenseal, barberry, and Oregon grape root. It has powerful antimicrobial activity against bacteria, viruses, and fungi.* Additionally, berberine has strong anti-inflammatory activity, making it ideal for alleviating occasional pain and swelling associated with injury or overexertion.* In Summary: D-Flame is an all-natural blend of botanical extracts that have been traditionally used for centuries to support the body's response to stress.* These herbs work together synergistically to modulate key enzymes and mediators involved in inflammation.* This action helps reduce chronic inflammation throughout the body.* Additionally, these herbs also help protect cells from damage caused by oxidative stress.* If you're looking for an herbal supplement to help support your body during times of stress, look no further than D-Flame!*
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=6486) IGF-1: How to Improve Muscle Gain
Date:
July 20, 2022 03:38 PM
If you're looking to improve muscle gain, IGF-1 is a hormone you'll want to know about. This hormone is responsible for increasing muscle mass and strength, and has been shown to be incredibly effective in doing so. We'll discuss what IGF-1 is, how it works, and the best ways to increase its levels in your body for improved muscle growth. IGF-1 is from Deer Antler Velvet. What is IGF-1 and what does it do? IGF-1, or insulin-like growth factor 1, is a hormone that plays an important role in the growth and development of the human body. While it is most commonly associated with childhood growth, IGF-1 continues to be produced throughout adulthood and is involved in a variety of Physiological processes. In addition to promoting cell proliferation and differentiation, IGF-1 has been shown to stimulate collagen production, increase bone density, improve muscle growth, and improve glucose tolerance. Despite its many beneficial effects, excessive levels of IGF-1 can lead to a number of health problems, including cancer. For this reason, it is important to maintain healthy levels of IGF-1 throughout life. How does IGF-1 work? IGF-1, or insulin-like growth factor 1, is a hormone that plays an important role in childhood growth and development. In the body, IGF-1 is produced in response to growth hormone (GH) stimulation. Once released, it travels through the bloodstream and binds to IGF-1 receptors on cells, provoking a range of different cellular effects. These include cell proliferation, differentiation, and survival. In addition, IGF-1 has been shown to promote angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels) and to inhibit apoptosis (programmed cell death). Together, these effects make IGF-1 an important regulator of tissue growth and repair. Consequently, serum levels of IGF-1 are closely monitored in children with GH deficiencies, as well as in those who are at risk for cancer or other diseases involving abnormal cell growth. IGF-1 an important regulator of tissue growth and repair, lifting weights tears down muscle fibers and the body can rebuild faster. IGF-1 is a protein that plays an important role in the growth and repair of tissues throughout the body. It is particularly well-known for its ability to help the body rebuild muscle tissue after exercise. When we lift weights, we cause tiny tears in our muscle fibers. In response, the body releases IGF-1 to help repair the damage. This results in an increase in muscle size and strength. Additionally, IGF-1 has been shown to promote healing after injuries and to protect against cell damage caused by stress and inflammation. Therefore, it is not surprising that IGF-1 is often referred to as the "body's repairman." While more research is needed to fully understand the role of IGF-1 in health and disease, there is no doubt that this protein plays a vital role in maintaining our bodies' peak performance. The benefits of increased IGF-1 levels? However, IGF-1 levels decline with age, which may contribute to the age-related decline in muscle mass and strength. Therefore, maintaining high levels of IGF-1 throughout life may be important for preserving muscle mass and function. How to increase your IGF-1 levels for improved muscle growth? As we already know, levels of IGF-1 decline with age, which may explain why older adults tend to have less muscle mass than young people. However, there are several ways to increase IGF-1 levels and improve muscle growth. One of the most effective methods is to take deer antler velvet, which is the highest natural source of IGF-1. Deer antler velvet can be taken in pill form or made into a liposomal supplement, which helps the body absorb the IGF-1 more effectively. Additionally, regular exercise and proper nutrition are important for supporting muscle growth and keeping IGF-1 levels high. Fortunately, Now Foods makes a liposomal IGF-1 supplement. Low levels of IGF-1 have been linked to a variety of health problems, including muscle wasting, osteoporosis, and heart disease. Fortunately, Now Foods makes a liposomal IGF-1 supplement that can help to raise IGF-1 levels and improve overall health. Liposomal delivery is the most efficient way to increase blood levels of IGF-1, and the fact that this supplement is also affordably priced makes it an attractive option for many people. If you are looking for a way to improve your health, consider giving Now Foods liposomal IGF-1 a try.
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=6417) What Cellular Mitochondria Does in the Body
Date:
April 28, 2022 04:19 PM
What are mitochondria and what do they do in the body Mitochondria are organelles that play an important role in the energy metabolism of cells. Most of the oxygen we breathe is used by mitochondria to convert glucose from the food we eat into ATP, the energy molecule used by our cells. Therefore, mitochondria are often referred to as the "powerhouses" of the cell. In addition to producing ATP, mitochondria also have other important functions, such as regulating cell growth and death, as well as calcium homeostasis. Mitochondria are unique in that they have their own DNA separate from the DNA in the cell nucleus. This mitochondrial DNA is passed down from mother to child, which is why defects in mitochondrial function can lead to diseases that are inherited in a maternal lineage. Although most of our cells contain only a single nucleus, they may contain hundreds or even thousands of mitochondria. This allows them to produce enough ATP to meet the energy needs of the cell. How mitochondrial dysfunction can lead to health problems Mitochondria are integral to many essential Physiological processes in the body. Not only do they produce energy for cells, but they also play a key role in maintaining cellular structures and initiating cell division. Therefore, any disruption of normal mitochondrial function can have far-reaching consequences for overall health and well-being. Maladaptive responses to environmental stressors, such as chemical exposure or radiation, are among the most common causes of mitochondrial dysfunction. These stressors result in damage to mitochondrial DNA and can cause problems with cell division and abnormal growth patterns, which can lead to a range of disorders and chronic diseases. For example, mitochondrial dysfunction has been linked to conditions like Alzheimer's disease and type 2 diabetes, as well as cardiovascular disease and cancer. Therefore, it is important to understand the role that mitochondria play in maintaining healthy functioning bodies and take proactive steps to prevent or reverse damage from maladaptive responses to environmental stressors. Mitochondria and Longevity Mitochondria are specialized organelles found within our cells that perform many critical functions, including generating energy to support cellular processes and maintaining healthy cell function. These organelles are the site of many important chemical reactions, often referred to as oxidative phosphorylation or metabolism. Studies have shown that Proper functioning of these organelles is essential for healthy aging, and may be a key factor in determining how long we live. By promoting mitochondria health and making lifestyle changes that help to promote healthy mitochondria, we can take an important step towards optimizing our longevity potential. This includes eating a nutrient-rich diet with a focus on foods high in antioxidants, managing stress levels through regular exercise and relaxation techniques, and avoiding environmental toxins that can damage mitochondria health. Through such strategies, we can give ourselves the best chance at living a long, full life. Ways to protect your mitochondria and keep them healthy with PQQ PQQ, or pyrroloquinoline quinone, is an important molecule for the functioning of mitochondria in the human body. This compound plays a crucial role in adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesis, the fundamental energy currency of biological systems. By driving cellular processes that release energy for metabolic use, PQQ plays a key role in maintaining mitochondrial health and efficiency. Additionally, PQQ has been shown to exhibit powerful antioxidant properties, which help to mitigate the effects of oxidative stress on mitochondria and other critical cells in the body. Overall, PQQ is an essential component of healthy mitochondrial function and a crucial nutrient for energy production and overall metabolic health. D-ribose, the Mitochondria, and Energy D-ribose is a naturally occurring sugar that plays an important role in cellular metabolism and energy production. This nutrient is especially important for cells that rely on a lot of energy, such as those found in the heart and muscles. D-ribose helps these cells to generate adenosine triphosphate, or ATP, which is the main energy currency used by cells to drive chemical reactions. Additionally, research has suggested that d-ribose can help to improve physical endurance and reduce the pain and stiffness associated with exercise, making it an important part of a healthy, active lifestyle. Also, D-ribose is a simple sugar that plays an important role in the structure and function of mitochondria, the powerhouses of the cell. In addition to supplying energy to the cells, mitochondria also help to regulate cell growth and death. D-ribose is essential for the proper function of mitochondria, and it plays a key role in energy production. Studies have shown that D-ribose can help to improve mitochondrial function and reduce fatigue. In addition, D-ribose supplements have been shown to improve exercise performance and increase energy levels. These effects are likely due to the ability of D-ribose to help the body produce more ATP, the energy currency of the cell. For these reasons, D-ribose is an important nutrient for maintaining healthy mitochondria and supporting cellular energy production. Another important nutrient for the mitochondria is CoQ10 The process of producing energy is called oxidative phosphorylation, and it involves the transfer of electrons from nutrients to oxygen. This reaction creates a proton gradient across the mitochondrial membrane, which is used to generate ATP, the energy currency of the cell. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an important component of this process. It acts as an electron carrier, shuttling electrons between enzymes in the respiratory chain. It also helps to maintain the proton gradient, allowing the mitochondria to continue generating ATP. Without CoQ10, oxidative phosphorylation would grind to a halt, and cells would quickly run out of energy. Consequently, CoQ10 plays a vital role in energy production and cellular metabolism. The bottom line is that both D-ribose and CoQ10 are important nutrients the body needs to maintain optimal energy levels. If you’re feeling run down, low on energy, or just generally not your best, consider taking a supplement containing these two nutrients. You may be surprised at how much better you feel once you start including them in your diet. What’s stopping you from giving them a try?
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=6395) N Acetyl Cysteine: A Decades-Old Remedy With Many Uses
Date:
April 27, 2022 11:53 AM
Did you know that N Acetyl Cysteine has been around for decades? This powerful supplement was first discovered in the 1950s and has been used as a remedy for many health issues since then. We will discuss the many benefits of N Acetyl Cysteine and how you can start using it to improve your health! Glutathione and aging As we age, our natural levels of glutathione tend to decline. This is a major cause of many of the negative effects associated with the aging process, including reduced energy and slower recovery times after illness or injury. Fortunately, there are steps that we can take to increase our levels of glutathione, thus slowing down the aging process and keeping us feeling young and vibrant for longer. Some of these steps include eating a healthy diet rich in antioxidant-rich foods like fruits and vegetables, engaging in regular physical activity to improve circulation, and reducing stress levels through relaxation techniques like yoga and meditation. With these strategies in place, we can help to keep our bodies strong, boost our energy levels, and stay young well into old age. Fortunately, there is a supplement that could help, it is called N Acetyl Cysteine, this substance is a precursor to Glutathione and has been shown to boost glutathione levels. What is N Acetyl Cysteine and what are its benefits? N acetyl cysteine has been used as a supplement for many years, and its popularity is likely due to the many benefits it offers. The main function of this compound is to promote the production of glutathione, a powerful antioxidant that protects our bodies from oxidative stress and harmful free radicals. In addition, n acetyl cysteine has been shown to help reduce symptoms of certain mental health disorders, including anxiety and depression. Furthermore, studies have found that n acetyl cysteine may lower blood pressure and improve heart health by increasing blood flow and improving blood vessel function. Overall, it is clear that n acetyl cysteine has been an effective nutrient for many years and continues to be widely used by those looking for an easy way to support their health. How can you start using N Acetyl Cysteine to improve your health? N acetyl cysteine (NAC) is a powerful antioxidant that can help to protect cells from damage. It has been shown to be particularly effective in guarding against liver damage, and is often used as a treatment for hepatitis C. NAC can also help to improve lung function and relieve respiratory conditions such as bronchitis and asthma. In addition, NAC has been shown to boost levels of glutathione, which is a key molecule involved in detoxification. As a result, NAC can help to cleanse the body of harmful toxins and pollutants. NAC is available in supplement form, and can be taken orally or intravenously. It is generally well tolerated, with mild side effects such as nausea and vomiting occasionally reported. When taking NAC supplements, it is important to start with a lower dose and increase gradually as tolerated. Those with pre-existing medical conditions should always speak to their doctor before taking any new supplement. Overall, NAC is a safe and effective way to improve your health and protect your cells from damage. What is the recommended daily dosage for N Acetyl Cysteine per day? The standard recommended dosage for N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) is 600 mg per day. However, some studies have used dosages as high as 2,400 mg per day. The most common side effect of NAC is nausea, which can be minimized by taking the supplement with food. NAC is also sometimes used as a treatment for chronic bronchitis, and the recommended dosage for this condition is 1,200 mg per day. When used for this purpose, NAC is typically taken in divided doses of 600 mg twice per day. There is currently no consensus on the optimal dosage of NAC for any particular condition, and further research is needed to determine the ideal dosage for different applications. In acute circumstances, one might need 4000mg to 6000mgs daily in divided dosages, always work your way up to higher dosages as needed. What are some of the most common uses for this supplement? There are many different uses for NAC, or N-acetyl cysteine. This potent antioxidant supplement has been found to be effective in addressing a wide range of health concerns, including asthma and COPD, chronic sinusitis, liver disease, and particularly serious conditions such as cancer. Additionally, NAC has been shown to provide support for the immune system in general and may also serve as a detoxifying agent by helping to eliminate waste products like heavy metals from the body. Overall, there are numerous benefits to using NAC as part of a well-balanced diet. Whether you are looking to improve your respiratory health or strengthen your immune system, this versatile supplement can help you achieve your goals. NAC composition NAC, or N-acetyl cysteine, is a complex compound that is composed of various amino acids, including glutamate, glycine, and cysteine. These specific amino acids all play important roles in the function of NAC and affect its many beneficial properties. For example, glutamate increases metabolism and energy levels, while glycine promotes tissue healing and regeneration. Cysteine, on the other hand, facilitates the transport of oxygen and serves as a natural antioxidant. When taken together, these different components work synergistically to promote overall health and wellbeing by supporting key Physiological processes such as digestion and immune response. Whether taken as a supplement or consumed through food sources like eggs and milk products, NAC is a versatile substance that is vital to many aspects of our daily health and well-being. NAC and liver health N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC) is a compound that has numerous benefits for liver health. Studies have shown that NAC can help to protect the liver from damage caused by alcohol and other toxins. It does this by helping to replenish levels of glutathione, a key antioxidant that helps to detoxify the liver. NAC also helps to reduce inflammation and improve blood flow to the liver. As a result, it can be an effective treatment for both acute and chronic Liver diseases. In addition, NAC has been shown to improve the overall health of people with Liver cirrhosis. Consequently, N-Acetyl-Cysteine is a compound that has many benefits for liver health and should be considered as part of any comprehensive treatment plan. NAC, its sulfur content, and mucus elimination NAC, or N-acetyl cysteine, is a sulfur-containing amino acid that plays an important role in mucus production and elimination. The sulfur content of NAC helps to thin mucus and make it less sticky, making it easier to clear from the lungs. In addition, NAC helps to break down mucus and remove it from the body. As a result, NAC is often used as a supplement to treat respiratory conditions such as bronchitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). NAC is typically taken in the form of capsules or tablets, and the recommended dose depends on the individual. However, side effects are rare and generally mild, making NAC a safe and effective option for those seeking to improve their respiratory health. N Acetyl Cysteine may lower blood pressure One of these is its ability to lower blood pressure. A review of several studies found that N-acetyl cysteine was effective at reducing blood pressure in people with hypertension. In one study, participants who took N-acetyl cysteine had an average reduction in systolic blood pressure of 9.5 mmHg, compared to those who took a placebo. Other studies have shown similar results, suggesting that N-acetyl cysteine may be an effective treatment for high blood pressure. While more research is needed to confirm these findings, N-acetyl cysteine may offer a safe and natural way to lower blood pressure. N Acetyl Cysteine may help blood clots - thrombosis Blood clots are a necessary part of the body's natural healing process. They help to stop bleeding by sealing off damaged blood vessels. However, sometimes blood clots can form in healthy blood vessels, causing a potentially deadly condition called thrombosis. N Acetyl Cysteine is a compound that helps to break up blood clots and prevent thrombosis. It works by preventing the formation of a protein that is essential for clotting. In addition, N Acetyl Cysteine helps to improve the flexibility of blood vessels, making them less likely to rupture. As a result, this compound may help to reduce the risk of thrombosis and improve overall cardiovascular health.
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=6394) Why astragalus is good for your nervous system
Date:
May 13, 2019 04:14 PM
Historically used in ancient Chinese medicine, astragalus extract has a plethora of benefits, including the ability to regrow nerves. This specific benefit was verified by a study conducted in Taiwan, where researchers administered the extract to lab rats in hopes of finding out how well in aided in cell regeneration. The results proved that just three grams of astragalus extract per day can help promote neuronal electrophysiological function, which is directly related to the regeneration of cells. Key Takeaways:
"These results, which were published in The American Journal of Chinese Medicine, indicate that astragalus is beneficial for the nerves and inflammation." Read more: https://www.naturalnews.com/2019-03-26-why-astragalus-is-good-for-your-nervous-system.html
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=6310) Omega-3s found to help those suffering from PTSD
Date:
May 06, 2019 03:18 PM
New Japanese research suggests that omega-3 fatty acids may help mitigate one of the major psychophysiological symptoms of PTSD: a racing, pounding heart. The researchers divided over 80 survivors of major accidents into a control group and a group that received supplementary omega-3s. The omega-3 group had lower resting heart rates and also lower heart rates after being subjected to imagery related to their accidents. Omega-3s play an important role in brain health and neurological functions, and have already displayed potential utility in the treatment of depression. Key Takeaways:
"supplementation of omega-3s might help prevent psychophysiological symptoms of PTSD" Read more: https://www.naturalnews.com/2019-03-10-omega-3s-help-people-suffering-from-ptsd.html
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=6261) 8 Ways To Slow Aging, Anti-Inflammatory Style
Date:
October 29, 2017 10:14 AM
Dietary and lifestyle changes may help prevent or alleviate some of the symptoms associated with chronic inflammation. Lifestyle changes suggested in the article "8 Ways To Slow Aging, Anti-Inflammatory Style" include getting enough sleep, exercise, and not smoking. For those who are not malnourished, intermittent fasting has proven to be helpful with inflammation. This practice has also shown to improve cognitive abilities and slow bone mineral density loss. Physiologically, fasting inhibits inflammatory reactions by reducing markers of oxidative stress. Key Takeaways:
"The overall inflammation burden was 27% lower for those with strong spousal support." Read more: https://www.prevention.com/health/anti-inflammatory-diet
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=5377) Science Says: No, You Can’t Overdose On Weed
Date:
April 28, 2017 03:44 PM
A website devoted to alternative lifestyles has an opinion piece about marijuana. The writer contends that it is scientifically impossible to overdose on marijuana. The writer states that the body has many substances similar to those found in marijuana. When a person takes in this product the body adjusts. The writer states the brain performs in similar fashion. She cites an author and a doctor. She claims there have been only three cases of death from marijuana overdose, but the causes have not been definitely attributed to marijuana use. Key Takeaways:
"Did you know, however, that it is physiologically impossible to fatally overdose on weed?" Read more: http://www.thealternativedaily.com/you-cant-overdose-on-weed/
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=4497) Drinking This Type of Water Relaxes Your Blood Vessels, Your Heart Loves It
Date:
March 17, 2017 11:14 AM
There is a certain kind of water that, when ingested, helps to relax the blood vessels in your body. Your heart benefits from it as well. Most people are probably aware that they are made up of mostly water. But, a lot of people might not know that there are different kinds of water. And certain kinds of water are better than others. [video mp4="//www.healthnutnews.com/drinking-type-water-relaxes-blood-vessels-heart-loves/"] Key Takeaways:
"You’re probably well aware of the fact that your body is composed mostly of water, which is needed for a number of Physiological processes and biochemical reactions, including but not limited to blood circulation, metabolism, regulation of body temperature, waste removal and detoxification."
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=4188) Dietary prebiotics improve sleep, buffer impacts of stress, says study
Date:
March 12, 2017 01:59 PM
a couple of researches experimented with rats in order to see if probiotics helped as a sleeping aid, they tested this experiment with rats and found that the rats while being on the probiotics spent more time in non rapid movement which is restful. According to the researches these isn't enough evidence to state that probiotics improve sleep. Key Takeaways:
"Prebiotics are dietary fibers found naturally in foods like chicory, artichokes, raw garlic, leeks and onions." Reference: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/02/170225102123.htm
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=4121) Eating prebiotics may improve sleep, cut impact of stress
Date:
March 01, 2017 02:59 PM
Prebiotics are dietary fibers that are found naturally in foods such as asparagus, leeks, chickory and other foods. Prebiotics are non digestible fibers and they are what probiotics feed on. A diet that includes foods with prebiotics is shown to be better for sleep patterns especially in youngsters. It improves REM sleep and also improves REM sleep for stress. Key Takeaways:
"Prebiotics are certain types of non-digestible fibers that probiotic bacteria feed on, such as the fibers found in many plant sources like asparagus, oatmeal, and legumes as well as in breast milk." Reference:
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=4051) Vitamins A, D, E and K Micronutrients for bones, muscles & nerves
Date:
January 05, 2017 12:59 PM
Vitamins A, D, E, and K are stored in the body because they are fat soluble. It is important to incorporate sources of these vitamins to facilitate essential Physiological processes. These vitamins support healthy and strong bones, nerves, and muscles. In combination with exercise and other dietary components, these vitamins are key to maintain a healthy body. Key Takeaways:
"Vitamin D can be obtained from your diet, but it is also formed in your skin when you are exposed to sunlight." Reference:
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=3746) Scientists explore how nutrition may feed mental health
Date:
December 01, 2016 10:59 AM
Most people know that fruits, vegetables, and fresh ingredients are much healthier than overly processed foods. They also know that exercise helps keep their bodies in balance. However, a lot of people don’t know just how important these things really are to our bodies. With a large surge in the number of people who suffer from depression and other mental illnesses, it has never been more important to balance our diets and exercise. Fresh fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats keep our bodies fueled and our cognitive functions sharp. So, put away the fatty junk food and go for a walk. Key Takeaways:
"Decades of research have shown the importance of proper nutrition in preventing and treating the ill effects of inflammation and stress, Physiological processes that are intimately linked with mental health." Reference:
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=3545) Why wounds heal more slowly with age
Date:
December 01, 2016 06:59 AM
Our bodies undergo many changes when we age. Once potentially problematic change is that our bodies take longer to heal when we are older. This phenomenon has been observed since WWI. Recent studies at Rockefeller University have focused on observing young and elderly mice to determine why this happens. It has been discovered that our immune cells stop communicating effectively in old age, which leads to them not doing their jobs as quickly as when we are young. Key Takeaways:
"Recent experiments at The Rockefeller University explored this Physiological puzzle by examining molecular changes in aging mouse skin." Reference: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/11/161117151059.htm
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=3542) Benefits of stress management
Date:
November 30, 2016 01:53 AM
Mental Health can be overlooked in our everyday lives but it plays a huge role in our health. Our mental state can affect us in many ways both positively and negatively. This article will be discuss the importance of Mental Health with a concentration on stress management. Stress is a significant cause of mental illness today and although we can't eradicate it, we can manage it It is important to understand that not all stress is negative. Stress may occur prior to weddings, graduations, or even social gatherings, but no matter the source of stress, your bodies respond the same. Also, some stress is good for you in order to manage skills needed for survival such as fight or flight. Experts suggest a combination of physical, social, environmental, and psychological approaches to managing stress. When we are stressed, we encounter General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS). GAS is your complex Physiological responses that happen as a result of the stress and has three phases. The first phase of GAS is the alarm phase. The alarm phase occurs when we sense there is a stressor present (Body doesn't sense whether it is a good or bad stressor), everything becomes heightened and hormones respond. The seconds phase of GAS is called the resistance phase. During the resistance phase your body resists stress to get your it back to homeostasis. If you can't rid the stress you move into exhaustion The last phase, exhaustion, occurs when your body is tired and can't fight anymore to get it back to homeostasis. Physical or emotional tension is often a good indicator of stress.
Below is a short list of symptoms from stress.
We all experience some level of stress on a regular basis but as I mentioned before, too much can be harmful to your body. Below I have listed ways in which you can deal with and reduce stress levels. Take Care of YourselfTaking care of yourself seems self-explanatory for many but as we enter the exhaustion phase our attention to self-care begins to decline. Eat a healthy diet, get plenty of sleep, treat yourself, and maintain your normal routine. Stay ActiveIt is often said that exercise is the most underused stress reliever and this is 100% true. Working out forces you to take your mind off of the stressors and focus on what you are doing and nothing else. Get in a gym or go for a run to lower your stress levels. Social SupportBeing able to talk to someone during stressful times is very important. Connect with a friend or family member that you will listen to what you want to get off your mind. This can be very helpful for stress reduction. Avoid Alcohol or DrugsPeople often turn to drugs and alcohol in times of stress but fail to realize they only provide temporary relief. Once your "high" or "buzz" wears off, you will more than likely feel worse than before. Alcohol and drugs add to stress and do not help to reduce its impact. I hope this information helps you to recognize when you are stressed and how to handle it Stress is a serious issue that we tend to overlook. Stress is usually a catalyst for other illnesses such as anxiety to occur. In conclusion chamomile will help you zap stress and unwind and have healthy life.
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=3535) The Holiday Sugar Trap; All There is to Know
Date:
October 04, 2015 10:02 PM
The festive season can be a tempting affair to any healthy eater. Hopping from one party and family gathering to another might easily see you indulging in unhealthy dishes and drinks. It is quite difficult to hold back on the wide varieties of delicious treats unless your will is exceptional. Counting the calories in the food you eat when in the middle of a conversation with a long lost friend or family members isn't easy. What you regard as 'just a once off affair' might ruin the rest of the year for you. There is a lot of hidden sugar in holiday treats such as; syrup, cakes, flavored pop corn, cookies, soda, juices, lemonades and ice cream.
Reasons to Avoid Sugar During the Festive Season
Sugar plays a harmful role in tooth decay. Plaque, a harmful bacteria responsible for tooth decay, uses sugar as a form of energy. This way, the plaque multiplies and becomes thick hence making it difficult for it to be washed away by saliva. Sugar is also used as a form of glue for the bacteria to firmly stick to the teeth.
Added sugar for instance fructose corn syrup contains a lot of empty calories with zero nutrients.These calories do not contain any protein, minerals, vitamins nor any essential fats. It is purely energy which is converted into fats in the body hence weight gain.
Did you know that indulging in all that sweetness at the Christmas table might be the beginning of your sugar addiction? Sugar shuttles tryptophan in the brain which further converts to serotonin hence having a Physiological addictive effect.
When the refined sugar intake is high, the body might be forced to produce more leptin and insulin. This is due to the high carbohydrate and processed food diet. When these two rise, blood pressure might go up leading to leptin and insulin resistance. Insulin is responsible for the storage of magnesium meant for the relaxation of muscles in the body. When the insulin is interfered with, the lack of magnesium in the cells may lead to the inability of your your hearts' vessels to fully relax hence narrowing them. This overworks your heart hence increased blood pressure.
Refined sugar has been proven to cause diabetes, obesity as well as other conditions that put your heart at risk. New studies have linked sugar with unhealthy cholesterol and increased triglyceride levels. When you consume a lot of refined sugar, the excess is stored in the liver as tryglecirides (a form of fat that sticks to your arteries). This fat travels through the blood stream and may clog it up. That extra can of soda might leave you struggling with life altering health conditions. It is important to consider healthy alternatives to refined sugars. A perfect example in this case would be unsweetened or stevia calorie free sweetners. Sweet leaf and Truvia are made of stevia which is a natural herbs that are commonly found in South and Central America. Stevia is 40 times sweeter than sugar yet contains no empty calories which makes it a suitable alternative. These sweeteners are easily available in local stores and can be used in almost anything; tea, coffee, cereal, yogurt and even fruit. References //www.webmd.com/food-recipes/best-sugar-substitutes
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=3226) Adaptogens: Herbs That Can Help In Fighting Stress
Date:
September 06, 2015 09:13 PM
It has been proven through various researches that cortisol hormone in your body can cause stress by effecting its Physiological system like adrenal glands or thyroid, etc. The anxiety and irritation caused by the elevation of cortisol can cause a number of health problems including diabetes, weight gain, depletion of energy level and risk of heart problems etc. Most researchers have found adaptogenic herbs as the best and effective natural source of fighting stress caused by the elevation of cortisol in the body. A group of plants that can be used for fighting stress caused by the increase of cortisol hormone in the body are known as Adaptogens. They can help in protecting and restoring the body by balancing its hormonal growth. Some of the popular herbs used for this purpose may include Ashwagandha, American Ginseng, Astragalus, Asian Ginseng, Eleuthero, Cordyceps, Maca, Holy Basil, Schisandra and Rhodiola. Here's a brief description about these herbs: Ashwaganda: It is also known as Indian ginseng as Ayurvedic medicine science uses it since thousands of years not only for fighting stress but also for regulating your immune system by lowering the level of cortisol hormone.
American Ginseng: This adaptogenic herb is also known as Panax Ginseng as it belongs to the botanical family of Panax. Normally two types of Ginseng are used for relieving stress including American and Asian ginseng. Asian Ginseng: Researches have proved it to be one of the most popular adaptogens that can help in improving your ability to handle stress along with your mental performance due to its antidepressant and antioxidant properties which can lower the levels of your blood sugar and blood pressure. Though American and Asian ginsengs belong to the same medicinal group, their healing properties are different from each other. Astragalus: The root of this herb is used in various Chinese medicine to reduce the effect of stress along with boosting your immunity level. It can reduce the receptor binding ability of cortisol, a stress causing hormone.
Eleuthero: It reduces the symptoms of adrenal fatigue due to its Panax Ginseng like properties. It soothes the stimulated adrenal glands producing stress causing hormones cortisol and adrenaline. Cordycep: It is a kind of fungus which has antioxidant properties to help you in fighting stress along with boosting your immune system.
Maca: It is a root vegetable that is used to reduce the risk of various health problems like arthritis and diabetes etc. caused due to increased stress along with increasing your libido. Along with wide variety of nutrients, it also provides healthy fiber to your body.
Holy basil: Tulsi is another popular name of this adaptogenic herb. Along with boosting your immune system it also helps you in fighting stress and regulating blood pressure. Schizandra: The berries of this adaptogenic herb are used for making various stress relieving medicines and general tonics in China. Rhodiola: According to various health experts it helps in reducing physical fatigue along with stress related problems like mental stress etc. due to its antioxidant properties. References //www.natural-health-and-healing-4u.com/adaptogenic-herbs.html //draxe.com/7-adaptogen-herbs-to-lower-cortisol //bottomlinehealth.com/maca-the-super-food-that-helps-with-everything-from-fatigue-to-sex-drive
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=3211) Does Mangosteen Fruit Have Healing Properties?
Date:
March 25, 2014 08:22 AM
The Mangosteen fruit is usually a Hawaiian sapling, started in this Southeast Asian nation. This sapling evolves from 7 to twenty-five feet high. This rind (pericarp or maybe peeling) with the fruit can be serious reddish violet while ready. Mangosteen fruit can be related directly to other Hawaiian fruits, but it contains simply no regards to this mango. Mangosteen fruit need to be stored humid to practical until germination, the idea dies rapidly when permitted to fail. Mangosteen fruit presumed to get a combination of vitamin richness, antioxidant strength as well as probable impact regarding reducing the danger in opposition to people ailments. This mangosteen fruit need to be harvested within a warm setting because exposures to help temperature ranges beneath 40oF (4oC) can kill this seed. Regarding the with the mangosteen fruit, it ought to be famous which Mangosteen fruit, generally known because "the queen regarding Hawaiian fruit", was launched to help BRITISH inside 19thcentury. From what individuals claim, King Victoria sampled this fruit in 1891, which the woman observed the idea fantastic. Benefits of mangosteen This particular wonderful fruit has been recognized due to the healing qualities. This rind (pericarp) with the fruit offers an incredible variety regarding natural and organic substances, among which can be Xanthones as well as tannic chemical which explains why the idea because already been for dysentery given that ages. Scientific research done around the healing utilizes with the mangosteen fruit ensures that a few substances inside rind with the mangosteen could have a few benefits in opposition to breast cancers, cancer of the blood, digestive tract cancers and thus onward. There are guaranteeing tips regarding other possible benefits down the route with the extraordinary qualities of the fruit. You can end, which mangosteen can certainly become a member of more information on plants that can be seen as guaranteeing sources of brand new medications. This particular seed is regarded as to give the strongest cause of xanthones (a kind of antioxidant) that may service the fitness of the complete human body. Thither are 20 various xanthones whole fruits that may produce potent Physiological qualities. Mangosteen research claims its compounds having antioxidant, anti-bacterial, anti-tumor action and essentially anti-inflammatory qualities. The item protects in opposition to no cost radicals by getting rid of bacteria, viruses as well as infection. The item reduces irritation as well as aids your body's therapeutic process. Mangosteen fruit features exposed to get an exclusive scope regarding potent people health improvements.
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=3077) The Health Benefits Of Brazil Nuts
Date:
February 03, 2014 07:38 PM
Brazil nut nutritional content
Brazil nut minerals One of the most remarkable things about these types of nuts is that they are gluten free. This means that they can safely be used by people who happen to have gluten sensitivity. Other minerals that are rich in the Brazil nuts include copper, manganese, potassium and phosphorus. Benefits of brazil nut Eating such nuts on a regular basis is therefore a good idea, since it exposes one to all the above. The good thing about them is that they don’t cost much, so you can benefit from all the above without having to spend a lot of money on them. When you consider the fact that they offer all the benefits above but without costing much, it’s easy to see that they are actually very good value for money. Including them in your diet, irrespective of your Physiological status, is therefore a good idea.
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=3001) Can Tea Tree Oil Work As An Antiseptic?
Date:
January 23, 2014 03:59 PM
What is Tea Tree Oil
Time has come for you to stop using air-polluting, chemical laden and hazardous chemical cleaning products. It is very unprofessional for manufactures to use the so call trade secrets, which means they can incorporate chemicals to the products that we use on daily basis. Various companies provide products that are eco-friendly, nontoxic cleaning products. However it is cheaper if you decide to make your own product. You may realize that when you start using natural, safe cleaning products, you may not want to back to using chemicals. The impact and change is so impressive to your body Physiologically, and so pleasing emotionally that you can not use chemicals again. Uses of Tree Tree Oil Clinical research has showed the value of tea tree oil. An Australian doctor discovered that tea tree leaves contain an essential oil, which have antiseptic and bacterial properties highly stronger than common hand soap. It turns out to be one of the most important compared to other essential oils. The germicidal, antiseptic, antibacterial immune boosting qualities make it to be used in a wide range of health conditions. Additionally, the antiseptic qualities of the oil make it to be a natural disinfectant and cleaner within the house. The tree oil has various uses for housekeeping. You can check it yourself how it really works to kill mold and mildew with its easy test. Put about two spoons of Australian tea tree oil in a spray bottle with two cups of clean water. Spray this mixture on a moldy surface and let the smell diffuse away for a few days. In addition, the smell of must and mold will also die away, since the source of the moisture has been detached. In conclusion You can make your own cleaning products with antibacterial properties that are available in nature. You will fell much brighter and stronger after a few hours with essential oils than you will after inhaling toxic chemicals.
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=2981) CLA in Weight Loss
Date:
January 21, 2014 10:05 AM
What is CLA
Scientists accept CLA helps square fat cells that are in the figure from topping off with fat by meddling with a fat-archiving compound regarded as lipoprotein lipase, and additionally, by expanding the affectability of units to the hormone insulin. Creature studies have likewise demonstrated an expansion in lean bulk and fat lessening, or fat blazing; furnishing positive progressions to form sythesis, a decline in general muscle to fat ratio ratios. It is known as a "fat eliminator" on the grounds that it revs up muscle metabolism, in this way, helping increment lean tissue, bringing about the figure to need more calories to capacity (since fat units smolder next to zero calories), accordingly accelerating the fat smoldering procedure to make vigor.
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=2977) How L-Glutamine Increases Memory And Cognitive Functions!
Date:
January 20, 2014 09:26 AM
L-Glutamine
How the medicinal utilization of L-Glutamine enhances your memory Presently you can encounter all the rushes of having the ability to recall again when you use this characteristic elective health supplement for sum figure quality and persistence. This animated amino acid works through protein combination and compound transformations in distinctive parts of the form which invigorate sound responses to happen. Engaging your psyche from the cell level up, L-Glutamine enhances memory and evacuates collections of smelling salts and nitrogen in the blood which at last influences the working of your cerebrum. Smelling salts is available when this fixing is changed over into glutamic acid which obliges certain measures of alkali. When you standardize these levels, the mind fogginess vanishes as your units accept fitting measures of oxygen and supplements for sound working. Health points of interest of utilizing L-Glutamine to improve memory capacity Furthermore, there are other sound motivating forces to utilize this part also. The point when this valuable substance is changed over into its hostile to oxidizing structure, it improves the benefit of the focal apprehensive framework, beginning at the cerebrum. It can likewise secure your nerves from harm because of hormones, chemicals, and extreme electrical indicators. When you utilize L-Glutamine to improve memory capacity, you are likewise diminishing the dangers of experiencing tension, melancholy, and a large portion of its identified indications in view of its stimulant qualities. This elective health supplement impacts the pituitary organ to discharge certain chemicals, indicators, and hormones all around the figure to equalize out Physiological capacities. Reference:
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=2975) amino peptide
Date:
January 18, 2014 06:37 AM
What is Amino Peptide
Neuropeptides The expression "neuropeptide" is a smidge more accommodating in that it really portrays the capacity of the peptide. Neuropeptides about as neuromodulators, neurotransmitters, neurohormones, and hormones. Research into neuropeptides has blasted in later a long time to the degree that there is an investigative diary named Understanding Neuropeptides Neuropeptides whose point is the quick distribution of unique research and survey articles, managing the structure, circulation, activities and capacities of peptides in the focal and fringe anxious frameworks. What is energizing about neuropeptides is their energy and scope. Different neurotransmitters transmit focal anxious framework motions in one bearing and along a way from A to B. Neuropeptides transmit omnidirectionally outward and can even immediate transmissions in converse. As neuromodulators, they can initiate and deactivate different neurotransmitters. The deductive personality boggles at the potential. The names of a percentage of the neuropeptides may be natural and help you to comprehend the potential of opening the privileged insights of these peptide particles. Neuropeptides are aggregated into families dependent upon similitudes in their amino harsh corrosive successions. There are the Tachykinins; the Insulins; the Somatostatins; the Gastrins, for example, cholecystokinin used to diagnose gallbladder and pancreatic issues; and the Opioids, for example, enkephalins - the figure's sedatives or painkillers.
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=2970) Impacts of pantethine
Date:
January 09, 2014 04:53 PM
What is Pantethine
Dietary supplementation Pantethine is accessible as a dietary supplement due to proof of its health profits. In different clinical trials of patients with hoisted cholesterol and triglycerides, absolute and LDL cholesterol were diminished by 12%, triglycerides diminished by 18%, and HDL cholesterol was expanded by 9%. These clinical trials were directed with day by day admissions running from 600 to 1200 mg/day. Inside this measurement go there is no proof of a measurements impact relationship, i.e. changes in lipid focuses covered over the reach of measurements. Immediate measurements reaction proof is not accessible in light of the fact that no trial tried more than one measurement. A couple of trials tried 300 mg/day with additional unobtrusive yet factually noteworthy effects. Further deliberately regulated trials of 600 and 900 mg/d dosages have indicated factually huge bringing down of LDL cholesterol in people with extraordinarily or reasonably raised levels of blood lipids. Physiological impacts Two instruments of activity are proposed for pantethine. In the in the first place, pantethine serves as the forerunner for amalgamation of coenzyme A. In the second, pantethine is changed over to two pantetheine particles which are thusly metabolized to structure two pantethenic harsh corrosive and two cysteamine atoms. Cysteamine is conjectured to tie to and therefore inactivate sulfur-holding amino acids in liver catalysts included in the generation of cholesterol and triglycerides.
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=2956) Memory Loss - The Benefits of DHA to your Brain and Memory
Date:
November 09, 2013 06:34 PM
Benefits of DHA
How Does DHA Improve Memory? DHA is an acronym for the words Docosahexaenoic acid. DHA is an omega-3 fatty acid that forms the main structural element of the testicles, sperm, the cerebral cortex and retina. The following foods are rich in DHA: herring, anchovies, fish roe or caviar, Bluefin, sardines, algae, swordfish, breast milk (instant milk formula as well). DHA is also manufactured from microalgae for commercial purposes. A study was conducted to find out whether DHA supplements can boost brain function in individuals experiencing age-related cognitive decline. It was established that DHA is effective in improving memory and learning. In this study, the subjects were administered with either 900mg per day DHA or placebo for a period of six months. Learning and memory tests were conducted before and after the study. Those who were administered with DHA demonstrated significant improvements in both learning and memory after the study was complete. In another study, DHA was administered to patients diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, but the patients did not record any significant change. It can therefore be concluded that DHA is most effective when used as a preventive measure. In the first study, subjects had mild cognitive disorders but showed remarkable improvement after being supplemented with DHA, unlike those in the second study. Conclusion Memory loss can have devastating effects on the patient and his family, but this can be avoided through proper nutrition and supplementation. DHA supplements ensure that there are sufficient amounts of this vital fat in our brain tissues to maintain normal brain function even as we age. A dose of 100mg everyday normalizes cell membrane stores of DHA over time. References:
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=2886) How D-ribose boost energy levels in the body
Date:
October 27, 2013 09:40 PM
D-ribose is a simple sugar, prontose sugar, or 5-carbon monosaccharide. It is used by all body cells and is essential component in energy metabolism. Ribose also gives the structural backbone of body genetic materials like RNA and DNA, certain vitamins and other vital cellular compounds. It provides raw material to facilitate the production of adenosine triphosphate.
D-ribose was discovered in late 1990s by an American company. People who were suffering from fatigue and chronic related illnesses could be given pure adenosine triphosphate instead of AMP. This new supplement was produced in a stable and safe natural form that allowed it to be sold as nutritional supplement.
Ribose is an essential ingredient in stimulating the production of natural energy. It promotes the cardiovascular health, minimizes cardiac stress associated with strenuous events. Ribose enables the muscles and heat to maintain healthy energy level as well as accelerating the recovery of energy when body tissues are stressed by overwork, strenuous exercise, or disease. The Physiological fuction of d-ribose is known as 5-phosphoribosyl-1-pyrophosphate, which controls the metabolic path that synthesizes energy components in all body living tissues. In case the cellular energy pool is depleted by overwork, diseases or exercise it must be replaced. 5-phosphoribosyl-1-pyrophosphate will stimulate the metabolic pathway to replenish these energy pools.
Patients with myocardial ischemia condition or reduced blood flow resulting from reduced oxygen flow to the heart may experience discomfort and chest pain. This may cause heart attack to a person with such experience. The ability of the heart cells to expand and contract depend upon the adenosine triphosphate available. The reduced blood flow lowers the level of adenosine triphosphate, but this can as well be replenished by 5-phosphoribosyl-1-pyrophosphate. D-ribose stimulates the 5-phosphoribosyl-1-pyrophosphate production, which in turn increases the level of adenosine triphosphate. This will actually restores the heart cell contractile functions and reduces ischemia.
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=2861) What Are The Health Benefits Of Inositol Crystals?
Date:
December 28, 2012 10:39 AM
The first isolation of inositol was made by Scherer in the year 1849 who was a renowned Biochemist at the time. Since its discovery, wide spread research has been conducted with successful isolation of inositol and its derivatives in both plants and animals. The Physiological functions have been confirmed to differ with respect to the structural form of the inositol, with cis-inositol, myo-inositol, neo-inositol and allo-inositol being some of the inositol's stereoisomers commonly isolated. Our Need for Inositol The human body particularly requires inositol and its derivatives in many Physiological processes. It is a major messenger molecule that is used in calcium mediated cell signaling which affects motor function, action of hormones such aldosterone and affects the functioning of some of the neurotransmitters in the brain such as serotonin. Inositol derivatives are also involved in lipid metabolism which helps control the amount of LDP (Bad cholesterol) in the body. Additionally, some of the researches indicate that inositol derivatives are actively involved in suppressing oncogenesis which significantly reduces the risk of suffering from breast and prostate cancers. The human body can produce some of the inositol variants from glucose metabolism but obtaining plant derived inositols is also worthwhile. Food Sources Of Inositol Plant products such as red beans, bran and other cereals contain good levels of inositol although the chelating effect of the inositol by calcium and magnesium ions limits its uptake in the gut. For this reason, use of supplement Crystal Inositols is regarded as the best way to obtain dietary inositol. A majority of the crystal inositols available in the market are chemically combined with other compounds such as Niacin which highly increase their absorption in the intestines. Dissolving these crystals in juices is also highly recommended as it is a better way of taking the supplements since a wide range of other drinks especially the ones that contain caffeine affects the uptake of inositol negatively.
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=2785) Dangers of Rhodiola Rosea? First Lets Look at The Benefits
Date:
December 20, 2012 08:02 PM
Rhodiola rosea also referred to as golden root or roseroot grows in the extremely cold parts of the world. Although there are over 200 different species of roseroot rhodiola rosea is the popularly specie due to its health benefits. It is currently widely used in Asia and Europe to treat several health conditions. Improves Depression and Mood According to a study in the Nordic Journal of Psychiatry Rhodiola rosea extracts helps improve mood as well as lifts depression. It is also known to help improve sleep, lower moodiness as well as lift mild to moderate depression. It is known to help relieve fatigue on the patients suffering from stress associated fatigue. It not only decreases fatigue it increases mental performance particularly concentration and reduces cortisol production in people suffering from fatigue syndrome. It is therefore important to note that supplementation with rhodiola rosea robustly cancels out Physiological and behavioral changes induced by persistent exposure to gentle stressors. Functions as an Adaptogen It is also a known adaptogen meaning that it helps in strengthening your endocrine and immune nervous system, thus improves your ability to defend against internal and external stress. It works a little different from other adaptogens such as ginseng, it works on neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine which are associated with several illnesses such as seasonal affective disorders and fibromyalgia. It helps you to withstand stress as well as stress related diseases such as lowered immunity and hypertension. It has also been noted to increase the ability to exercise, reduces lactate levels as well as skeletal muscle damage mainly after vigorous exercise. Dangers It is advisable that you consult your doctor before you start taking any rhodiola rosea supplement. Despite its numerous health benefits it has several negative side effects especially if high doses are consumed. The dangers include irritability, insomnia, dry mouth and dizziness. Pregnant women, breast feeding mothers and people suffering from manic depressive and bipolar disorders should not take rhodiola. This Herb is considered generally safe for most individuals with many mood boosting properties.
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=2760) Why Is DDS Acidophilus A Better Form Of Friendly Bacteria?
Date:
April 03, 2012 10:34 PM
lactobacillus DDS Every day, there is constant battle going on between the healthy bacteria who try to create a healthy environment in the digestive tract and the bad bacteria who try to establish dominance. Along with healthy, beneficial bacteria, your gastro-intestinal tract is susceptible to many harmful bacteria that can enter the body through food and water. And if these bad bacteria keep on multiplying unchecked, they create a bacterial imbalance that can affect your digestive health and lead to problems such as bloating, gas pain, constipation, belching or diarrhea. These harmful bacteria cannot be completely eliminated from the digestive system, but healthy bacteria can be added to the environment of your digestive tract that can counteract the action of bad bacteria. These healthy bacteria also known as probiotics give relief from many types of digestive discomfort, defend your GI tract from free radicals and thus support your immune system function. Many Bacterial Strains There are many strains of healthy bacteria such as lactobacillus DDS, lactobacillus fermentum, Bifidobacteria bifidum etc. which boost your digestive health. DDS Acdiophilus is by far the most popular strain commonly used due to its multiple benefits in promoting the digestive health. Researched by Metchnikoff and Dr. Shahani's, L. acidophilus DDS is grown and produced under specific conditions and has properties of great significance for digestion and nutrition as well as other Physiological conditions like health and prophylaxis. Till now, this strain is well studied to find its beneficial role in achieving optimal digestive health. It works as a prophylactic, nutrient and antibiotic. Beneficial Properties Of DDS The beneficial properties of DDS acidophilus, based on proper research and documentation are: 1. Lactobacillus DDS helps in production of enzymes such as proteases and lipases which help in digestion of proteins and fats. 2. It helps in production vitamin B (and folic acid), which plays the role of biocatalyst in digestion of food. 3. DDS acidophilus produces natural antibiotics such as acidophilin that protect digestive gut from harmful bacteria. 4. It helps in maintaining the integrity of intestinal walls so that maximum absorption of nutrients can occur. 5. It aids digestion and helps you prevent digestion related problems. Lacyobacillus DDS inhibits the growth of toxic producing microorganism in the body, such as yeast and hence inhibits recurrent yeast infections.
6. L. acidophilus DDS helps in alleviating the symptoms of lactose 7. Intolerance by producing large quantities of lactase enzyme, which help in digestion of milk based products.
8. Studies have shown that DDS acidophilus contain antitumor and anti-carcinogenic properties.
9. Due to their antibiotic properties, lactobacillus inhibits several gastrointestinal and uropathogens, thereby preventing many urinary, digestive and vaginal infections.
It helps in metabolism of calcium and reduction of serum cholesterol levels. Hence lactobacillus supplementation helps in preventing as well as curing osteoporosis. The benefits of DDS acidophilus are not only limited to digestive system but this exceptionally powerful strain of probiotic bacteria helps in supporting your immune system, energy levels and overall well-being. Lactobacillus is widely researched than any other strain of healthy bacteria that promote optimal digestion. DDS acidophilus strain is available in supplement form that can be taken to enhance digestive health.
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=2627) Herbs For Depression: Alternative Solutions To Improve Your Mood
Date:
February 17, 2012 07:29 AM
What Herbs Can Help With Depression?Depression - Introduction: Depression is brain system disorders that can make many people weaken from functioning normally during episodic events. Some types of depression actually paralyze people and prevent them from leading a normal life. In addition, it is important for individuals who suffer from depression to realize, that they do not have to hide this condition and think that they suffer alone. In fact, many people have some form of depressive disorder. Something must be done is to take action to reduce their depression treatment. Depression - Herbs That Can Help Reduce: Depression and anxiety are very common in the modern world, and there is no single drug offers an effective cure. However, there are many herbal remedies that can help you reduce depression: 1. St John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum). St Johns Wortis a eternalcompoundwith littleyellow flowers that originally came from Europe, but also widely used intoAmerican. It is used extensively by European physicians to reducedepression. Two compounds, hypericin and hyperforin, give St. John's Wort potencyto keepmood and fight depression. St. John's Wort also contains flavonoids and proanthoclanidin substances that can affect the peace and balance to the nervous system. 2. Valerian. Valerian is the most popular herbs to relieve nervous tension. Sedative effect was first recognized in the seventeenth century, and since then enjoyed a long history of safe use effectively. Research believe that valerian binds to GABA receptors, which produces lower levels of anxiety. This does not completely eliminate anxiety, just change the way that the brain and your body reacts Physiologically and give peace to the nervous system. 3. Kava kava. Kava kava is a plant found in the Pacific Islands. The roots and bark are usually used as a slurry and then combined with cold water to drink. Due to the active compounds in Kava kava, a chemical known as kavalactone, destroyed by high temperatures, use cold or warm water is very important in its preparation. And studies have suggested a correlation between active ingredients and enhanced mood. To be specific, Kava Kava is estimated to have a relaxing impactand reduce fatigue in the human brain. 4. Ginkgo Biloba. Ginkgo Biloba is the oldest tree used by China to treat various diseases. In the 1700's it has been introduced in Europe. Ginkgo Biloba is mainly composed of active components such as terpene lactones and flavnonoids, which gives a positive effect on mental well-being. With capabilities that are known to increase blood circulation to the brain, this herb has also decreasethe amount of free radicals in the body and brain, so it appears relaxation that can reduce stress or depression. 5. Lavender Oils. Lavender is a very popular herbal aroma is mainly due to growing importance as a beautiful and essential oils. The smell of lavender oil can stimulate the nerves that send signals to the brain limbic system, which spur the peace and comfort to the Physiological function of human emotional. Lavender has been believed by experts to help relieve anxiety, tension, stress and fear that are part of depression. 6. Lemon Balm. Lemon Balm serves to inhibit the production of thyroid hormones and can help treat primary or secondary brain diseases and to provide a stimulant for the antioxidant that gives relief to your brain space. Some modern studies have found that lemon balm is useful for promoting sleep quality and reduce the effects of depression tranquility. 7. Chamomile. Chamomile is a very popular herb in Europe and has been widely used for centuries agoas a treatment for some diseases, such as sleep disorders, stress, anxiety, and depression. Other active compositions including flavonoids and matricinid which gives a feeling of relaxation and regulate the nervous system. Now it has proven to be one of the safest herbs on the market to relieve stress. Conclusion: Although the use of herbs for depression is widely spread, overall there is definitely reaction for the benefits of herbs for reduce depression disorders. Apparent when compared with normally drugs for depression that usually can not serve as the first choice of treatment options. However, when other treatments have failed more established, might have to be used.
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=2582) What Are Some Interesting Calcium Facts?
Date:
October 01, 2011 11:13 AM
Do you know what contains your teeth and bones? Have you ever wondered what makes your muscles move, your body respond to stimulus and your heart beat? If yes, then you might need to explore some of these wonders of the body. As we know for a fact, the body is composed of thousand of cells that need substances such as nutrients for its biological processes and survival. One of these nutrients is the mineral called Calcium which is one of the main chemical substances that make those mentioned above possible. Calcium is considered to be the most in terms of quantity among all the other minerals inside the body. It is needed for the contraction of muscles so that movement will be achievable. It also influences the constriction and dilation of blood vessels thus helping in the regulation of blood pressure. Aside from its effect on the muscles and blood vessels, calcium also affects the nerves and plays a significant role in the transmission of nerve impulses so that appropriate response to external stimulus will be possible. Moreover, as an ion, calcium is also required in the process of intracellular signaling and is an important chemical for hormone secretion. Physiologically, the calcium level in the blood to support these functions is only less than 1 % of the total calcium inside the body. Almost 99 % of the body’s calcium is stored in the bones and teeth for structural and functional support, as well as calcium reservoir. If the blood level of calcium decreases, the bones will be demineralized and calcium will be released into the blood stream, thus, normalizing serum calcium level. Even if the body has reached its maximum growth, the bones will continually undertake remodeling. This process involves regular resorption and deposition of calcium minerals into the new bone. Bone remodeling varies from person to person depending on the individual’s age. Bone mineralization or formation exceeds bone demineralization during the growing years of puberty and adolescence. On the other hand, during early and middle adulthood bone deposition and resorption are usually balanced. Furthermore, women on their post menopausal age exceed bone mineralization or formation. Their bodies constantly extract calcium from bones to compensate blood levels of calcium. This is one of the reasons why post menopausal women have a higher risk of osteoporosis. Therefore, recommended dosage for calcium is higher for women at 50 years and older and men at 70 years and older. Another interesting fact about Calcium is that it requires Vitamin D which is also a nutrient that can be naturally produced by the body and can also be supplied by the diet. On the other hand, foods which can lessen the absorption rate of calcium are the foods which are high in oxalic acid and phytic acid. Examples of foods rich in oxalic acid are spinach, sweet potatoes and beans, while those that contains high phytic acid are wheat bran (not wheat products), seeds, nuts and soy. Caffeine, alcoholic beverages, phosphorus, sodium and proteins can decrease the absorption of calcium, thus increasing elimination through the urine, feces and sweat.
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=2471) Can Alpha Lipoic Acid Help Lower Blood Sugar?
Date:
August 06, 2011 12:10 PM
Alpha lipoic acid is a nutritional supplement best known as an antioxidant. It is an organic compound that plays many important Physiological functions at the cellular level. For one, it is widely regarded as a potent scavenger of free radicals. It also affects the rate of metabolism and the production of energy. In fact, it has become one of the most popular supplements available in the past few years. Often abbreviated as ALA, alpha lipoic acid is a derivative of caprylic acid or octanoic acid. As its name suggests, caprylic acid is generally linked to goat milk, though it can be obtained from several other sources of food, such as vegetable oils. ALA has been the subject of studies in recent years. Apart from its role it in the prevention of oxidative stress, it also contributes to the regulation of blood sugar. Modulates Insulin Function Blood sugar is the concentration of glucose present in the bloodstream as measured by whole blood, plasma, or serum. Glucose is obtained from complex carbohydrates found in the human diet. It enters the circulatory system, travels through the bloodstream, and nourishes cells. It is the precursor of biochemical energy that supports the Physiological functions of cells, tissues, and body organs. There is good scientific evidence that alpha lipoic acid influences the uptake of glucose. Insulin is the hormone responsible for regulating blood sugar levels as it instructs cells to take up glucose from the blood. It has been observed that alpha lipoic acid induces the activation of insulin receptors, raises the number of glucose transports in cell membranes, and enhances glucose uptake in the process. Increases Glucose Utilization Alpha lipoic acid is a dietary supplement popular among body builders largely owing to the fact that it increases glucose utilization. There is a growing body of scientific literature devoted to the effects of ALA on overall metabolic rate, the reason why it has been marketed as a weight loss supplement for years. As a general rule, glucose utilization by cells increases as the rate of metabolism increases. The synthesis of adenosine triphosphate requires the presence of glucose, which the human body uses as a source of cellular energy. Numerous studies have reported that alpha lipoic acid is capable of upregulating the production of energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate. Its presence triggers cells to convert glucose to energy at a faster rate, effectively affecting and lowering blood sugar. Alleviates Diabetes Mellitus Alpha lipoic acid is especially helpful for people suffering from diabetes mellitus and its complications. In addition to its role in the management of blood sugar, it also protects the nervous system from cellular damage brought on by reactive oxygen species, as is the case with diabetic neuropathy. As a reputed free radical neutralizer, ALA not only alleviates diabetes but also prevents its complications.
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=2388) How Does N-Acetyl L-Carnitine Help Energy Levels?
Date:
August 03, 2011 11:47 AM
N-Acetyl L-Carnitine And Cellular HealthN-Acetyl L-Carnitine refers to the ester form of the organic compound carnitine. It has been linked to many different health benefits largely owing to the fact that it is quite ubiquitous at the cellular level. It plays an important role in keeping cells in prime working condition as derivatives of this compound protect cells from oxidative stress as well as contribute to reactions responsible for energy production. Increases Cellular Energy The biochemical energy that powers cellular activities comes in the form of adenosine triphosphate. All types of tissues in the human body are capable of manufacturing this chemical compound, the reason why it is often called the molecular unit of currency. The human diet provides the biological precursors of cellular energy, but adenosine triphosphate is obtained from the sugar glucose more often than not. Cells make use of N-acetyl L-carnitine in the synthesis of adenosine triphosphate. Research has shown that the presence of acetylated carnitine appears to modulate the metabolic processes leading to the manufacture of cellular energy. In recent years, endurance athletes and body builders have relied on supplements that contain this compound to boost their energy levels. Human trials support its safety. Aids Healthy Metabolism Glucose is the principal precursor of chemical energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate. Complex carbohydrates are digested to simple sugars such as glucose, which enters the circulation. Insulin is a hormone that induces the uptake of glucose by cells, which convert glucose to usable energy. Studies have observed that N-acetyl L-carnitine improves the activity of insulin and consumption of glucose. It is a well established fact that carnitine is involved in the breakdown of fats, waxes, and sterols, and their consequent utilization in the production of cellular energy. For this reason, N-acetyl L-carnitine is marketed as a nutritional supplement that promotes fat loss and aids weight loss. Human trials have noted that regular intake upregulates the conversion of fats and other lipids to adenosine triphosphate. Prevents Oxidative Stress Lysine and methionine are amino acids that act as immediate precursors of carnitine, which the body synthesizes on a regular basis to support a number of Physiological functions. In particular, carnitine plays a major role in supplying cells with a steady supply of chemical energy during intense physical exertion. At the same time, they protect the cells from the harmful effects of reactive oxygen species. N-acetyl L-carnitine is a very good source of carnitine as it is widely believed to be more bioavailable than L-carnitine. It adds to the number of carnitine in cells, boosts energy levels, and combats free radicals and other reactive oxygen species. Free radicals are natural by-products of energy production, and thus carnitine produces a twofold effect. It promotes cellular longevity and raises chemical energy.
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=2386) How Does Prickly Pear Leaf Help with Blood Sugar Control?
Date:
August 02, 2011 02:02 PM
Also known as nopales in its place of origin, all plant species referred to as prickly pear belong to the genus Opuntia. This genus comprises more than 200 species, but only a few are noted for their culinary uses. In Mexico and most of Latin America, it is consumed as a vegetable in general. The juice extracted from the prickly pear leaf is utilized in different niches of many industries. In food and drug industries, it is highly valued for its alkaloids and polyphenols that exhibit bioactive properties. Many health problems recorded in the past few decades have been linked to uncontrolled blood sugar levels. Complex carbohydrates present in the human diet are broken down into simple sugars. In particular, glucose refers to the sugar that enters the systemic circulation. Glucose takes on a central role at the cellular level. It fuels the Physiological functions of all cells and tissues, including the brain and the heart. That being said, diets high in simple sugars have been tied to elevated blood sugar. Researchers and medical professionals have noted several factors that lead to metabolic disorders. Genetic abnormalities are something we don’t have control of. On the other hand, lifestyle factors are quite the opposite. It has been reported that sedentary lifestyle and food choices play a major part in the development of illnesses related to glucose metabolism. Experts are convinced that some foods are detrimental to health, but there are sources of nutrition that help maintain healthy glucose levels. Prickly pear leaf belongs to the group of foods that are good for blood sugar. Glycemic index measures how carbohydrates present in our diet influence blood sugar concentration. Simple sugars are always considered unhealthy forms of carbohydrates in that all of them possess a high glycemic index, which means glucose is released into the bloodstream at a very rapid rate. Foods that are easily digested to simple sugars, such as white bread and sweetened beverages, affect blood sugar in the same manner. Organic compounds that occur naturally in prickly pear leaf have a twofold effect. First, it helps lower the glycemic index of carbohydrates in our diet, and thus promotes a gradual release of glucose into the bloodstream. Second, it improves the hormone activity of insulin and fights its functional decline that results in insulin resistance, a common medical condition that precedes type 2 diabetes mellitus. Grab some prickly pear leaf and take control of your life.
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=2384) Is Cod Liver Oil Good for My Health?
Date:
July 30, 2011 01:19 PM
Deactivates Pain Chemicals The nutrient profile of cod liver oil makes it an excellent source of eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA, and docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA. These omega 3 fatty acids have long been identified by scientists as anti-inflammatory compounds. Numerous studies have documented that they exert an inhibitory effect on chemicals that sensitize tissues to pain, cause excessive inflammation, and bring on rheumatism. Nourishes Joint Cartilage Cod liver oil is a traditional treatment for joint pain characteristic of arthritis. In recent years, it has been noted as the leading therapeutic remedy for rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Research has shown that it is capable of switching off enzymatic processes responsible for the destruction of cartilage tissue in arthritis. Also, its fatty acid content nourishes the proteins found in joint cartilage. Protects Nervous Tissue The myelin sheaths that insulate the axons of nerve cells located in the brain and spinal cord require fatty acids to support their Physiological functions. In particular, DHA is the principal fatty acid that nourishes nervous tissue. Cod liver oil has been utilized as an adjunct medication for multiple sclerosis in studies, and reports suggest its potential as a mainstay of treatment for other neurological disorders. Enhances Brain Function In addition to their known role in the upkeep of myelin sheaths, fatty acids are directly involved in the development of brain function. In fact, they are a major component of breast milk. For years, nutrition experts have suggested consumptions of cod liver oil to combat neurodegenerative disorders as well as enhance cognitive capacities as it contains high levels of compounds proven as effective nootropics. Alleviates Skin Conditions The nutrient profile of cod liver oil is particularly good for the skin. Apart from the fact that it counters inflammatory agents that cause hypersensitive skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis, it also promotes tensile strength and maintains skin elasticity. Cod liver oil is a good source of omega 3 fatty acids, essential fatty acids, vitamin A, vitamin, D, and vitamin E, all of which contribute to skin health. Prevents Heart Disease Cod liver oil maintains heart health and even reverses cardiovascular disorders. Medical professionals have supported this nutritional supplement as it has been clinically proven to cut the risk of heart disease. It alters the profile of lipids present in the blood and appears to reduce cholesterol. For decades, lower incidence of cardiovascular disorders has been tied to populations that consume high amounts of cod.
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=2381) Does Boron Really Help Improve Bone Health?
Date:
July 01, 2011 11:06 AM
Boron and Bone Health
Boron is now widely considered an essential mineral, though its daily value is still a matter of debate. The Physiological roles of this chemical element in the human body were unknown in the first half of the 20th century, but in recent years scientific research has proven that it is necessary for the calcium metabolism and vitamin D utilization, both of which significantly contribute to overall bone health. There has not been any figure set in the dietary reference intake for boron largely owing to the fact that its nutritional importance has not been discovered until recently. As a result, important data on the safety of boron intake as a dietary mineral remains under investigation. Nonetheless, the scientific community is convinced that the presence of boron is required for many different metabolic processes. Plants need relatively higher amounts of boron to survive. It follows that plant-based foods are very good sources of dietary boron whereas animal products have negligible amounts of this element. This chemical element was first noted to have a positive effect on joint health. The studies that followed have been observed that boron supplements alleviate symptoms of osteoarthritis in human trials. Promotes Bone Health Concentrations of boron in the synovial fluid and joint cartilage help determine the health of joints and bones. It has been reported that people who have higher amounts of elemental boron rarely develops degenerative joints diseases like osteoarthritis and symptoms of joint pain. Also, epidemiologic studies have shown that populations noted for healthy consumptions of boron have lower incidence of arthritis. More recent studies have shown that boron intake is directly proportional to bone density. For one, it has been documented that supplementation of boron has an impact on bone strength in patients with osteoporosis. Clinical trials have produced very promising results as far as the treatment of bone loss is concerned. There is very good scientific evidence that boron supplements are superior to placebo. Inhibits Bone Resorption The skeletal system is the primary depot for minerals in the human body. Chemical elements obtained from the diet are stored in the bones or otherwise utilized by tissues and organs. In particular, more than half of the overall body concentrations of calcium, potassium, and magnesium are found in the bones, which are constantly remodeled to draw minerals out in response to the needs of body tissues. The process of bone resorption is responsible for releasing the minerals from the bones into the blood. On the other hand, the process of bone resorption takes care of building bone tissue. If consumptions of dietary minerals are insufficient, resorption exceeds formation, as is the case with osteoporosis. The presence of boron promotes mineral retention in the bones, thereby increasing bone mass and density. If you are experiencing osteoporosis, give boron a try!
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=2356) Why Is The Amino Acid Tyrosine So Good for the Brain?
Date:
June 18, 2011 12:20 PM
Tyrosine is an amino acid that serves as an immediate precursor to several organic compounds found in the brain and the central nervous system. It is one of the 20 amino acids utilized by cells in protein synthesis. As such, it is an important component of the human diet, albeit not classified as an essential nutrient. Mental infirmities not related to age has been linked to tyrosine deficiency. There is no daily value for tyrosine, but it is an integral part of proteins obtained from both animals and plants. Also, supplementation of tyrosine has not shown any adverse effects. That being said, deficiency in tyrosine is not unheard of. In fact, there is a rare autosomal recessive disorder called phenylketonuria that interferes with the synthesis of tyrosine and leads to brain damage and seizures. Prevents Brain Damage Tyrosine is one of the amino acids necessary for the manufacture of neurotransmitters and proteins that display vital functions in the nervous system. In phenylketonuria, the synthesis of tyrosine from phenylalanine is impaired, causing the build-up of the latter. High concentrations of phenylalanine deprive the brain of other amino acids, such as tyrosine. This results in progressive mental retardation. The presence of tyrosine in the central nervous system is very important in mental development. It works as nutrient for nerve cells that powers neuronal activities. Not surprisingly, regular intake of tyrosine has been observed to display cerebroprotective properties. It has also been linked to the prevention of headaches following an intense physical activity. Improves Stress Tolerance It has long been suggested that supplementation of tyrosine may improve stress tolerance, but studies that support this claim have surfaced only recently. High levels of tyrosine in the brain appear to improve Physiological responses to stress in both animal and human studies. Many researchers believe that depleting levels of tyrosine in times of stress contribute to mental fatigue.  Tyrosine is a precursor to catecholamines, organic compounds that function as neurotransmitters and hormones. It is converted to epinephrine, or adrenaline, which is responsible for the activities in the peripheral nervous system during stress. It is also converted to norepinephrine, which sends signals to both sides of the brain and forms a neurotransmitter system within the brain and the spinal cord. Promotes Mental Clarity Tyrosine plays a role in sustaining mental clarity, the reason why it is thought to produce nootropic effects. For one, the availability of tyrosine in the brain improves mental function, especially under psychological stress. It is utilized by the brain in the manufacture of brain chemicals involved in cognitive function and even motor skills. More importantly, tyrosine provides a ready pool of levodopa, which increases dopamine levels. Both tyrosine and dopamine levels have been observed to be low in individuals suffering from clinical depression, suggesting that tyrosine may provide mood-altering effects. Since there is no harm in regular intake of tyrosine, it has been promoted as an alternative to other mood enhancers.
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=2342) Boost Energy, Improve circulation Heart Disease, And More with Methycobalamin (B12)
Date:
June 16, 2011 11:45 AM
Methylcobalamin is an organic compound that displays vitamin B12 activities inside the human body. It is one of the active forms of vitamin B12, and as such believed to be the most bioavailable of all vitamin B12 supplements. In fact, all other forms of vitamin B-12 in the market are converted into methylcobalamin when ingested. Its high absorption rate enables it to produce visible health benefits. Influences Energy Production Vitamin B12 is an indispensable component of many cellular activities. It is quite pervasive at the cellular level, inasmuch as it is directly involved in chemical reactions that lead to the production of adenosine triphosphate(ATP), the primary source of energy that fuels all metabolic processes within cells. In particular, methylcobalamin participates in DNA synthesis, allowing each cell to effectively perform its Physiological roles. Healthy levels of methylcobalamin protect the cells from DNA damage, and contribute to the rate of metabolism. Vitamin B12 deficiency seriously affects energy production. Promotes Circulatory Health Studies on anemia led to the discovery of vitamin B12. The causes for anemia were uncovered at the turn of the 20th century. High consumptions of liver appeared to cure anemia as liver are high in the dietary mineral iron. It was also later identified that vitamin B12 also cure one specific case of anemia. Pernicious anemia is one of the many types of megaloblastic anemia, in which red blood cells appear large but immature. This results from a deficiency in vitamin B12. Methylcobalamin supplements have shown the best recovery rate for this type of anemia, promoting circulatory health in the process. The presence of methylcobalamin in the blood powers DNA synthesis and nourishes red blood cells. Prevents Heart Disease Methylcobalamin is particularly good for the heart and the blood vessels. Its presence in the bloodstream influences the levels of organic compounds, such as homocysteine, which are implicated in the death of myocardial cells and the formation of risk factors of cardiovascular diseases. The same endogenous compounds are incriminated in life-threatening conditions such as heart attacks. Elevated levels of homocysteine in the blood raise the levels of asymmetric dimethylarginine, or ADMA, which directly cause cardiovascular disease. Regular intake of methylcobalamin has been observed to lower serum levels of homocysteine, which in turn lower ADMA concentrations in the bloodstream. Improves Neuropathic Disorders Neuropathy refers to damage to nerve cells to the extent of producing symptoms, such as muscle weakness, impaired reflexes, gait abnormalities, muscle twitch, tingling sensation, difficulty swallowing, speech impairment, urinary incontinence, and erectile dysfunction, among others. Vitamin B12 is one of the many causes of peripheral neuropathy. Not surprisingly, supplementation of methylcobalamin significantly improves symptoms in very little time. Methylcobalamin has also shown encouraging results as an adjunct treatment for diabetic neuropathy. As a result, it also corrects the symptoms tied to neuropathic disorders, notably reflex impairment and muscle weakness. Pick Up some Methylcobalamin (b-12) today and feel the difference!
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=2340) Control Cholesterol, Loose Weight, Regulate Blood Sugar, And More With Inositol
Date:
June 02, 2011 12:10 PM
What Does the B Vitamin Inositol Do for the Body? Inositol is an organic compound that functions within the human body in the same way as nutrients. Its vitamin-like activities are believed to be similar to other B vitamins. It plays an important role in the upkeep of cells, breakdown of fats, effects of insulin, activities of serotonin, and regulation of cholesterol, among others. It is usually obtained from plant-based food products that contain lecithin. Myo-inositol is the form most widespread in nature. It is also the form most active within the body as it has been associated with many Physiological functions. It is no longer classified as an essential nutrient in that our body is capable of synthesizing it in adequate amounts. That being said, its vitamin-like activities and desirable health benefits have contributed to its popularity as a supplement. Reduces Cholesterol Levels One of the biological roles of inositol is to help regulate cholesterol levels in the systemic circulation. This nutrient even reduces overall lipid levels. It limits the conversion of very-low-density lipoproteins to low-density lipoproteins, or bad cholesterol. In addition, it promotes the releases of high-density lipoproteins, or good cholesterol, which contains lower amounts of lipids. By so doing, it lowers free fatty acids and other lipids in the blood and protects the blood vessels from lipid peroxidation. Modulates Serotonin Activities Inositol is directly involved in the activities of what we refer to as the happiness hormone, which is the neurotransmitter serotonin. In fact, this nutrient has very visible impact on the effects of serotonin on mood, appetite, sleep, and muscle contraction. Healthy levels of inositol increases the overall tolerance of the human body to risk factors and creates a general feeling of physical well being. Induces Weight Loss Fat metabolism relies on the presence of inositol, the reason why this B-vitamin-like compound is commercially touted to aid weight loss. Inositol participates in the chemical reactions that lead to the breakdown of fats. Consumptions of foods rich in inositol have shown to increase effective utilization of fat reserves found in adipose tissues, such as the unwanted subcutaneous body fat. Proponents of supplementation believe that inositol induces breakdown of fats even while sleeping. Regulates Blood Sugar The hormone insulin is responsible for regulating blood sugar levels throughout the day. It sends signals to individual cells that promote the uptake of glucose from the blood. Glucose is of course what fuels cellular activities, and thus contributes to the metabolism of compounds utilized by cells. Inositol enables insulin to initiate signal transduction and communicate effectively with cells in the process. Improves Mental Disorders Inositol has long been linked to the improvement of mental disorders. It has been observed that individuals diagnosed with clinical depression have low levels of inositol in their cerebrospinal fluid. Supplementation appears to rebalance brain chemicals, enhance mood, and improve mental illnesses, such as bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety disorder, panic attacks, major depression, and Alzheimer’s disease.
Improve Your Health with Inositol.Grab some inositol today and improve your cardiovascular health naturally!
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=2318) Improve Immune System, Digestion, Muscle Recover, The Skin, And More with OptiZinc
Date:
May 31, 2011 03:45 PM
Zinc And Your Health.OptiZinc is a patented zinc supplement in which the trace element zinc is bound to the essential amino acid methionine. It is especially formulated to guarantee absorption of zinc at a rate far superior to other zinc supplements. Hence, it is commercially touted to be the form of zinc best suited for people diagnosed with zinc deficiency. Decades-long studies have recorded noticeable effects on health. Increases Immune Function Zinc has long been tied to the immune system. For one, all white blood cells that contain granules in their cytoplasm secrete zinc at certain immune responses. In addition, several other cells in the employ of the immune system utilize zinc signaling for cell-to-cell communication. OptiZinc increases availability of elemental zinc for use by immune cells and modulates immune function in the process. Promotes Healthy Metabolism Zinc is one of the trace elements that are pervasive at the cellular level. Proteins that belong to all enzyme classes necessitate the presence of zinc to activate their catalytic activities. The scientific community has long come to a conclusion that zinc is absolutely necessary for healthy metabolism, and thus the daily zinc needs of the body must be met to avoid impairment of Physiological functions. Aids Digestive Processes OptiZinc is particularly good for the gastrointestinal tract. It contains up to 200 per cent of the recommended daily value for zinc to ensure absorption and aid digestion at the same time. Zinc ions are directly involved in the antimicrobial activities that take place in the intestines. Digestive enzymes that contain zinc are responsible for the breakdown of peptide bonds of proteins during digestion. Accelerates Muscle Recovery Supplementation of OptiZinc is likely to benefit people who engage in regular physical activities, especially athletes and bodybuilders. This formulation of zinc contains an equal ration of zinc to methionine, an essential amino acid necessitated in the biosynthesis of many other amino acids. OptiZinc speeds up the recovery of skeletal muscles after subjected to intense exercise. Improves Skin Conditions It is well established fact that a deficiency in zinc leads to higher incidence to acne. Severe cases even result in progressive hair loss and skin ulcer formation. These skin conditions are in fact a symptom of a metabolic disorder affecting the uptake of zinc, whether congenital or acquired. OptiZinc have been reported to alleviate zinc deficiency-induced skin problems and promote healthy-looking skin. Scavenges Free Radicals OptiZinc is a noted free radical scavenger. Its efficacy in preventing oxidative stress has been associated to the prevention of a diverse variety of illnesses, which include eye problems, prostate inflammation, and neurodegenerative diseases. This special formulation of zinc delivers the highest absorbable amounts of zinc into the systemic circulation to effectively prevent radical damage.
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=2313) What is the Transfer Factor in Colostrum?
Date:
May 26, 2011 12:12 PM
Colostrum, Transfer Factor, And Your Health.Transfer factor refers to any immune molecule found in the milk produced by the mammary glands in the first days after childbirth. It comprises a group of amino acids that are smaller than cells. Since its discovery in the 20th century, it has been suggested as a treatment for a host of diseases, including cancer, diabetes, infertility, fibromyalgia, Alzheimer’s disease, asthma, hepatitis, herpes, and HIV. It has grown in popularity in the past few years due to a resurgence of interest in natural remedies. The quality of milk that mammals make in the last weeks of pregnancy is called colostrum, which is believed to be superior to ordinary milk. For one, it is lower in lipids and fats, but higher in proteins. More importantly, it contains antibodies called immunoglobulins, which are central to the identification of bacteria and viruses during infections. These antibodies alert the rest of the immune system to effectively deal with pathogens encountered for the first time. Colostrum contains transfer factors. Like any other form of milk, colostrum is subjected to the digestion process when taken orally. The human gastrointestinal tract treats the carbohydrates, proteins, and even antibodies present in colostrums just like any other bioactive compounds, which are either absorbed or excreted. With the sole exception of transfer factors, everything else undergoes first pass metabolism in the liver. Transfer factors are so small that they pass through Physiological screens and filters. Natural Antibiotic It is becoming common knowledge that transfer factors have antibiotic properties. Indeed they are one of the antibiotics that occur naturally in nature. They are produced by the mammary glands for the sole purpose of transferring the immunity of the mother to the newborn child. Newborns are completely sterile, making them especially susceptible several hours after birth. Transfer factors prepare the immune system of newborns against common pathogens the mother has encountered before. Antiviral Properties One of the unique characteristics attributed to transfer factors in colostrum is its antiviral properties. Transfer factors were first observed to interfere with the rapid multiplication of rotavirus, which causes diarrhea in infants. More recent studies have looked into its medicinal potential against other viruses, such as human immunodeficiency virus and herpes. The scientific community has not come to a conclusion yet, with most of the antiviral researches on transfer factors being in their initial stages. Performance Enhancer Transfer factors have been linked to faster muscle recover. Proponents believe that the group of proteins that constitutes transfer factors is capable of speeding up the healing rate of skeletal muscles after intense physical exertion. They raise the stress tolerance of individual cells amid harmful levels of aerobic metabolism. By so doing, they also make a viable treatment for muscle weakness and physical fatigue following continued exposure to stress without taking adequate time for recovery. Boost Your Immune System with Colostrum Daily, you are never to young!
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=2308) How Does Taurine Help the Brain?
Date:
May 13, 2011 01:09 PM
Taurine is an amino acid often added to energy drinks. There have been several theories on how taurine affects brain chemicals and improve cognitive function. For many years, it has been compared to caffeine due to its effects on the human brain that appear to enhance mood. Its exact mechanisms of action remain a mystery to the scientific community, but recent studies are believed to be closing in. It has long been known that taurine crosses the blood brain barrier, allowing it to exert some effects on several neurotransmitters found in the central nervous system. It has been tied to the alleviation of many mental illnesses, such as epilepsy, post traumatic stress disorder, clinical depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety, making it the subject of a number of studies in the past few years. Rebalances Brain Chemicals It has been postulated that taurine influences the activities of neurotransmitters in the brain, but only recently has brain scientists been able to actually track its activities in the brain. A team of researchers at Cornell University managed to find a site for the neurological activity of taurine, with initial results pointing to its relationship with gamma the neurotransmitter aminobutyric acid, or GABA. The researchers do not discount the possibility that taurine may even have a receptor of its own. Whether taurine interacts with brain chemicals is no longer debatable as it creates homeostasis in the central nervous system. It acts on receptors that the researchers discovered to be the same receptors present in GABAergic mechanisms. That being said, scientists remain inconclusive as to how its interaction with GABA receptors provides energy-boosting benefits as it is marketed in the food and drug industries. Prevents Neuron Damage The scientific community is convinced that taurine has neuroprotective properties. High levels of taurine in the brain have been observed to protect brain tissues from cerebral ischemia. Taurine has been linked to many metabolic pathways that are known to promote neurological health, such as the activation of glycine receptors and the regulation of enzymes called cysteine-dependent aspartate-directed proteases. In addition, taurine serves as antioxidants that protect nerve cells from cellular damage brought on by oxidative stress. The presence of taurine within cells reduces damage from calcium excesses and increases mitochondrial events. For decades, supplementation of taurine has benefited sufferers of brain ischemia, epileptic seizures, panic attacks, anxiety symptoms, and even alcohol withdrawal. Enhances Cognitive Function Taurine has already been associated with Physiological functions the hypothalamus controls, such as sleep-wake cycle and responses to fatigue. In several laboratory studies, administrations of taurine by way of intraperitoneal injection have successfully induced social interaction in animal subjects. It is one of the amino acids that affect cognitive development, especially in children. While it is one of the most abundant amino acids in the brain, it is depleted as we age, making supplementation a good option. Protect your brain with Taurine by taking it daily!
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=2295) Potassium: Cardiovascular Health, Muscle Function, Cellular Activity, And Blood pH
Date:
May 11, 2011 12:58 PM
Potassium is a dietary mineral required in relatively large quantities in comparison with other minerals found in the human diet. It is the most abundant positively charged ion, or cation, in the cytosol, the liquid cytoplasmic matrix found inside all cells of the human body. It has a special relationship with sodium, the major cation outside animal cells. Together they facilitate cellular reformations and intercellular activities, greatly influencing the development of muscles, the brain, and the heart. Electrolytes are solutions of bases or acids that help maintain a healthy pH inside the body. Potassium is an electrolyte absolutely necessary for the upkeep of cells. They enable organic compounds to move charges, which is central to neuronal activities, muscle contraction, and endocrine functions. The presence of potassium is also required to activate the catalytic functions of several enzymes. Some of these enzymes are indispensable in the metabolism of carbohydrates. Powers Cellular Activities A cellular phenomenon described as membrane potential affects several types of cells throughout the human body, such as neurons, muscle cells, and endocrine cells. Potassium is involved in this phenomenon, powering countless molecular devices found in the cell membrane much like a battery. It also participates in transmitting signals between cellular organelles, creating an electric current that flows between different parts of the cell. Intercellular communication that induces the release of neurotransmitters, hormones, and other related organic compounds throughout the body rely on healthy levels of potassium. For example, it allows the beta cells of the pancreas to respond to levels of carbohydrates that get in and out of the systemic circulation, releasing insulin when needed. It fuels a chain of cellular events that lead to many bodily functions. Promotes Muscle Function It is not a coincidence that unhealthy levels of potassium lead to bouts of muscle cramps. While involuntary contractions of the skeletal muscles are often associated to older populations, they may afflict people of all ages at any time of the day. More often than not, the underlying cause is malnutrition, especially deficiency in dietary minerals like potassium. Contractions produced by skeletal muscles are a classic example of Physiological functions that necessitate the presence of potassium. When electrical impulses of cell membranes rise and fall at a very fast rate, it results in a cellular event called action potential, igniting a chain of events that lead to muscle contraction. This is the reason why potassium is important in the maintenance of healthy muscles. Maintains Cardiovascular Health Potassium is particularly good for the heart. The cardiac muscle is engaged in continuous coordinated contractions that propel blood out of the atria and ventricles to the rest of the cardiovascular system. A condition called hypokalemia, in which the level of potassium in the blood is low, has been linked to abnormal heart rhythms, high blood pressure, and congestive heart failure. Not surprisingly, potassium supplements are used as a therapeutic remedy in the treatment of these diseases. pH Balance Potassium has a pH of 14. Taking potassium daily can help you regulate your pH so you can maintain a pH of 7 throughout the day. By maintaining a pH of 7, you can improve your health and reduce the instance of illness.
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=2293) Vitamin B2 Is Good for Nutrient Metabolism, Cellular Energy, And More
Date:
May 10, 2011 11:11 AM
Vitamin B2 is an essential nutrient. As its name suggests, it belongs to the B complex group of vitamins. The monosaccharide ribose is part of its chemical composition together with the ring moiety called flavin that gives its yellow coloration. Hence, it is also known by the name riboflavin. Inside the human body, it plays a central role in the synthesis of flavoproteins, which are involved in many chemical reactions, especially in the metabolism of other micronutrients and bioactive molecules. Deficiency in riboflavin is quite common as it is routinely excreted through the urine. Common symptoms include sore throat, seborrheic dermatitis, lower blood count, all of which have been tied to higher incidence of esophageal cancer. Chronic ariboflavinosis, the medical condition caused by vitamin B2 deficiency, has been reported to contribute to carcinogenesis. The good news is that it can be easily reversed with regular intake of foods rich in riboflavin or supplementation. Aids Nutrient Metabolism It is not a coincidence that vitamin B2 deficiency is often accompanied by deficiencies in other vitamins and minerals. In some cases, deficiencies may be attributed to impaired liver function or intestinal absorption. That being said, low levels of riboflavin do impact the metabolism of other vitamins, such as vitamin A, vitamin B3, vitamin B6, and vitamin B9, among other water-soluble micronutrients. Metabolites of riboflavin are required in the conversion of these vitamins to their active forms, for example, from vitamin A to retinoic acid, vitamin B6 to pyridoxic acid, vitamin B9 to folic acid. Furthermore, the metabolism of bioactive compounds, including fats, proteins, and carbohydrates, also necessitates the presence of this vitamin, the reason why it greatly impacts growth and development in children. Increases Cellular Energy In addition to its Physiological potential in intermediary metabolism, vitamin B2 is also present in the generation of adenosine triphosphate, the primary transport of energy that powers intracellular activities. Adenosine triphosphate is synthesized in three different metabolic pathways, and one process called oxidative phosphorylation necessitates the involvement of flavin adenine dinucleotide, one of the active forms of riboflavin. Vitamin B2 is an important cofactor in all chemical reactions that result in an increase or decrease of oxidation state. These reactions are collectively called oxidation-reduction, or simply redox. Metabolites of riboflavin are reliable oxidizing agents capable of carrying high-energy electrons needed for oxidative phosphorylation. They also participate in beta oxidation, another metabolic pathway that yields cellular energy. Scavenges Free Radicals A nucleic acid derivative of riboflavin is an important constituent of a special class of organic compounds called flavoproteins. These proteins are found in almost all cells of the human body, and one of their functions is to protect the cells from oxidative stress brought on by free radicals. Vitamin B2 is present in the production of cellular energy and the removal of harmful by-products of energy metabolism. Insufficient intake of vitamin B2 is deleterious to human health, inasmuch as its biological roles are quite pervasive at the molecular level. Do you get enough Vitamin B-2?
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=2292) Bad Cholesterol, High Blood Sugar ? - Try Prickly Pear!
Date:
March 29, 2011 04:27 PM
Prickly Pear Cactus And Your HealthPrickly pear refers to a large genus of cactuses known for their culinary and medicinal uses. It is also known as nopal, a popular vegetable from the young pad segments with the spines removed that originated from Central America. Nopales are sold fresh in Mexico and neighboring countries and largely derived from the species Opuntia ficus-indica. This edible cactus is rich in fiber and flavonoids, making it not only a healthy source of but also a potent medicinal herb. In recent years it has enjoyed a much-publicized association with the therapeutic treatment of diabetes and high cholesterol. Also, its age-old preparations for indigestion and other digestive problems remain in wide use. Cleanses the Digestive Tract Prickly pear has long been used as a digestive and an herbal remedy for illnesses of the gastrointestinal tract. In certain regions of Central America, eating nopales is considered the most viable treatment for indigestion, diarrhea, and constipation simple because it works, not to mention nopales are delicious. Of course it is now common knowledge that its high fiber content is the reason why it aids digestion and allays digestive problems. Furthermore, the phytochemical it contains serves as natural cleansers of the entire alimentary canal. Lowers Blood Lipid Levels Bad cholesterol is notoriously named so because of the fact that they are a reliable indicator of cardiovascular diseases, notably atherosclerosis. Recent studies have linked prickly pear, especially Opuntia ficus-indica, to better management of high cholesterol. The exact mechanism of action is still under scrutiny, but it is postulated that it interferes with the conversion of very-low-density lipoproteins into low-density lipoproteins, or bad cholesterol, in the liver. It is also suggested that prickly pear may promote the releases of high-density lipoproteins, or good cholesterol. Enhances Insulin Sensitivity Among all the health benefits of prickly pear, its effect on diabetes may well be the best studied. Type 2 diabetes results from a metabolic disorder that impairs the capacity of cells to respond to the hormone insulin. Cells that have become resistance to the Physiological effects of insulin significantly contribute to escalating levels of sugar in the blood, which often leads to diabetes. Prickly pear works on the principle of reversing this metabolic disorder by promoting the uptake of glucose. Neutralizes Free Radicals Free radicals are by-products of oxygen metabolism that damage cells and tissues, the reason why cells have endogenous antioxidants to fight them off. When there is an imbalance between endogenous antioxidants and free radicals, the body needs help in the form of exogenous antioxidant in our diet to contain the damage free radicals cause. There have been numerous reports about the antioxidant properties of the herb prickly pear. In fact, Opuntia species contain a diverse variety of polyphenols that are not present in a single plant species. Nopales are particularly rich in betalains and flavonoids, both of which are organic compounds naturally occurring in nature that have been well investigated due to their active antioxidant properties inside the human body.
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=2262) Improve Your Memory Naturall, How Does Huperzine A Help Improve Memory?
Date:
March 26, 2011 10:47 AM
Huperzine A and The BrainHuperzine A is an organic compound naturally occurring in a plant species believed to be one of the oldest vascular plants still in existence. It is derived entirely from the firmoss Huperzia serrata, which is reputed for its memory-enhancing effects in China for the most part of its history. It has gained the attention of researchers and health professionals in the West owing to its purported role as a cholinesterase inhibitor, which delays cognitive decline and brain shrinkage tied to Alzheimer’s disease. It has become popular to people seeking other forms of cholinesterase inhibitors apart from those commonly available in the market, and anecdotal evidence points to its noticeable effects on symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. Increases Quantities of Neurotransmitters Cholinergic neurotransmission makes use of a system of nerve cells that participate in anti-excitatory activities in the central nervous system. These neurons rely on an endogenous compound called acetylcholine, which acts as the primary neurotransmitter in the brain, the brain stem, and the spinal cord. Acetylcholine as a neurotransmitter is synthesized from esterified acetic acid and choline, but its lifespan is cut short by the enzyme cholinesterase. This enzyme induces the hydrolysis of this neurotransmitter back into choline and acetic acid. Huperzine A works on the principle of inhibiting the enzyme cholinesterase, resulting in a longer acetylcholine lifespan especially those in the brain. By doing so, it also raises the levels of other neurotransmitters that are in the employ of nerve cells. Affects Chemical Compounds in the Brain Nerve cells constantly respond to many chemical brains that may induce more neuronal activities that affect cognitive function. The busier nerve cells become, the sooner the brain is able to sustain concentration. An increase in neurotransmitters has been tied to greater neuronal activities. Also, there are exogenous chemical compounds that when ingested pass the blood-brain barrier and act as stimulants to nerve cells, such as caffeine. It has been postulated that Huperzine A provides a nootropic effects by influencing endogenous brain chemicals and consequently stimulating neuronal activities in a similar way caffeine does. However, unlike caffeine, it is not considered a psychoactive drug. More importantly, a more recent study points to its effects on nerve growth factor, or NGF, a protein responsible for the growth and upkeep of nerve cells. This means Huperzine A not only influences brain chemicals, but also makes sure that nerve cells survive. Creates Positive Effects on Neuroplasticity In contrary to former claims that the brain does not change after early developments during infancy, recent studies point to changes in both chemical makeup and cellular structure as we age. These changes are a response to both Physiological stimulus and learning experience. New nerve cells are created as we spend more time sharpening our mental skills, much like how the muscles respond to continuous exercise and body toning. This process of change in the brain is called neuroplasticity, which Huperzine A supports by acting as a vitamin-like nutrient to nerve cells and neurotransmitters. If you want to improve brain function and memory, give Huperzine A a try today!
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=2259) The Amino Acid Glycine Is A Component Of Collagen And Essential For Good Health?
Date:
March 23, 2011 03:45 PM
What Is The Amino Acid Glycine And How does it Work In the BodyGlycine is the smallest amino acid found in the human body. It is present not only in water-based environments but also in fatty tissues. Being one of the earliest amino acids to be discovered, it has been a subject of numerous studies in the last century. The abundance of data points to its indispensable role in maintaining the overall health of the body since it is quite ubiquitous at the cellular level. Supplies Amino Acid Requirement of Proteins in Cells It is a widely accepted fact that glycine is an amino acid necessitated for the production of proteins that the human body uses and accounts for more than 30 per cent of the protein group called collagen. Human cells in particular utilize glycine in manufacturing fibrous and muscle tissues, the reason why it has been in use in treatment of degenerative diseases. The total absence of glycine in the human body is impossible, given the role it plays in protein synthesis, but low levels of glycine can be harmful. Converts into Glucose and Helps Regulate Blood Sugar Glucogenic amino acids are a number of amino acids that can be converted into glucose. First on the list is glycine, which does not only aid against a sudden drop in blood sugar but also provides the body with enough glucose to support cellular functions. Feelings of weakness characteristic of fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue are often attributable to an impaired capacity to produce enough energy. The process of gluconeogenesis converts non-carbohydrate compounds into glucose as a response. Displays Inhibitory and Excitatory Neuronal Activities While GABA is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in human beings, glycine is also known to display inhibitory activities in the central nervous system. The spinal cord, brainstem, and the forebrain have all been identified to employ this amino acid in gylcinergic neurotransmission, which may be inhibitory or excitatory. It is postulated that glycine plays a major role in various mental disorders, and several studies concerning its psychoactive potential are well underway. Scavenges Free Radicals and Reactive Oxygen Species Although it is not considered an essential amino acid, which means the body produces quantities adequate to support Physiological functions, depleting levels of glycine is not uncommon especially in individuals suffering from malnutrition and malabsorption. Glycine supplements have seen a surge in popularity in the latter half of the century as they are also known for their antioxidant activities. Enzymes responsible for antioxidant defenses necessitate glycine, which is an antioxidant in itself. Supplementation of glycine has risen in the past few years especially when studies associating this amino acid to degenerative diseases have started to surface. A number of scientists believed that age-related and other degenerative diseases such as arthritis and osteoporosis may be classified as deficiency diseases in that these diseases can easily be prevented or reversed with diet modifications. The incorporation of glycine in food products has also been reported to contribute to the upkeep of protein complexes needed by joints, muscles, and other parts of the body.
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=2256) Did You Know without Magnesium, You Could not Survive?
Date:
February 16, 2011 02:04 PM
Magnesium and your HealthMagnesium is vital to life on all levels. All types of cells in all organisms must maintain a balance of magnesium to support life as we know it, and its presence in human beings is ubiquitous at a cellular level. Low levels of magnesium have been tied to a number of medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, and osteoporosis whereas excesses are known to impair functions of tissues and organs, notably nerves cells and the kidneys. Supplies the Human Body with Energy Glucose is best known as the primary source of energy of most multicellular organisms, including of course human beings, while adenosine triphosphate, or ATP, is the form of energy yielded by the utilization of glucose within the cells. All forms of carbohydrates and fats from our diet must be broken down into simpler compounds to be able to be converted into ATP that powers cellular activities. That being said, ATP requires magnesium in its participation in a number of Physiological functions. What we refer to as ATP in fact contains ions of magnesium, for the former must be chemically bound to the latter to perform its role in interactions with protein kinases. In fact, it is a common observation that magnesium almost always acts as the functional regulator in the binding of proteins with ATP. Participates in Enzymatic Reactions More or less 300 hundred enzymes in the body are dependent on ATP, which we refer to as coenzyme, a kind of chemical compound that binds to protein. Magnesium acts as glue that keeps the enzymes and ATP together, aiding in the catalytic activities brought about by the enzymes and their utilization of ATP. Thus, the metabolic pathways that employ these enzymes rely on the presence of magnesium. One example of the interaction of ATP with proteins that necessitate magnesium as a divalent cation, in other words functional regulator, is in enzymes that modify the molecular structure of other proteins. These enzymes are transcribed in more than 500 protein genes and affect up to 30 per cent of all proteins in the human body. Moreover, magnesium plays a role in ribosome, the cellular component responsible for creation of RNA copies and the manufacture of proteins.
Magnesium Facilitates Absorption of CalciumOver 60 per cent of magnesium in the body is stored in the bones, and this fact has become the basis of the recent trend of dietary supplements that utilize magnesium to induce healthy bone density. Indeed low levels of magnesium has been reported to contribute to the degeneration of bones as we age, resulting in porous bone particles in a medical condition called osteoporosis. Prevents Ailments of the Circulatory System Since magnesium is essentially everywhere in the body, it significantly impacts the overall health of the circulatory system, notably in the prevention of heart diseases. Not surprisingly, insufficient levels of magnesium have been documented to cause cardiovascular problems, including hypertension and congestive heart failure, and supplementation of magnesium has been noted to cut complications of preexisting circulatory conditions. Have you had your magnesium today?
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=2238) Lycopene is More than Just a Tomato Extract!
Date:
February 08, 2011 04:38 PM
Lycopene is a naturally occurring antioxidant, and a very powerful one at that. Like beta-carotene, it is a carotenoid, a phytochemical that gives certain plants their orange or bright red pigmentation. While lycopene belongs to a group of carotenoids called carotene, known precursors of vitamin A, it does not get converted into vitamin A inside the human body, which is not a bad thing, inasmuch as lycopene in itself exhibits antioxidant properties that surpass the effects of vitamins. Tomatoes are very rich in lycopene, and indeed consumptions of tomatoes have been reported to show the antioxidant properties of lycopene. Papayas, pink guavas, and watermelons are also good sources of this compound, but the plant source identified to have the highest concentrations of lycopene is Gac, in English also known as Sweet Gourd, a bright red fruit native to Southeast Asia and largely unknown to the rest of the world. With that, a significant fraction of the total lycopene consumption worldwide is derived from tomatoes. Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) Chemical reactions in the human body that respond to the presence of oxygen are part of a process called oxidation, which takes place everywhere else in nature. These reactions entail a change in the oxidation number of atoms or molecules involved in the movement of electrons between molecules inside the body, giving rise to toxic by-products collectively known as reactive oxygen species. When cells produce the energy that they use to power their Physiological functions, they also produce reactive oxygen species, or ROS, which is now believed to be a key factor in the progression of physical infirmities associated with the aging process of human beings and other mammals. That being said, ROS are actually in the employ of the immune system, and particularly effective against pathogens, which may be invasive extracellular matter or harmful microorganisms.
Every single cell make use of enzymes that change the chemical makeup of unnecessary ROS, which must always be kept in check as they damage cells even at low amounts. These enzymes outmaneuver the damaging activities of ROS, thereby protecting the cells. In spite of that, the human body is known to produce more ROS as we age or during long-standing exposure to stress.
Lycopene versus ROSOne type of ROS is singlet oxygen, a form of oxygen that is highly reactive to free radicals. In fact, singlet oxygen is a known catalyst of free radicals especially when it gets excited at the molecular level. Lycopene is the best known carotenoid to counter the damaging effects of singlet oxygen in the human body, and reported to have antioxidant properties far superior to vitamin E and glutathione. The good thing about lycopene is that its bioavailability compounds when exposed to heat, so cooking tomatoes actually brings out the goodness of this chemical compound. Lycopene acts against the proliferation of cancer cells in a number of mechanisms, and, to date, there have been innumerable reports in support of the role of lycopene against most known types of cancer.
Have you had your Lycopene today?
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=2232) You Can Combat Adrenal Fatigue!
Date:
January 21, 2011 02:08 PM
Have you experienced having difficulty to get up or stay awake in the morning, requiring caffeinated products to keep you going during the day or just being unusually tired for no reason? If your answer is “Yes!” to any or all of these questions, you may be experiencing Adrenal Fatigue. Physiologically, the adrenal glands, which perch atop the kidneys, produce a manifold of hormones that are vital to life. In instances where there is inadequate production of these hormones, an individual generally undergoes a group of signs and symptoms including fatigue, low blood pressure, lightheadedness, unexplained body aches, sleep disturbances and digestive problems, unusual weight loss and loss of body hair. This group of signs and symptoms is termed as Adrenal Fatigue. Adrenal Fatigue is a term coined in 1998 by Dr. James Wilson that refers to a cluster of both subjective and objective manifestations which an individual may experience due to insufficient adrenal function. People who are at higher risk of acquiring this condition are those who are experiencing frequent, extreme and persistent psychological, emotional or physical stress. This condition can be diagnosed by blood tests and stimulation tests that can reveal inadequate levels of adrenal hormones. Many tests are highly suggestive but an elevated plasma ACTH level associated with a decreased plasma cortisol level is diagnostic test for adrenal fatigue. Adrenal Fatigue can be prevented naturally through lifestyle modification. Lifestyle changes such as more laughter in a day, short breaks during extreme psychological or physical stress, regular exercise, adequate sleep and relaxation and regular meals. It is important not to skip meals and food must be chewed well. Another tip for healthy adrenal glands is taking a daily supplement of vitamin C, pantothenic acid, magnesium and vitamin E. Adrenal Fatigue is not a life-threatening condition. However, it can significantly affect an individual’s optimum functioning on his or her everyday life. This condition is mild, lasting about a few days or weeks, with good prognosis and with full recovery. Though, there are a small number of individuals who will undergo recovery difficult. The diet suitable for individuals having adrenal fatigue includes one that is composed of unrefined carbohydrates such as whole grains, high protein, high fat and high fiber at most meals. In addition, caffeinated products, hydrogenated fats and junk foods must also be minimized. Avoiding carbohydrates from root crops such as potatoes, limiting sugary fruits such as melons and lessening instances of becoming over-tired are also promising in the full recovery from adrenal fatigue. Like any deficiency, supplements are also available to help combat Adrenal Fatigue. There are many glandular extracts that includes adrenal and other glands of the human body. Hydrocortisone (Cortef), for instance, is sometimes initiated as a hormonal replacement when the hormone cortisol is not or inadequately produced by the adrenal glands. However, this kind of treatment is typically the last resort because hydrocortisone may treat adrenal fatigue but it can make the adrenal glands weaker rather than stronger. Treatment using this hormonal supplement usually takes 6 months to 2 years. A good diet goes a long way in supporting the adrenal glands. If you are under a lot of stress and cannot change the amount of stress you experience due to work or marriage adding a b-complex can help restore adrenal function and combat stress.
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=2222) Fight Anxiety Disorders Naturally
Date:
December 14, 2010 04:27 PM
Do you suffer from an Anxiety Disorder?Before considering how to test for anxiety disorders and discussing natural supplements that can help we should first discuss what anxiety disorders are - what the term means and if there are degrees of anxiety disorders as there are of depression and stress. First, what is anxiety? Anxiety is a natural reaction to stress and it is anxiety that makes you worry about the consequences of not studying for an exam - so you study. It focuses you on problems so that you will be more likely to solve them, and helps you to perform better whatever you are doing. However, it can get out of hand and these positive mental processes become negative anxiety disorders. With some people, anxiety becomes a dread of situations that were once everyday occurrences and can make your life a misery. Here are some forms of anxiety disorder. Typical Anxiety Disorders
General Anxiety Disorder Its symptoms include excessive sweating, worry, headaches, irritability, difficulty in sleeping, tiredness and tension in your muscles. It can lead to substance abuse and deep depression if left untreated.
Panic Attacks
Phobias These are three typical forms of anxiety, but how do you test for anxieties? Here are some tests that are used, beginning with the easiest - doing it yourself! Testing for Anxiety Disorders a) Self-Tests Many that believe they may have an anxiety disorder either tend to panic or go into a depression. It is far better to carry out a self-test. This anxiety test is very simple: simply tick which of the symptoms below you have experienced in the past six months: I can't relax I am always worried about something. I get headaches for no apparent reason I frequently sweat a lot and get hot flashes I have no time for anybody and am easily annoyed I find it hard to sleep and I often wake up during the night My attention keeps wandering and I can't focus on anything I sometimes get so worried I want to be sick or have a lump in my throat If you have ticked more than three then perhaps you should pay your doctor a visit, or try some of the recommendations below. b) Doctors' Tests If you feel you might be suffering some form of anxiety disorder you should consult your doctor, particularly if you have tried the self test above and it indicates that you might be. Your doctor might carry out various tests for your general health, and if it is felt necessary you may be asked about your family history: is there any history of mental problems in the family, particularly with your mother or father. Other questions may appertain to your own physical and mental background, such as have you been stressed for any reason lately, have you suffered anxiety or panic attacks in the past and what is your normal use of prescription and non-prescription medications and drugs. Do you smoke, drink or take any social drugs. It is important that you are totally honest: the doctor is not judging you, simply trying to find the cause of your problem. Under the terms of their oath they cannot divulge anything you tell them to anyone else, so be honest and let them help you. Among the tests you will be given will be to declare all your history of anxiety-related symptoms. To achieve that, you will be asked a series of questions while the doctor assesses your mental condition. Finally, you may be referred to a psychiatrist who will be able to help you more than your doctor. Psychiatrists have a good record in resolving anxiety disorders, but once you are diagnosed positively, what then? Chemical drugs? Or perhaps you would prefer something more natural such as herbal remedies. Herbal Remedies for Anxiety There are a number of herbs that can be used to treat anxiety disorders. Here are the more commonly used of these: Passion Flower Passion flower contains the active substances maltol and ethylmaltol that your body's biochemistry uses to increase the concentration of GABA (gamma-butyric acid) in your brain. GABA is a neurotransmitter that calms you and helps you to relax and forget anything that is making you anxious. It relieves muscle tension, can lower your blood pressure and some equate its effect to that of Valium: although it is totally different chemically it is similar in its effect. It offers a sedative effect and helps you sleep. Kava Kava root Kava kava. Generally just referred to as kava, comes from the Pacific and the kavalactones it contains increase the concentration of neurotransmitters in your vascular system, particularly serotonin, the feel-good substance. Its sedative effects have been likened to that of alcohol, and it can certainly give you a lift and certainly helps you worry less as it reduces the negative symptoms of stress and depression. St. John's Wort St. John's wort is a well-known anti-depressant and it can also help reduce the symptom of anxiety. The hyperforin the plant contains helps to improve the brain's content of the neurotransmitters serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine that make you feel good, and St. John's wort certainly washes away your anxiety. Not only that, but the napththodianthrone in another of its important components, hypericin, promotes a reduction in depression through the inhibition of monoamine oxidase, a pro-depressive enzyme. Valerian Root An extract of valerian root can help you to relax and sleep well, and this can often be enough to prevent your anxiety attacks. A lot depends on their cause, but if the attacks are mild and don't require extensive medical or psychiatric intervention, then valerian can help, particularly in treating stress-related anxiety. Make sure you stick to the recommended dose because valerian can be dangerous if taken to excess. Summary The four herbal remedies above should between them be all you need to treat your anxiety. One major problem is that, just like any chemical drugs, they only treat the symptoms and not the underlying cause which is something you and your physician will have to work on yourselves. However, until then, the above herbal remedies for anxiety disorders are generally safer to use than prescription drugs and each has a well proven effect, both on the symptoms of anxiety and on depression.
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=2208) Free Radicals and how to Combat Them!
Date:
November 30, 2010 02:41 PM
Vitamin C and EChances are you have heard about antioxidants. They’re everywhere: in the news, on the internet, and, of course, in our body. The first group of antioxidants that spurred the war against free radicals are Vitamin C and Vitamin E. As early as the 15th century, seafarers knowingly consumed citrus fruits in treatment of scurvy, which today we refer to as a disease caused by a deficiency of Vitamin C. On the other hand, intake of green leafy vegetables results in healthy cells in the body, touted lately as one of the benefits of Vitamin E. Since the latter half of the 20th century the term antioxidants have come into wide use, sparking a series of studies that led scientists and health professionals to a much more well-informed understanding of how important these vitamins are to human life. Antioxidants and Free Radicals Two things about biochemistry that have been a part of our growing concern about eating right are antioxidants and free radicals, which you might have learned outside the classroom. The human body deploy free radicals for the purpose of killing harmful microorganisms, but somehow these chemical entities get out of control. It should be noted that most known free radicals are short-lived, explaining how we survive as they are toxic to the body. When not properly disposed of, free radicals are one of the reactive oxygen species that create a chain reaction damaging everything, including DNA. The problem arises when the body fails to detoxify these reactive oxygen species, and then the latter run amok inside the body. This is when antioxidants come into the picture. Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Peroxyl Radicals Vitamin C and Vitamin E are lipids that protect the interior of cells from the outside environment and play a role in storing energy for use by the human body. Different groups of lipids encompass several major chemical reactions in the body, including securing the proper functions of Physiological communication lines. In a process called lipid peroxidation, peroxyl radicals go on a killing spree by depriving the lipids of electrons, which continues as they bring in more radicals. The human body make use of Vitamin C and Vitamin E to police the proliferation of lipid radicals in time to deactivate lipid radicals and avoid unwanted effects on cell membranes. Ascorbate and Tocopherol as Co-Antioxidants In chemical reactions, the body utilizes forms of tocopherol in Vitamin E and ascorbate ions in Vitamin C. These antioxidants work on the principle of pairing with peroxyl radicals, taking on radical forms, ascorbate and tocopherol, to stop the oxidation process initiated by free radicals. At the molecular level, ascorbate makes an ideal antioxidant as it does not react with oxygen and terminates harmful peroxyl radicals that continue to oxidize. Studies say that Vitamin C and Vitamin E are co-antioxidants in that ascorbate works with tocopherol. For example, when continuing oxidation damage lipids, tocopherol, Vitamin E, removes the harmful radicals, and ascorbate recycles Vitamin E back to its usable tocopherol form. The Perfect Match Alpha Lipoic Acid recycles both Vitamin C and Vitamin E because alpha lipoic acid is both water and fat soluble.
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=2198) L-Carnitine
Date:
May 07, 2009 05:45 PM
L-carnitine is amino acid essential for the metabolism of fats into a form of energy necessary for extended aerobic activity. Originally discovered in Russia, and Germany a year later, the structural formulation of carnitine, as it is correctly known, was determined in 1927, although it is Physiological and biochemical activity was not understood until the 1960s. The amino acid is biosynthesized in the liver and kidneys from lysine and methionine. The vitamins niacin, B6, C and iron are essential for this reaction to take place. However, the supply of L-carnitine has to be supplemented by the diet, good sources being dairy products, red meat, nuts and seeds, pulses and fruits such as apricots, bananas and avocado. Most of the L-carnitine supply of the body is stored within the muscle tissue. However, it is not unusual for conditions to arise making it difficult for the body to obtain all the carnitine required. L-carnitine enables fatty acids to be transported into the mitochondria, where cell metabolism occurs. The biochemistry is discussed below, although in simple terms the amino acid allows body fats, in the form of triglycerides, to be made more readily available for the generation of energy required for extended exertion. In this way, body fats can be used for energy and the supplies of glycogen stored by the liver can be retained for emergency use. By providing the energy for endurance and stamina in this way, carnitine makes use of an otherwise unavailable energy source, and has the added benefit of reducing body fat stores and reducing strain on the heart. Although there is generally a plentiful supply of L-carnitine available in a healthy diet, supplementation can ensure that a deficiency does not occur. Supplements are available in the form of L-carnitine or its acetylated derivative, acetyl L-carnitine. In order for fatty acids to be used in the production of energy, their long-chain acetyl groups have to get inside the mitochondria where they are oxidized to the acetate to be used for the production of energy via the Citric Acid or Krebs cycle. In order for the biochemistry to take place, fatty acids must be rendered suitable for binding to the carnitine molecule. The chemical grouping with a good affinity for L-carnitine is the acetyl or acetyl group, available in the molecule acetyl coenzyme A (CoA). The free fatty acid, therefore, is attached to coenzyme-A by means of a thioester bond, catalyzed by means of the enzyme fatty acetyl-CoA synthetase. The reaction is then completed by means of in organic pyrophosphatase. In this way, the fatty acid in the form of an acetyL-carnitine derivative can be transported through the mitochondrial wall. This transportation takes place by means of several steps. These are: 1. As explained, the acetyl-CoA is attached to L-carnitine by means of the enzyme carnitine acetyltransferase I. This enzyme is conveniently located on the outer mitochondrial membrane. 2. The enzyme carnitine-acetylcarnitine translocase helps the acetyL-carnitine through the membrane. 3. Another enzyme, carnitine acetyltransferase II, located on the inner mitochondrial membrane, converts the acetyL-carnitine to acetyl-CoA, liberating the carnitine which returns to the muscle mass. L-carnitine is the only known substance that allows fatty acids to cross the mitochondrial membrane, and therefore deficiencies must be avoided. Another way in which carnitine is used in energy production is in the Krebs cycle itself. Part of this cycle involves the conversion of guanine diphosphate to the higher energy form guanine triphosphate. In this way energy can be stored in much the same way as it is in the conversion of ADP to ATP. Succinyl CoA is involved in this conversion, and one of the by-products of it is a corresponding succinate, that is then converted to a fumarate by the action of L-carnitine fumarate. Carnitine, therefore, has two parts to play in the production of long-term energy from the fatty acids contained in body fats. Since the fatty acid triglycerides contained in body fats are a major source of energy in the heart and skeletal muscles, it is easy to understand how L-carnitine is believed to lead to the increased energy levels required for stamina and staying power. A major reason for its effect on longer-term or extended energy requirements is that in enabling stored body fats to be used for immediate and longer-term energy requirements, L-carnitine allows emergency glycogen stores to be retained for use once immediate fatty acid supplies or those of carnitine have been depleted, and so allows the energy supply to be extended even farther. Research has also suggested that the amino acid can possibly be used to treat liver and kidney disease, diabetes and chronic fatigue syndrome. As with many supplements, the question is often asked how does L-carnitine work in practice as opposed to the claims made for it by the supplement providers? Recent research indicates mixed results, but sufficient to justify its use. It is generally accepted that a supplement is necessary when there is a deficiency, but once that deficiency has been corrected further intake is unnecessary. However, it is also believed that during long and extended periods of exercise a carnitine deficiency does occur as L-carnitine is used up, and the supplement is necessary to ensure sufficient energy supply throughout the period of exercise. There has also been a case reported in the Journal of Clinical Neurology (Negoro, Tsuda, Kato & Morimatsu, 1995) where a deficiency, caused by anorexia nervosa damaging the liver to the extent that it was unable to synthesize L-carnitine, was remedied by means of an oral supplement. Studies on endurance athletes have been mixed, ranging from no effect to L-carnitine being found to promote weight loss. Carnitine has no unknown harmful side effects, and has been studied for medical applications other than as an energy supplement. For example it possesses extensive antioxidant properties, and can be used as a supplement against oxidative stress and the prevention of the lipid peroxidation that is a precursor to atherosclerosis. Its use in osteoporosis and reducing bone mass is also being studied. The concentration of L-carnitine diminishes with age, and affects fatty acid metabolism in a number of tissues. Bones are particularly affected since they require continuous reconstruction. Without detailing the biochemistry involved in this, administration of carnitine helps to reduce the speed by which this occurs. Trials are so far been carried out only on animals. In studies on both healthy volunteers and patients with type II diabetes, L-carnitine was found to improve storage of glucose in both groups, although its oxidation increased only in the group with diabetes. Other studies carried out include improving the function of neurotransmitters in the brains of elderly patients and in the treatment of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, and other neurological disorders. In conclusion then, although the jury is out on the use of L-carnitine is an energy-giving or weight-loss supplement, it appears to be effective where the body's stores of carnitine could be depleted such as with long-term exercise, natural deficiencies or deficiencies caused through age. It is also under study in the treatment of various medical conditions. On balance, it would appear that the prospective benefits of L-carnitine render it worthy of use.
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=2004) Vitamins
Date:
March 05, 2009 01:31 PM
Inflammation is a normal part of the body’s defense against pathogens. The increase in body temperature, flood of toxic free radicals and inflammation-signaling proteins, and release of killer macrophage cells are the main signs of an inflammatory event that is the body’s long-established means of defending against a clear and present danger. This adaptive response can now become a cause for debilitating disease. It is even thought that the aging process may be linked to the very defense mechanism that keeps us healthy when we are young. As we grow older, our ability to regulate inflammation begins to diminish. Instead of protecting us, inflammation becomes silent and systemic, allowing degenerative disease to take root. The symptoms of silent inflammation are extremely different from acute inflammation of redness, heat, swelling, and pain, and can lie undetected until it has been around for far too long. Silent inflammation causes the body to turn on itself, as its immune system begins attacking its own organs. Over time, inflammatory cytokines such as C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, and inflammation producing eicosanoids like prostaglandin E-2 and leukotrienes B-4, start to destroy tissue all over the body. In response to this attack, the body produces even more inflammatory cytokines and free radicals, which creates a self-perpetuating cycle. Silent inflammation damages arteries, destroys nerve cells and organs, compromises the immune system, and promotes cancerous growths. Despite how well they feel today, those with silent inflammation are on a fast track toward degenerative disease. On the good side, preventative measures that are taken today to reduce inflammation can prevent degenerative diseases like cardiovascular heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s tomorrow. When there are equal numbers of good and bad eicosanoids, a state of wellness is able to prevail within the body. However, when they become chronically unbalanced, many problems result. This balance is, interestingly, highly dependant upon the level of insulin that is found in the body. High insulin levels, whether they are induced by sugar overload, the onset of insulin resistance, or the hormonal effects of excess fat, set the stage for systematic inflammation. As insulin levels climb, oxidative stress increases dramatically, causing the production of inflammatory cytokines. Along with being too high in refined sugar, the average North American diet is filled with inflammation-promoting fats and scarce in inflammation-reducing omega-3 fats; the consequence of this chronic fatty acid imbalance in an increase in systemic inflammation. As inflammation rises, so does the production of cortisol, which is produced in the adrenal glands and is intricately involved in the body’s response to stress. In an attempt to reduce inflammation, cortisol increases blood pressure, elevates blood-sugar levels, and suppresses the immune system. This means that systemic inflammation produces chronically elevated levels of cortisol, which then place a heavy Physiological burden on all organs, causing a dramatic increase on the risk of degenerative disease. Fortunately, changing the balance within the body to favor the production of anti-inflammatory eicosanoids can be achieved through a conscious dietary change. By simply increasing your dietary intake of fatty fish, eating raw nuts and grains rich in healthy fats, and supplementing with a high-quality cold-pressed fish oil or flaxseed oil, and concurrently decreasing your intake of red meats, eggs, high-glycemic foods, and foods high in saturated fats, chronic inflammation can be reduced greatly. Vitamin supplements can boost ones antioxidant intake and help fight inflammation as well. Quality vitamins are available at your local or internet health food store.
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=1974) Yeast Cleanse
Date:
January 26, 2009 01:26 PM
When the immune system is compromised or nutrition is below standards, yeast organisms, including Candida Albicans, can invade the body and cause a whole variety of miserable symptoms. A yeast infection is a generally misunderstood condition which thrives in warm-blooded animals. With 900 species of yeast existing, the candida variety is the one that we have to deal with. Candida is similar to the type of yeast that is used to make bread. It is an oval-shaped microorganism that can reproduce rapidly by budding. Candida is unable to thrive on its own, with almost everyone having intestinal candida colonies. It is actually one of many organisms that thrive in our intestinal flora. Normally, yeasts live in harmony with us thanks to a delicate balance of bacterial types. However, a yeast infection results when a certain set of Physiological circumstances encourage the growth of more yeast. A lot of people experience a sensitivity to yeast in specific mucous membranes where the climate is moist and favorable such as the mouth and gastrointestinal tract. It is unknown as to why exactly we have yeast in our bodies. After death, yeast organisms are responsible for initiating the work it takes to decompose our remains. When yeast organisms are able to flourish, a lot of systemic reactions take place, with some seeming unrelated, but together, making us feel downright lousy. The presence of yeast infections often suggests that our overall health may be somewhat weakened or our immune system may be compromised. The human body possesses a variety of microorganisms that have to compete for nourishment. A health and properly maintained system causes these life forms to live in a harmonious balance with each other. Our skin and intestinal tracts provide the perfect home for these bacteria and fungi, as they release certain toxins and provide population control for each other. This biological balance can be easily offset when a number of factors exist. The development of yeast infection is often the first sign that we are not in overall good health. Candida releases powerful poisons as it multiplies which circulate in the bloodstream and cause a variety of symptoms and disorders. The organisms can cause chemical reactions in the body and interfere with the body’s ability to destroy them. It can also produce a type of false estrogen that signals enough estrogen production, causing estrogen production to be inhibited. Candida Albicans is a very serious disease if it is allowed to thrive and is left untreated. Now as common as premenstrual syndrome, the two diseases even seem to go hand-in-hand, producing similar symptoms. Candida can invade a variety of body tissues and cause inflammation at the site. It typically attacks the mouth, gastrointestinal tract, urinary tract, prostate gland, skin, and finger or toenails. The majority of the time we are totally unaware that yeast colonies occupy our bodies. However, if we come down with a yeast infection we can be sure that there is something else going on that will encourage uncontrolled yeast production. Three out of every four adult females will experience at least one episode of Candida, with most of these suffering from a recurrent infection.
Several Physiological conditions which make us susceptible to a yeast infection include faulty nutrition, antibiotic therapy, a compromised immune system, and hormonal changes of pregnancy and PMS. Fortunately, natural alternative yeast cleanse formulas are available to help reduce the occurrence of bad yeast all of which are available at your local or internet health food store.
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=1961) Digestive Essentail Enzymes
Date:
January 04, 2009 10:29 AM
Years of researching various health-promoting herbs, vitamins, minerals, and other dietary supplements has led to the conclusion that enzyme therapy is one of the most valuable ways to maintain and promote good health. Not very many of us actually understand the enormous role that enzymes play in health maintenance, with many of us actually being enzyme depleted due to the over-consumption of cooked enzyme-less foods and the under-consumption of raw whole foods. The human digestive system was designed for a diet that is full of raw plants and fruits, but many foods today are processed, refined, heated, and fragmented. By eating foods that have lost their own natural enzymes, the pancreas and other organs that supply digestive enzymes are over-worked. This results in enzymatic function in other areas of the body to become compromised, which leads to disastrous health implications. Replenishing enzymes through diet and supplementation is an easy way to make up for the typical diet that is full of mostly dead foods. The human digestive system is one of the most perfectly designed systems in the body, typically functioning without problems. This means that if we are eating the right foods in the right way, then we should not have to rely on antacids, H2 antagonists, proton-pump inhibitors, and laxatives. Burping, belching, and bloating, no matter how often they occur, are actually not normal. It is ironic that the human body has a system that is far more impressive than any other machine built by humans, but we suffer from breakdowns all the time such as abdominal cramps after eating, inordinate amounts of gas, sluggish colons, and an overall lousy feeling after eating. Statistics prove that we are not eating the right foods, and even if we were, many of us are not properly absorbing all of their nutrients because we consume huge amounts of sugar, drugs, caffeine, alcohol, and highly processed refined foods that prevent normal digestive processes. Being under constant stress and eating on the run, along with our unhealthy food choices, creates an environment inside our body that causes common cases of heartburn and indigestion, possibly leading to ulcers and colon disease. Enzymes are protein molecules that are responsible for thousands of Physiological reactions that take place in the human body. They initiate and control almost every biochemical process that occurs in the body, with nearly three thousand individual enzymes being identified to date. Enzymes help our body to digest food, repair tissue, and eliminate dangerous toxins. Digestive enzymes break down food particles, which allows them to pass through the intestinal wall and enter the bloodstream. The enzymes that are found in the blood transform nutrient particles into tissue that is found in muscles, nerves, organs, and glands.
Enzymes also contribute to the process that stores sugar in the liver and muscle tissue and preserves fatty tissue. Additionally, digestive enzymes are part of the chemical reaction that creates urea. Some enzymes even help to detoxify our blood and tissue by allowing our immune system to attack foreign material. Lastly, metabolic enzymes help create energy in our body on a cellular level by converting foot to energy, which then fuels nearly every mechanism in the body. Do you get enough enzymes on a daily basis?
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=1957) Hoodia Extract And Appetite
Date:
September 26, 2008 11:36 AM
Hoodia is a plant that belongs to the milkweed family and consists of about twenty different species. It is a leafless, spiny plant, with fleshy finger-like stems. Along the stems, there are rows of thorns, while the plant bears flesh-colored flowers. Flies are attracted to the flowers by the strong smell of decaying meat, causing the flies to lay their eggs and pollinate the flowers. Sometimes spelled hootia, hodia, hoodie, and hudia, hoodia has recently gained a great amount of attention in the United Kingdom and America after being featured on BCC and CBS. Often growing in summer rainfall areas in Angola, Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa, along with winter rainfall areas in Nambia, hoodia gordonii is the only species that contains the chemical component that suppresses appetite. Hoodia has been used for thousands of years by San Bushmen, as it populates the arid territories of South Africa and Namibia. Because San Bushmen needed to remain active in order to survive, they had little need for dieting, but this plant provided them with stamina and a curbed appetite during long periods without food. Along with reducing or eliminating the desire for food, many people believe that hoodia also increases energy and can act as an aphrodisiac on the user. The appetite-suppressing ingredient found in hoodia is a molecule that is similar to, but stronger than glucose. The active compound that was isolated to be responsible for appetite suppression is P57, which works by sending a signal to the hypothalamus of the brain, tricking the body into thinking that it is no longer hungry, and resulting in a complete lack of appetite. P57 is a steroid like molecule that is chemically bonded to a chain of three sugar molecules. The appetite-suppressing and mood-enhancing properties of P57 go directly to the mid-brain, where it causes neuron cells to fire as if you were full. The hypothalamus is the region of the brain that contains several important centers which control body temperature, thirst, hunger, water balance, and sexual function. Additionally, the hypothalamus is closely connected with emotional activity and sleep and also functions as a center for the integration of hormonal and autonomic nervous activity through the control of pituitary secretions. In short, the hypothalamus links the nervous system to the endocrine system. The pituitary gland is often thought of as the mater gland in our bodies, as the anterior and posterior pituitary secrete a variety of hormones that influence all cells and affect almost all Physiological processes. The pituitary gland is powered by the hypothalamus, as some of the neurons in the hypothalamus secrete the hormones that are responsible for controlling the secretion of hormones from the anterior pituitary. The inhibiting and releasing hormones of the hypothalamus are carried directly to the anterior pituitary where hypothalamic hormones bind to receptors on anterior pituitary cells.
The P57 hormone that is found in hoodia works by increasing the amount of ATP in nerve cells found in the hypothalamus. ATP is an energy-producing molecule that is formed from glucose. When there are increased levels of ATP in hypothalamic nerve cells, those nerve cells fire as if you had just eaten, even when you haven’t. Hoodia is a safe herb taken for hundreds of years, have you tried Hoodia lately?
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=1900) Colostrum
Date:
September 24, 2008 09:17 AM
Balance is crucial for a healthy immune system. A variety of stressors such as bacteria, parasites, pollutants, strong emotions, and improper diet, can cause the immune system to become imbalanced. If the immune system is weakened then it is less able to fight against invading antigens. Disorders and reactions such as allergies, arthritis, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, lupus, Crohn’s disease and diabetes can also occur if the immune system is overactive and begins to fight against itself. However, if the immune system is healthy and balanced, the body will be protected and healed from foreign invaders. But if the immune system is under active or non-responsive, it is susceptible to infection, illness, and emotional distress. By supplementing with natural immune modulators, the immune system can achieve and maintain optimum balance. Cytokines consist of a variety of multifunctional molecules which work to regulate and control the body’s defense system. These biomolecules are crucial for optimal immune function as they play a key role in immunity, infectious disease, blood production, tissue repair, and cellular development and growth. Cytokines actually play an important role in a variety of body functions, ranging from general maintenance and the regulation of inflammatory responses to the direct interference of invading pathogens. Cytokines are also important messengers that are used by the immune system to inform the rest of the body that an infection has been discovered. Any immune system imbalance can lead to interference between cytokines and proper body function. Different cytokines have different actions on the same cell. However, there is a large degree of overlap between the actions of one cytokine and another. Cytokines have been given a variety of names throughout the years including chemokines, monokines, interferons, interleukins, lymphotoxins, lymphokines, and leukokines. Cytokines are part of large signaling network that have additive, inhibitory, and synergistic effects. The most important immune functions are carried out by groups of cytokines that are known as interleukin 1 and 2, interferons, and tumor necrosis factor. They help to modulate the immune system when the tissue is being threatened or damaged. Interleukin 1 helps to protect against the effects of radiation and encourage the growth of immune cells, while tumor necrosis factor is produced in response to bacteria and other disease-causing agents. Additionally, tumor necrosis factor also promotes the production of more cytokines. Tumor necrosis factor also has anti-tumor properties which increases the activity of other cells that fight tumors and also affects the blood system in tumors. It also effectively helps to slow down or reverse tumor growth by starving cancer cells of the nutrients they need and reducing blood flow. Researchers are currently looking at treating various disorders with cytokines because it is clear that cytokines link the immune system to other Physiological systems. Because of the intricate network of the cytokine processes, many researchers believe that the treatment of various immune disorders could potentially require a combination of immuno-regulatory factors. Many scientists are trying to recombining cytokines; however it is extremely limited because they are extremely expensive; they may be toxic and cause symptoms such as fever, muscle aches and fatigue; and they may create imbalances in the patient that would not benefit them.
As a result of these facts, researchers are turning their attention to a natural immune modulator such as hyperimmune egg and colostrum. Hyperimmune egg and colostrum can stimulate the production and activities of powerful immune agents and jump-start the body’s own defense system, instead of having to rely on drugs to fight invading pathogens.
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=1897) Bilberry
Date:
August 30, 2008 09:43 AM
Bilberry is a part of the herb world that has recently begun re-emerging because of recent scientific discoveries linking the fruit to therapeutic properties in blood vessel-related disorders. If you happen to suffer from any disorder that is related to weaken blood vessels, then you should definitely think about bilberry as part of your treatment, as it can be safe and extremely effective. Bilberry is a rich source of anthocyanidins, which gives it the unique ability to stabilize and protect collagen stores. This helps to prevent capillary leakage and hemorrhage. Bilberry is currently being used to treat vascular and blood disorders, and is also a main ingredient in the treatment of many visual problems. It has even been proven effective for varicose veins, thrombosis, diabetes, macular degeneration, and angina. Thanks to its rich amounts of anthocyanosides, bilberry is an extremely valuable treatment for a variety of disorders in which leaky veins cause tissue damage. Containing over 15 different anthocyanosides, bilberry protects the veins and arteries, as it boosts a great deal of Physiological processes that results in the improved integrity of capillary walls. Additionally, anthocyanosides prevent platelets from sticking to the walls of vessels, which helps to prevent the formation of blood clots. Bilberry has shown healing properties including: analgesic, anti-arthritic, anti-clotting, antiulcer, anti-edemic, anti-inflammatory, anti-osteotic, cyclooxygenase inhibitor, inhibits collagenase, inhibits elastase, lipoxygena, smooth muscle relaxant, lowers blood sugar, and vasodilator. With more than 100 names from around the world, bilberry also can be known by: huckleberry, whortleberry, European blueberry, myrtle bilberry, myrtle blueberry, myrtle whortleberry, Rocky Mountain whortleberry, red whortleberry, black grouseberry, low bilberry, mountain blueberry, huckleberry, and blueberry. Bilberry is a perennial shrub that can be commonly found in many different climates around the world that are characterized by damp woodlands and moorlands in northern Europe, northern regions of America, and parts of Canada. Bilberry grows as a small shrub with wiry, angular branches that do not usually grow over a foot high. The branches of bilberry bear waxy flowers and black berries that are covered with a grey bloom when they are ripe. The leather-like leaves of bilberry are initially rose color, but turn to a yellowish-green in the summer and a fiery red in the autumn. Growing abundantly in areas of England and flourishing best on high ground in the north and west regions of Britain, bilberry possesses a round fruit or berry that has a flat top and is approximately the size of a black currant, with a taste that is slightly acidic. The berry bushes prefer filtered shade and moist, fertile soil that is acidic and non calcareous. The bilberry plant is related most closely to blueberries and currants, all of which belong to the genus Vaccinium. Bilberries are rich in carbohydrates, tannin, vitamin A, and vitamin C. It also contains glucoquinine, which is able to lower blood sugar.
Finally, bilberry is considered an astringent; it exhibits antibacterial properties in the intestines. Bilberry’s analgesic properties are often thought to come from chlorogenic-acid and ferulic-acid content. Bilberry contains copper, quercetin, linoleic-acid, magnesium, pantothenic acid, ursolic acid, and zinc. This herb is good for the parts of the body that contain small fragile blood vessels such as the eyes and this is why this herb is associated with promoting eye health.
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=1878) DHEA
Date:
August 15, 2008 11:53 AM
In the recent past, DHEA has shown scientists its amazing abilities within the human body. Clinical tests have created a huge amount of interest for both scientists and consumers, with estimates of about 500 in-depth clinical studies on DHEA taking place. These tests, which have been conducted at some of the most prestigious medical research centers and universities in the country, have proven DHEA to be one of the most important anti-aging and anti-disease substances of the 21st century. DHEA is a crucial and important hormone that is produced in the adrenal glands. It is often called the mother hormone, as it forms the base for the biochemical actions of hormones like testosterone, estrogen, progesterone, and corticosterone. These hormones control important body functions that determine metabolism, energy output, endocrine mechanisms, and reproductive capabilities. DHEA directs the entire endocrine systems through activating and inhibiting enzymes. In its many clinical studies, DHEA has shown an unusually wide variety of Physiological benefits. Although it has been known for many years that DHEA is made by the adrenal glands, the function of DHEA in the body has only been recently studied. DHEA is produced by the adrenal glands, but it can also be found in non-patented prescription drugs and other over-the-counter forms. A lot of these supplements contain a synthetic DHEA-S. A lot of people consider Dioscorea extract, which can be found in Mexican Wild Yam, to have a natural source of DHEA. There are a lot of naturally occurring compounds that can mimic the actions of DHEA and, at the time, do not require a prescription. Wild Yam and Mexican Yam can give a botanical precursor of DHEA, which is considered a substantial source by a lot of health advocates. A great number of studies on DHEA that is derived from Mexican Yam have been conducted, with results concluding that DHEA derived from Mexican Yam and Dioscorea extract is a great idea. However, some controversy surrounds the value of Wild Yam as a valuable source of DHEA. DHEA is used in the body to make other hormone, as it is the most dominant of all the hormones present in the body. It contributes to the proper growth of brain cells, inhibits the conversion of carbohydrates to fats, decreases the formation of blood clots, regulates hormones, decreases the stickiness of platelets that can clump to cause heart attacks and strokes, increase estrogen in women and testosterone in men, lowers LDL cholesterol, enhances overall immunity, and decreases symptoms of an enlarged prostate. DHEA helps to reduce menopausal symptoms, promotes thermo genesis, helps to increase muscle mass, stabilizes blood sugar, inhibits appetite and discourages eating, boosts endurance, inhibits diseases associated with aging, helps to restore collagen and skin integrity, fights fatigue and depression, helps to inhibit certain tumors, improves calcium absorption to discourage osteoporosis, acts as an anti-inflammatory, and helps to lower blood pressure. DHEA levels dramatically vary in each individual and can drop as a result of stress or other conditions such as blood sugar, fever, hypertension, nicotine ingestion, alcohol consumption, drinking coffee, and the presence of various diseases. Taking birth control pills and other synthetic hormones can also deplete levels of DHEA. When any of these occur, supplementation is needed. Therapeutic doses range from 5 to 25 milligrams per day which can be found here at VitaNet, LLC.
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=1867) Garcinia Cambogia
Date:
July 08, 2008 03:00 PM
Garcinia cambogia is a small tree bearing a small pumpkin-like fruit of the citrus family, and is steadily appearing in an increasing number of weight loss supplements. It is indigenous to parts of Africa and Asia, and the rind is commonly used in Indian cookery. Although the fruit is particularly sour to the taste, it is used in form of an extract of the rind and claimed to act as an appetite suppressant and also to increase the body’s capacity to metabolize fat. Although there are conflicting claims being made about its efficacy, or lack of it, research shows that it definitely has promise as an agent to prevent and fight obesity and its use is steadily increasing in this respect. The active ingredient is hydroxy citric acid, otherwise known as HCA, contained in the form of the potassium and calcium salts of the acid in the aqueous extract of the garcinia cambogia rind. It forms up to 30% by weight of the rind. It is tasteless and odorless, and so far found to have no toxic effects on humans. Animal studies have also been generally favorable. HCA works in two specific ways both to reduce the desire to eat and to inhibit the storage of fat in the body. In each case, as with so many supplements that have an inhibitory effect on a Physiological or psychological function or on a metabolic process, it involves an interaction with enzymes. Citrate lysase is an enzyme in the body that helps to prevent lipogenesis and instead promotes the conversion of carbohydrates into fat. When this enzyme is inhibited from carrying out its intended part in the body’s metabolism, the process of carbohydrate oxidation is boosted, or, in other words, the excess carbohydrate is burned off, or changed into energy. More fats could also be expelled unchanged from the body, but irrespective of that the end result is that less carbohydrate tends to be converted to fat. Garcinia cambogia, however, has not been found to reduce the body’s uptake of essential fatty acids which are necessary for health. Had this occurred, you would feel a raging hunger as opposed to the appetite suppressing properties the extract is claimed to have. The oxidation of carbohydrates can also lead to thermogenesis, or the boosting of the metabolism by increasing your body temperature. An increase in the metabolic rate helps weight reduction through an increased calorie demand while your body is at rest. However, that is not the only way in which the HCA extract works to help reduce your weight, or at least help to maintain it at a healthy level. Let’s return to its specific appetite suppression properties. Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine) is a neuroreceptor found in the central nervous system. It has many regulatory effects on the body, one of which is appetite. Although it is by no means the only chemical in the body that has an effect on the appetite, serotonin is a significant factor. As you get hungry, serotonin is released in the hypothalamus, an area of the brain that regulates sleep and eating. The release of serotonin increases when you see and or smell food. It is the agent that starts canine salivation, and a ravenous hunger in those that have no immediate access to food. It also causes you to snack, and, as you eat, the serotonin level in the hypothalamus continues to increase until it reaches a point where it provides the hypothalamus with a feeling of repletion or satisfaction. You then stop eating. So the more serotonin is produced, the quicker you stop feeling hungry. Garcinia cambogia extract has the effect of stimulating the emission of serotonin into the hypothalamus, and so suppresses your hunger quicker. You don’t stop eating altogether, but attain that feeling of satisfaction much quicker and so tend to eat less with each meal. This can not only help you maintain your weight at a healthy level, but also to reduce weight in the obese. Although the extract can work through each of these mechanisms, it does not have such a significant effect on a very fatty diet. It can help if you switch to a relatively healthy diet, lower in fats, but the effect might not be strong enough to compensate for a poor diet in terms of fat content. Studies have indicated an anti-oxidant activity that likely comes from the xanthones and xanthone derivatives that are also contained in the fruit. In fact there are other recorded uses of garcinia cambogia, and it has been used in traditional Indian medicine to treat fevers, dysentery, open wounds, ulcers and tumors. According to a study carried out for the National Cancer Institute there is no documented toxicity effects on humans, and there is no regulation regarding the use of garcinia cambogia. It has not been evaluated by the FDA. However, there are contra-indications in the case of pregnant and lactating women, more as a safety measure than for any particularly known risk. Alzheimer patients should avoid taking HCA since there is a possibility of it promoting the synthesis of acetylcholine in the brain, and its glycemic action renders it unsuitable for diabetics. Conversely, this same action is a positive benefit by reducing the craving of healthy adults for sweet foods. However, HCA is frequently taken in combination with chromium due to the latter’s positive effect on the regulation of blood sugar levels. Nevertheless, diabetics should avoid any supplement containing chromium without professional medical advice. The supplement should be standardized on the HCA content, and an average dose is around 500 mg – 1000 mg of 50% extract a day. However, this varies, and the most important aspect of such extracts is that when changing brands; be sure to compare the strength of the relative extracts and change your dosage accordingly.
Although the benefits of garcinia cambogia to those seeking to lose weight are debated, there is ample evidence to suggest that a regular intake of the extract is beneficial – and not only with respect to the maintenance of healthy weight.
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=1833) D-Ribose
Date:
May 17, 2008 10:07 AM
Discovered by Phoebus Levene in 1905, D-ribose is a monosaccharide, and is a component of RNA that is needed for genetic transcription. It is a stereoisomer of ribose, and although not regarded as an essential nutrient since it is synthesized in the body, it is essential for life. It also takes part in human metabolism, helping to generate energy from food, and is a component of all living cells – animal or vegetable. It is contained in ATP and NADH and we could not live without it. Because it is contained in all living organisms, D-ribose is a common component of the human diet, and required as a supplement only for specific needs. It for this reason that the human species developed and survived: the chemicals needed for life are either commonly found in nature or are manufactured by the body itself from other raw materials which themselves are common in our diet. The other stereoisomer is L-ribose, and this plays no part in human metabolism. Energy is needed not only to enable us to walk and to run, but also to drive every part of human Physiological activity, and all of the physical and chemical processes of life. Because of its nature energy cannot travel round the body in our bloodstream as if were a chemical entity, but must be released or generated where and when it is needed. For that reason every cell in our body contains an area called the mitochondria in which energy is generated. The molecule of energy, if there is such a thing, is called ATP, or adenosine triphosphate. ATP controls the production of energy everywhere in the body, and allows muscles to contract and relax. This muscular activity is responsible for all movement, including the circulation of our blood through heart contractions, the diaphragm movement that creates the vacuum that allows us to breathe, and the operation of the digestive system by means of the peristaltic motion of the esophagus and the intestines. Each of the two ways in which ATP is generated involves D-ribose. One is by means of D-ribose being used to produce new ATP, and the other is the recycling of used ATP. In the latter, D-ribose and ATP react to form ADP (adenosine diphosphate and D-ribose-5-phosphate with the release of energy. This diphosphate then reacts again with the ADP to produce new ATP and D-ribose. The reaction is catalyzed by an enzyme known as a ribokinase, a phosphotransferase that specifically catalyzes reactions involving phosphorus groups with an alcohol receptor group. The heart muscle is operated by means of the calcium pump that depends upon both calcium and ATP for its operation. When ADP and phosphate are created by the effect of calcium and ATP coming together, then energy is provided to the muscle fibers of the heart. ADP then reacts with the phosphate and D-ribose in the presence of magnesium to reform the ATP. ATP is therefore essential for the continuation of the pumping action of the heart that maintains life in all mammals. D-ribose is also part of the base of RNA and DNA, without which there could be no life. Because the cardiac muscle is easily depleted of ATP, the presence of D-ribose is of extreme importance and it has been proved that cardiac failure begins with the reduction in energy levels of the heart muscle that can be brought about by a lack of ATP in the muscle cells. An important property of D-ribose is that it is unchanged by the liver, which is the chemical plant of your body in which a large part of the biochemistry needed for life takes place. This means that D-ribose can be taken in the diet and pass through the liver virtually unchanged, and then be transported in the bloodstream to where it is needed for the maintenance of ATP levels. That is why D-ribose is frequently given to treat heart attacks: because it can rapidly replace lost ATP and enable the calcium pump to get to work and keep the heart beating at its normal strength. Maintenance levels of this important sugar would not go amiss. However, there are other uses to which the body can put this marvelous substance. Among these is the body’s ability to form Coenzyme A from it. This coenzyme is needed in the body for the breakdown of fatty acids, and many other chemical reactions, and also provides the raw material for many other necessary substances in human biochemistry. Patients with low energy levels can frequently fail to be able to recover from illness. This is because that when illness stresses your body, your mitochondria become overwhelmed with work and begin to fail to produce sufficient ATP to keep the body going. Naturally, as your energy level drops, and your body cells are unable to respond to this, then the condition you are suffering from gets worse, and become stronger leading ultimately to possible death. Your immune system is put under a great deal of stress that uses up what little ATP you have left. That is why when people start to get really ill, they tend to fade very rapidly: not because of the spread of the disease, but through a reduction in the ATP needed to provide the energy required for the body to fight the disease. Without an adequate supply of energy, your body would rapidly fade. By taking a D-ribose supplement that passes unchanged right into your bloodstream and taken to where it is needed most, you body can rapidly generate sufficient ATP to keep up the fight against the agent that is making you ill. Your immune system is given a massive energy boost, and more importantly, your heart is kept beating. D-ribose is the answer to the prayer of many sick people, and also to athletes and bodybuilders needing quick bursts of energy. But what did they use before D-ribose was discovered to have the properties that it has? At one time, it was adenosine monophosphate (that’s right, not ATP or ADP, but AMP) that was administered intravenously to those suffering from chronic fatigue, this substance being synthesized to ATP in the body over a period of time. However, it take a lot of time to be effective, and the injections had to be made daily into the muscle tissue, so it fell out of favor. Then came an ATP supplement that could be taken orally, but the side effects were unpleasant, and that too went out of favor. However, towards the end of the 1990’s D-ribose was found to overcome all of these disadvantages, and not only be able to be taken orally, but also to work almost immediately by providing the mitochondria with a direct source of the sugar they need to generate energy. It is now one of the most popular energy providing supplements on the market, and also a remedy for chronic fatigue that helps the patient to overcome energy-sapping medical conditions both directly and by providing the immune system with the energy needed to keep it operating effectively against masses of invading bacteria and viruses. There is nothing better than D-ribose for providing you with the energy boost that you need, whenever you require it, either to provide energy for your sport or to help you overcome illness.
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=1792) Urinary Incontinence and Overactive Bladder: The Silent Conditions
Date:
February 07, 2008 05:56 PM
Even though we are all comfortable talking about cardiovascular issues, mind and brain function, and digestive wellness, the topic of bladder health is rarely discussed. Whether it is vaguely touched upon or completely ignored, bladder issues including urinary incontinence and overactive bladder get a low amount of coverage considering their prevalence throughout the world. Research has shown that 17 million Americans can be diagnosed with urinary incontinence and 33 million Americans suffer from overactive bladder. So with these figures, why is it that we rarely hear about these issues? Firstly, urinary incontinence and overactive bladder have been marked as taboo topics, as sufferers are not eager to openly talk about their experiences since they can be uncomfortable and embarrassing to discuss. Due to the social stigma that is associated with urinary incontinence, it is extremely under-diagnosed and under-reported. Another reason why people aren’t talking about bladder issues is because the market has only recently become recognized as financially viable as the market for urinary incontinence treatment reached more than $7 billion by the end of 2006, as compared to $276 million in 2000. With the new baby boomer population turning 60 in a few years, it is anticipated that urinary incontinence and overactive bladder treatment will soar much higher. No matter the reason, these are serious health issues that affect people deeply. Both Physiological and psychological aspects take their toll on a person. Studies have shown that people with these illnesses have a poorer quality of life, causing sufferers to become reclusive and isolated as they are too embarrassed to talk about their bladder issues. However, there are a variety of ways that bladder health can be addressed, including pharmaceutical, behavioral, and natural approaches. Various drug therapies have been found to improve bladder control. However, most drug therapies also have unpleasant side effects such as dry mouth, dry eyes, blurred vision, and memory loss. Some drugs can even produce harmful long-term side effects. National continence groups also have recommendations as to behavioral interventions and exercises that can be taken to deal with bladder issues. Bladder control training, which involves teaching the bladder to completely fill and empty, is important to adequate fluids and avoid going to the toilet just in case. Kegal exercises can also be done to help strengthen the muscles that contract if you are urinating. There are also natural herbal and nutrient options that are worth considering. These include Horsetail and Crateva nurvala, which both are means of improving bladder tone and control. Horsetail, which is high in silica, is known as a urinary astringent and antispasmodic. It relieves involuntary muscle spasms. Crateva has been shown to improve bladder tone and total bladder capacity. It improves urine flow, which helps the bladder to empty completely. Since bladder health is a concern for many Americans, as it impacts what we do, where we go, our confidence levels, and sense of freedom, we need to start openly discussing bladder health and become more informed about the options that are available to us. Even though sufferers have learned to live with poor bladder health, recent research is making natural dietary ingredients an alternative for those who are looking for support to their bladder health.
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=1714) Boost Skin And Joint Health With Natural Supplements
Date:
January 19, 2008 10:37 AM
A lot of health conscious adults are now attempting to keep a youthful appearance for as long as possible by exercising, taking growth hormone enhances, and using expensive cosmetics. However, studies have proven that the major signs of aging in the skin, joints, and eyes occur due to a progressive collagen and hyaluronic acid degradation in our tissues. Researchers believe that supplementation of these key nutrients can actually reverse sings of aging. Normal functioning of the skin requires that there be normal Physiological substances in and around the skin cells. Of the many substances that are required for normal functioning, collagen is one of the most important. Collagen provides structural support to skin, which helps to maintain skin tone, subtleness and elasticity. All of these give the skin its amazing beauty. Without enough collagen, our body would actually lose any connective properties and its ability to hold together, causing the sagging and wrinkles that are associated with age. Hyaluronic acid is also a vital component of the skin's structure. HA is a big part of the space between living cells and is also present in both the dermis and epidermis, where it allows skin to retain moisture and acts as a lubricant between the collagen matrix of the skin. Younger looking skin typically has higher levels of HA, but it has been observed that hyaluronic acid content declines as we age, most dramatically after the age of 50. Most people after the age of 40 have already lost a lot of HA and may require supplementation. High concentrations of hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate are able to reach the corium layers of the epidermis and provide cellar level nourishment to the skin. This then reveals a more vibrant and younger looking complexion. Doctors believe that osteoarthritis affects more than 20 million Americans, with that number reaching 40 million by the year 2020. Some doctors believe we're headed for an epidemic of degenerative joint disease. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint condition marked by the erosion of the cartilage at the ends of the bones. Cartilage is the shock absorber of the joint, with regular wear and tear on the joints eventually softening, fraying, and thinning the substance. Other things that can cause cartilage degradation and osteoarthritis have recently been identified by scientists, including: weak quadriceps muscles, eroding cartilage, and changes in bone structure. Certain genes also play a role in predetermining cartilage status, and left untreated and unchecked, this can become extremely debilitating. Since normal joint function requires healthy cartilage and bones, one of the most important substances required for the normal functioning of joints is collagen. As we age, it has been observed that there is a decrease in the production and concentration of collagen in the joints. The lack of this vital structure leads to joint pain and inflammation. Common treatments today include the prolonged use of painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs, steroids, NSAIDs and COX-2 inhibitors which temporarily relieve pain and cover up the symptoms while the disease moves further. More often, these treatments worsen the condition instead of helping it due to their harmful side effects. A natural supplement containing Collagen II can not only halt the progression of arthritis but can also improve the condition and provide relief to sufferers.
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=1698) Natural Supplements Like Fish Oils And Phosphatidylserine Can Boost Memory
Date:
January 14, 2008 03:24 PM
We often think of our brain as being different from other organs, but the brain undergoes changes over time, just like the heart. Up until recently, brain aging and everything that goes along with it was associated with neuron failure. Actually, brain neurons do not undergo massive die-off with age. Although some neurons are lost, the brain continues to grow new ones, though at a slower pace. Decreasing cognitive function is now believed to start as early as one's late thirties, which is the result of a lowered vascular function for oxygen and nutrient supply, increased oxidative stress, and decreased production of neurotransmitters. Other issues impact memory too such as normal aging, emotional trauma, alcoholism, depression, seizures, dementias, stroke, neurodegenerative illnesses, and obesity. All of these can lead to devastating changes in mood and memory. Additionally, it is widely known that the use of cholesterol-lowering drugs can severely impact skills that involve brain functions.
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=1688) Tongkat Ali: The Natural Viagra?
Date:
October 22, 2007 10:02 AM
Tongkat Ali is also known as Longjack, and is a well known aphrodisiac in South East Asia, the root of which has been found effective both as an aphrodisiac and in treating certain sexual problems including failure to achieve an erection. What Viagra does in the west, Longjack does in the east, only cheaper. The tree is also called Pasak Bumi, and had originally been used for many years as a treatment for malaria, the side effects being accepted but not understood as originating from the malaria medication. Some though that the malaria itself perhaps caused them, and was a long time before the effect of tongkat ali on the testosterone levels in the body was understood. The name literally means Ali’s walking stick, and is named after the long roots from which it is extracted. The tree itself is about ten metres high, and grows beneath the canopy of the Indonesian rainforests. However, due to a heavy demand for the product, the older trees are increasingly more difficult to find, and most of the herbal preparation is extracted from younger trees. The tree itself is not easy to cultivate outside its natural environment, and is very slow growing. Unlike many herbal remedies used in Asia, the effects of Tongkat Ali on the libido have been supported by scientific medical evidence, and it has been demonstrated to support the availability of unbound testosterone and to support hormonal balance in general. It had been used for many years to promote sexual desire and sexual ability before the medical evidence was obtained to provide scientific support to what was already known by the indigenous population: that it was effective in improving sexual ability, stamina, and endurance and to reduce mental fatigue in general. Although it was originally used as a treatment for malaria, Longjack increases the natural production of testosterone in the body and hence improving the male sex drive and also that of women. It is a little known fact that women, too, need testosterone for their sexual impulses. However, it is probably more important from a Physiological point of view that testosterone is essential to women in that it increases the metabolic rate and accelerates the burning and elimination of fats, and the production of red blood cells and the development of muscle tissue. As the production of testosterone drops off with age, generally starting after about thirty years, bodybuilders find it increasingly more difficult to maintain a good body shape and muscle shape. They are interested in anything that could feasible maintain or even increase the production of testosterone by the body, and Tongkat Ali does this. To them, the increase in their libido, or sex drive, is a bonus that they will not refuse to take advantage of! Eurycoma longifolia, the scientific name for the tree, increases the amount of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in the body. ATP, along with its cousin adenosine diphosphate (ADP), is responsible for the availability of energy for use by the body. It is normally created from ADP and glucose, and an increased availability in the blood can reduce the fatigue caused by its consumption through vigorous exercise. However, if too much ATP is available, the subject can suffer from insomnia and restlessness since there is too much ATP in the body. The function of the ATP is to provide available energy that can be used by the muscles in exercise. When energy is used up the ATP is converted to ADP, which needs more glucose to reform the ATP. If there is excess ATP, it is like a charged battery within the body, and we become restless until the energy available is used up. Another benefit of this amazing substance is that it helps the body to increase its own production of sex hormones, rather than simply provide them for it. People who suffer from sexual dysfunction conditions tend to be provided with HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) from their physicians or doctors which involve the introduction of testosterone intravenously. The result of this is that your body recognizes that it has a sufficient supply of testosterone and so stops making it for itself. Eventually your body just stops testosterone production, and relies on the artificial supply it has got used to receiving. Longjack treatment, however, does not provide a supply of testosterone, but stimulates your body to produce its own, which is better for it in the long run. You should, however, be made aware of the possible side effects or testosterone administration which are insomnia, anxiety and a possible reduction in your immune functions. There are also other possible side effects if you suffer from diabetes, or heart liver or kidney disease, and you should always refer to your doctor before commencing its use. If you start off your treatment with small doses and check out the side effects at each stage, then you will be able to safely find out if these side effects relate to you. If not, then you are all set as long as you obey the advice of your physician. Another natural product that is recommended as an aphrodisiac is Horny Goat Weed, but when used in combination with Tongkat Ali it appears to have a synergistic effect. Horny Goat Weed is also called Fairy Wings and a number of other alternatives names, and is not one but about 60 different flowering plants found in southern China. It works by increasing the nitric oxide concentration in the body that helps to relax the smooth muscles. By itself Horny Goat Weed is an effective aphrodisiac, but the combination of its effect in relaxing the penile muscles and the increased testosterone levels promoted by Longjack is extremely powerful, and much more effective in resolve sexual problems in men that either of them alone. For this reason tongkat ali is frequently sold in combination with horny goat weed. Although not unusual, it is not common to find natural herbs that have such a profound effect on the libido and whose effect is backed up by scientific evidence. Tongkat ali is one of those, and although it is still currently mainly used in Asia, demand for it in the west is rising.
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=1600) Adapt To The Stresses Of Life with Herbal Adaptogens
Date:
October 18, 2007 11:13 AM
Life today places a number of different types of stresses upon us. There are the normal stresses of living, of facing problems at work, financial worries and family stresses. Schedules are becoming busier as we try to pack more and more into each day, and relaxation time is cut to a minimum. For many of us, the stress starts when we waken and rush through breakfast, if we have time for one, to catch the bus or train to work, or to slip into the morning traffic rush that takes us an hour to travel 10 miles or less. Once at work we have problems to deal with that continue throughout a rushed lunch period, and then back to the stress of trying to return home in the evening to open the bills and check if we have enough in the bank to pay them. However, that is not all. Our environment is continually changing, and our bodies are subject to the stresses of pollution from the planes, trains and automobiles, not to mention the pesticides, preservatives plastics and harsh lighting. The noise of air conditioning and the continual musak of the stores and shopping malls and everything else that goes to completely stress us out, weekdays and weekends. That is ignoring the smog, the disappearing ozone layer and increased UV radiation, the greenhouse effect and global warming, El Nino and everything else that causes worry or affects the delicate balance of the body’s biochemistry. Rather than adapting to our environment we are continually striving to adapt the environment to suit our needs. We should develop a flexibility of mind and body so that we can survive these modern-day stresses, and this is where the substances known as adaptogens are important. Adaptogens help us to adapt to the environment and withstand the stresses of modern life. The term was first used by Russian N.V. Lazarev in 1947 who defined an adaptogen as a substance meeting three specific criteria: it should cause a minimal disruption to the normal Physiological function of the body, it must work by means of a range of chemical, physical and biochemical factors rather than through one specific action and must have an overall effect of normalization, so that no condition is aggravated to improve another. There are a large number of identified adaptogens, among them several forms of ginseng: Panax, American, Siberian and Japanese; licorice, schizandra berries, rhodiola and others. These adaptogens tend to work in the body by improving the body’s availability and use of energy, improving the efficiency of removal of the metabolic waste and by-products, supporting the adrenal function so that the effects of stress are reduced or countered, improving the utilization of oxygen and helping to build up body tissue. In general the body works more efficiently in generating and using energy, muscle tissue and counteracting the effects of modern day stress, both environmental and psychological. Of the ginsengs, Panax is very expensive for regular use, although many people prefer it. However, studies have shown that Siberian, or eleuthero ginseng, is a stronger adaptogen that Panax which is also called Korean or Chinese ginseng. In fact the other forms, including American and Japanese, tend to over-stimulate the body, and can also cause unwanted side effects such as constipation and over-excitement. The Siberian ginseng tends not to show these symptoms. Siberian ginseng contains seven active substances known as eleutherosides A – F which are not present in the other ginsengs. These substances appear to have several properties that have been clinically proven. For example, they relieve insomnia, one of the symptoms of stress, high and low blood pressure, bronchitis, various forms of neuroses and, it is claimed, also some types of cancer. Siberian ginseng also allows humans to withstand noise, heat and extra stresses caused by severe workloads. It improves athletic performance and allows people to improve their work output under a variety of stresses. Athletes can train harder and recover quicker. Another adaptogen is schizandra berries (also called schizandra chinensis and magnolia vine). Chinese herbalists class medicinal herbs by the five different flavors, sour, bitter, salty, acrid and sweet. Schizandra berries possess all five, and are therefore considered by the Chinese to balance all the systems of the body. It is used in the West as a stress reducing adaptogen and is also included in sports and weight loss formulae. It helps insomnia and improves endurance and mental coordination. Schizandra is believed to be a good tonic for the liver and is often used in combination with Siberian ginseng (eleuthero) and licorice. The latter is another popular herb in China that is said to be a good tonic for the spleen. Licorice itself is a known anti-inflammatory since it contains flavanoids and saponins that promote the immune system. Licorice is thought be a useful supplement for HIV patients due to its effect on the immune system. It also increases corticosteroid levels by inhibiting the liver’s ability to break down adrenal hormone. However, people with high blood pressure should be careful with licorice since it can cause sodium retention. Like any other medication, you should seek your physician’s advice if you have any existing conditions. Rhodiola, also referred as roseroot, is used for improved memory and enhanced vitality and it can also be used as a mood modifier. It is used by athletes of all types for increased strength and endurance, and improved cardiovascular and muscle recovery time. The Russians call it ‘Golden Root’ and it is a safe and effective adaptogen. More and more people are turning to adaptogens to help them cope with the hustle and bustle of their daily lives, and they are becoming increasingly available from ordinary health stores. If you are finding it difficult to stay energetic and active then try them out. Not all work with every individual, but there is a large variety to choose from and most people are able to find an adaptogen that suits them and enables them to adapt to the stresses of daily life.
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=1596) Learn about Bone Health!
Date:
April 20, 2007 12:43 PM
Bone Health Approximately 44 million American women and men aged 50 and older have osteoporosis (severe bone loss) or osteopenia (mild bone loss), with women being affected about twice as often as men. At least 1.5 million fractures of the hip, vertebra (back or neck), or wrist occur each year in the United States as a result of osteoporosis, and the annual cost of treating this disorder is nearly $14 billion and rising. Unfortunately, the toll in human suffering and loss of independence is even greater. In this issue of Ask the Doctor, we will discuss the risk factors for osteoporosis and some key nutrients you can add to your diet that can minimize bone loss and reduce your chances of developing this disease. Q. What are the risk factors for osteoporosis? A. Small body frame, underweight, Caucasian or Asian race, a sedentary lifestyle, cigarette smoking, excessive alcohol or caffeine intake, high intake of carbonated beverages (especially colas), and having other family members with osteoporosis all increase personal risk of developing the disease. Certain medical conditions, including diabetes, celiac disease, hyperthyroidism, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic obstructive lung disease, hyperadrenalism, and hyperparathyroidism, are all associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis. Some medications increase the rate at which bone is lost; these include drugs prescribed for the treatment of seizures, drugs used for blood thinning, steroids such as prednisone, aluminum-containing antacids, and loop diuretics (furosemide {Lasix}). Q. Isn’t bone loss just a normal consequence of aging? A. Although bone mass normally declines after the age of 35, bone loss severe enough to cause fractures after just minor trauma (such as bump or fall) seems to be a relatively new phenomenon. Osteoporosis was rare in the late 19th century, and it was not until around 1920 that the condition began to attract attention among doctors. Since that time, the percentage of people who develop osteoporosis has continued to increase. For example, the age-adjusted prevalence of osteoporosis in Q. Can osteoporosis be prevented? A. Engaging in regular weight bearing exercise, avoiding excessive consumption of alcohol and caffeine, and quitting smoking will slow the rate of bone loss. Eating adequate, but not excessive, amounts of protein also enhances bone health. In addition, a growing body of research has shown that supplementing with various vitamins and minerals may not only help prevent, but in some cases actually reverse, bone loss. At least 15 different nutrients have been found to play a role in bone health. Q. What type of calcium is best? A. For most people, calcium salts are absorbed about the same, between 30% and 40% of the administered dose. People who low stomach acid (hypochlorhydria) should not use calcium carbonate, because that form of calcium is absorbed poorly in the absence of stomach acid. Calcium phosphate may be preferable for many older people, because phosphorus is necessary for normal bone formation, the phosphorus intake of older people is often low, and calcium supplements inhibit the absorption of phosphorus. Also, calcium bound to phosphorus is the form in which calcium in the bone is stored, and it has a much greater bone activity than other forms. Q. How much vitamin D is needed to promote strong bones? A. Because vitamin D is produced when the ultraviolet rays from the sun hit skin, people who stay out of the sun, wear sunscreen, or live in a northern latitude (such as Boston or Seattle) where less ultraviolet light reaches the skin, are at increased risk of vitamin D deficiency. In addition, aging decreases a person’s ability to synthesize vitamin D in the skin. Results from five research trials on vitamin D found that supplementation with 700-800 IU of vitamin D per day decreased the number of hip fractures by 26%, but 400 IU per day was ineffective. In addition to enhancing bone health, vitamin D improves nerve and muscle function in older people, thereby reducing their chances of falling down. Supplementation of elderly women with 800 IU of vitamin D per day has been shown to decrease the number of falls by about 50%. Q. Is that much vitamin D safe? A. The Food and Nutrition Board of the Q. Why would nutrients besides calcium and vitamin D is important? A. Bone is living tissue, constantly remodeling itself and engaging in numerous biological functions. Like other tissues in the body, bone has a wide range of nutritional needs. The typical refined and processed American diet has been depleted of many different vitamins and minerals, some of which play a key role in promoting bone health. Not getting enough of one or more of these micronutrients may be and important contributing factor to the modern epidemic of osteoporosis. In addition, supplementing with calcium may cause a loss of magnesium, zinc, silicon, manganese, and phosphorus, unless these nutrients are also provided. Q. What nutrients besides calcium and vitamin D promote healthy bones? A. Magnesium, zinc, copper, manganese, vitamin K, boron, strontium, silicon, folic acid, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, phosphorus, and vitamin C have all been shown to play a role in bone health. Following is a brief description of the role that each of these 15 nutrients play in building healthy bones. Calcium: A component of the mineral crystals that make up bone. Vitamin D: Enhances calcium absorption, prevents falls by improving nerve and muscle function. Magnesium: Important for bone mineralization (accumulation of minerals which form bones). Magnesium deficiency is associated with abnormal bone mineral crystals in humans. In an open clinical trial, magnesium supplementation increased bone mineral density by an average 5% after 1-2 years in postmenopausal women. Copper: Laboratory research has found that copper promotes bone mineralization and decreases bone loss, and that osteoporosis can develop if the diet is deficient in copper. Western diets often contain less copper than the amount recommended by the National Academy of Sciences. In a 2-year double-blind trail, copper supplementation reduced bone loss by 90% in middle-aged women, compared with a placebo. Zinc: Like magnesium, zinc is important for bone mineralization, and also has been shown to decrease bone loss. Low dietary zinc intake was associated with increased fracture risk in a study of middle-aged and elderly men. The zinc content of the diet is frequently low; a study of elderly low-income people found they were consuming only half the Recommended Dietary Allowance for this mineral. Manganese: Plays a role in the creation of the connective-tissue components of bone. Manganese deficiency in laboratory tests resulted in low bone mineral density and weak bones. Manganese deficiency may be associated with the development of osteoporosis. Boron: Supports creation of bone-protecting hormones such as estrogen, testosterone, and DHEA. Boron supplementation prevented bone loss in experimental studies. In human volunteers consuming a low-boron diet, boron supplementation decreased urinary calcium excretion by 25-33%, a change that may indicate reduced bone loss. Silicon: Plays a role in the synthesis of the connective-tissue components of bone. Silicon deficiency has been associated with bone abnormalities. In an observational study, higher dietary silicon intake correlated with higher bone mineral density. In a clinical trial, administration of an organic silicon compound increased bone mineral density of the femur (or thigh bone) in postmenopausal women. B vitamins (folic acid, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12): These three B vitamins have been shown to lower blood levels of homocysteine, a breakdown product of the amino acid methionine. An elevated homocysteine concentration is a strong and independent risk factor for fractures in older men and women. Homocysteine levels increase around the time of menopause, which may explain in part why bone loss accelerates at that time. In a 2-year double-blind trial, supplementation of elderly stroke patients with folic acid and vitamin B12 reduced the number of hip fractures by 78%, compared with a placebo. Strontium: This trace mineral is incorporated into bone and appears to increase bone strength. It also stimulates bone formation and inhibits bone breakdown. Controlled trials have demonstrated that strontium supplementation of postmenopausal women increases bone mineral density and decreases fracture risk. Vitamin K: Best known for its effect on blood clotting, vitamin K is also required for the creation of osteocalcin, a unique protein found in bone that participates in the mineralization process. The amount of vitamin K needed for optimal bone health appears to be greater than the amount needed to prevent bleeding. Vitamin K levels tend to be low in people with osteoporosis. In randomized clinical trials, supplementation of postmenopausal women with vitamin K prevented bone loss and reduced the incidence of fractures. Q. Which form of vitamin K is best? A. Two forms of vitamin K compounds are present in food: vitamin K1 and vitamin K2. Vitamin K1 (also called phylloquinone) is present in leafy green vegetables and some vegetable oils, and vitamin K2 is found in much smaller amounts in meat, cheese, eggs, and natto (fermented soybeans). To make things a little more complicated, Vitamin K2 itself can occur in more than one form. The two most important to this discussion are menaquinine-4 (MK-4, also called menatetrenone), which is licensed as a prescription drug in Research suggests that MK-7 from natto may be an ideal form of vitamin K. The biological activity of MK-7 in laboratory studies was 17 times higher than that of vitamin K1 and 130 times higher than that of MK-4. After oral administration, MK-7 was better absorbed and persisted in the body longer, compared with MK-4 and vitamin K1. Although both have shown ability to prevent osteoporosis in laboratory research, a much lower dosage (600 times lower) of MK-7 is required, compared to MK-4, to obtain beneficial effects. Thus, MK-7 has greater biological activity, greater bioavailability, and possibly more potent effects on bone, compared with other forms of vitamin K. The potential value of MK-7 for bone health is supported by an observational study from Q. Why is strontium so important in building strong bones? A. Strontium is of great interest to bone health researchers and has been studied in very high doses. Surprisingly, lower doses are not only safer for long-term supplementation, but may in fact have a greater impact on bone health than very high doses. Too little, and bone density is impaired; too much and health may be impaired. This is a case where dosing needs to be just right for optimal impact. Therefore, until more is known, it is wise to keep supplemental strontium at less than 6 mg per day. Q. Can people taking osteoporosis medications also take bone-building nutrients? A. Because nutrients work by a different mechanism than osteoporosis drugs, nutritional supplements are likely to enhance the beneficial effect of these medications. Calcium or other minerals may interfere with the absorption of biphophonates such as alendronate (Fosamax) or etidronate (Didronel). For that reason, calcium and other minerals should be taken at least two hours before or two hours after these medications. Also, it is always best to discuss the supplements you are using with your healthcare practitioner to create an integrated health plan. Final thoughts… Bone health ramifications extend beyond osteoporosis and fractures. Bone health is essential for freedom of movement, safety, comfort, independence and longevity. Weak bones do not heal well – sometimes they never heal at all. Osteoporosis-related fractures rob us of our mobility and consign thousands of Americans to walkers and wheelchairs every year. In fact, 40% of people are unable to walk independently after a hip fracture, and 60% still require assistance a year later. The most terrible consequence of fractures related to osteoporosis is mortality. The impairment of the ability to move around freely can cause pneumonia and skin damage leading to serious infections. It is estimated that suffering a hip fracture increases the risk of dying almost 25%. Making bone health a priority now will allow you to reap health dividends for many years to come.
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=1523) Nopal Enducance
Date:
October 31, 2006 03:37 PM
Nopal Endurance Prickly Pear Extract for Endurance and Stamina
• Contains Tex-OE™, a patented extract from the nopal cactus. Source Naturals opal contains Tex-OE™, a patented standardized extract from the prickly pear or nopal cactus that helps support endurance and stamina by priming the body for athletic activity and physical exertion. Preliminary evidence suggests that Tex-OE™ may support the accelerated formation of Heat Shock Proteins (HSTs), stress recovery proteins synthesized by the body to endure Physiological extremes. This early response helps to minimize cellular damage as a result of extreme physical exertion. Source NaturalsNopal Endurance is a critical step toward achieving maximum potential. 1 capsule contains: Prickly Pear Fruit Standardized Extract 40 mg (Tex-OE™ a patented extract of Opuntia ficus) Suggested Use: 1 capsule per 130 lbs of body weight, with water, at least 2 hours before stress activity, once every three days. Fiber interferes with absorption. For best results, do not eat or drink foods or beverages containing fiber 2 hours before and 2 hours after taking.
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=1413) Benefits of Camu Camu Powder Extract
Date:
August 29, 2006 09:18 AM
Benefits 100% Natural Wild-Crafted Vitamin C* Camu camu is one of the richest natural sources of this potent antioxidant vitamin in the world. Every gram of Best Camu Camu 4:1 extract contains at least 200 mg of natural, wild-crafted vitamin C. This is in addition to a synergistic host of additional nutrients that potentially enhance the uptake of the antioxidants in the extract. Vitamin C is critical to numerous organs and systems throughout the body. It serves as an important cofactor in a number of Physiological processes that occur on a daily basis. Vitamin C protects molecules including lipids, proteins and DNA from free radical damage and serves to regenerate other potent antioxidants, including vitamin E. Vitamin C is also a required factor for the synthesis of collagen and connective tissue, plays a prominent role in energy production, helps in the formation of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine, and supports immune health.1 An adequate daily supply of vitamin C is necessary for the maintenance of these and other critical Physiological processes. Strengthens Antioxidant Defenses* Anthocyanin compounds, such as cyanidin-3-glucoside found prominently in camu camu fruit, are natural pigments responsible for the brilliant colors seen in fruits.2 They also possess significant antioxidant activities as well as other potential health benefits. Furthermore, studies show that anthocyanin compounds are rapidly absorbed in humans and other mammals. Recent studies have shown that the stomach and small intestines are the predominant sites of absorption into the bloodstream.3 Research conducted on cyanidin-3-glucoside confirms its potent antioxidant activity. In vitro assays have been performed evaluating markers of free radical damage including DNA cleavage, free radical scavenging capacity and xanthine oxidase activity. In this study, cyanidin-3-glucoside showed protective effects on DNA cleavage, inhibition of xanthine oxidase and dose-dependent free radical scavenging abilities.4 Studies in rats also confirm the beneficial effects of this anthocyanin. In one such study, feeding this compound to rats was shown to increase the resistance of rat serum to oxidative changes, suggesting a potent antioxidant effect of this compound.5
Camu camu is a potent source of cyanidin-3-glucoside and has a high content of the ubiquitous, water-soluble antioxidant, vitamin C. Together, these nutrients serve to strengthen antioxidant defenses against free radical damage*. Best Camu Camu 4:1 Extract provides a natural, wholesome way to infuse the body with its daily requirement for vitamin C and additional free radical-fighting anthocyanin compounds. Safety Suggested Adult Use: Take 1 more capsules daily, with or without food Scientific References 1. Linus Pauling Institute. Micrnutrient Information Center. Monograph on “Vitamin C”. //lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocenter/vitamins/vitaminC/ 2. Zanatta CF, et al. Determination of Anthocyanins from Camu-camu (Myrciaria dubia) by HPLC-PDA, HPLC-MS, and NMR. J Agric Food Chem 2005. 53: 9531-9535. 3. Talavera S, et al. Anthocyanins are efficiently absorbed from the small intestine in rats. J Nutr 2004. 134: 2275-2279. 4. Acquaviva R, et al. Cyanidin and cyanidin 3-O-beta-D -glucoside as DNA cleavage protectors and antioxidants. Cell Biol Toxicol. 2003 Aug;19(4):243-52.
5. Tsuda T, et al. Dietary cyanidin 3-O-beta-D-glucoside increases ex vivo oxidation resistance of serum in rats. Lipids. 1998 Jun;33(6):583-8. Buy Camu Camu at Vitanet
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=1359) Remifemin symptomatic relief, scientifically supported*
Date:
August 26, 2006 02:41 PM
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Lit source: Enzymatic therapy. *this statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treate, cure, or prevent any disease.
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=1358) The Important Role of Nutritional Magnesium & Calcium Balance in Humans Living with Stress
Date:
August 23, 2006 03:14 PM
Part I. The Stress Response
The stress reaction is a host of responses necessary for any animal to live in the world. Commonly called the fight-or-flight reation, we as humans often experience it in rapid heartbeat and increased breathing rate. It comes when we exercise more vigorously than usual, or when we are suddenly and unexpectedly frightened.
We are all different. We show a range in how strongly we experience the stress response. Most of us are usually calm and experience the stress response when an unexpected noise frightens us to alertness, or we run to first base as fast as we can in a benefit baseball game that is not on our usual playtime schedule. We breathe harder for a while and notice our hearts beating faster and harder then usual, but after a while these responses all calm down, and we are again in our usual state—out or the stress response. Others of us are very low key, and it takes a lot to disturb our Physiological calm. Still others of us are very sensitive to triggers of the stress response and go into it “at the drop of a hat” and to a greater degree than do calmer people. For some, parts of the stress response are almost always engaged—never really calming down all the way—giving one a hyper-vigilant or anxious demeanor.
When a stress trigger occurs, the body puts out stress hormones, magnesium and calcium, among other things, into the bloodstream. At the same time, nerve cells begin to “fire,” telling heart and muscles to “speed up. NOW!!!” These blood, nerve and organ changes make possible the instantaneous and collective rise in the body’s heart rate, blood pressure, and other necessities for the fight-or-flight reaction.
Much research has been done on the stress response, especially on the effects of stress hormones, such as adrenaline (also called epinephrine) on body, organ and cell. You can get an idea of how widespread the stress response is-affecting every aspect of physiology—by noting some of the reactions to adrenaline, one of the major stress hormones. See Table 1.
Much study as the cellular, biochemical and Physiological levels has shown that the stress response vitally involves the influx of calcium into cells, resulting in a drastic change in the cells’ internal magnesium-to-calcium ratio (Mg:Ca).
In simple solutions, such as salt water, all ions are evenly dispersed. Not so in living cells. Ions are carefully and meticulously separated in living cells, and this ion “packaging” is vital to life processes and health. Calcium ions, for the most part, are kept outside cells while magnesium ions are kept mainly inside cells. The stress response changes this. During stress response, calcium ions rush inside the cell, and this alters the internal Mg:Ca ratio. This change in ratio exhibits wide effects because, while magnesium and calcium are very similar in their chemistry, biologically these two elements function and react very differently. Magnesium and calcium are two sides of a Physiological coin: they are antagonistic to one another yet comes as a team. For example:
Scientific study shows more and more that the underlying cellular change enabling the stress response is a low Mg:Ca ratio caused by a large and sudden influx of calcium into cells. This stress response subsides when the cell’s magnesium returns to its dominant presence inside cells, moving extra calcium back outside cells to its “normal” Mg:Ca ratio. This underlying principle is present in studies of nerve cell-stress hormone response, organs such as hearts, the high blood pressure response to stress, and the blood-clotting reaction during stress, among many others. See Table 2.
In the normal healthy state, the stress response occurs when necessary, and subsides when the crisis or trigger is over. Since magnesium and calcium—two essential nutrients that must be obtained by the body from its dietary environment—are so essential to this important response, it is not surprising that nutritional magnesium and calcium status can affect the response.
Let’s see how.
In the normal unstressed state, cellular Mg:Ca ratio is high. If this cannot be maintained due to lack of adequate body magnesium or an overwhelming amount of body calcium, the ratio may not be able to maintain or return itself to its healthy nonstressed ratio. In such a case, the stress response, in the absence of an appropriate trigger, can occur. This can be seen when nutritional magnesium deficits cause high blood pressure or increase blood stickiness (platelet aggregation). Additionally, since a low Mg:Ca ratio can increase adrenaline secretion as well as cells’ response to adrenaline, a too low magnesium state can keep the stress response from subsiding in a timely way. Even worse, when body magnesium becomes drastically low, this becomes a stress trigger in itself, alarming the body into further stress response with out enough magnesium to back it up, resulting in a low magnesium-high stress crisis that can end in sudden death.
In the industrialized world, we live in a state of chronic, on-going stress. This environmental reality increases our daily need for magnesium in order to maintain a healthy stress response that can calm when not necessary.
Part II. Heart Disease Is Often a Magnesium Deficiency
Clearly, an adequate amount of nutritional magnesium—in proper balance with adequate nutritional calcium—is key to a healthy stress response. And yet today we have diets dangerously low in magnesium. Add the recent additions of nutritional calcium via supplements and food fortifications meant to stave off osteoporosis, and many of us are getting inadequate magnesium plus too much calcium. This results in a large occurrence of heart disease.
Not all, but much of the heart disease in the industrialized world can be explained by the low magnesium state of these societies. People with heart disease—for the most part—are people who are in a state of magnesium that is borderline or deficient. Many studies on heart disease patients exist due to medicine’s effort to understand and treat this widespread malady. Although not intended as such, this body of research shows us what stress can do to a person in a magnesium deficient state.
Part III. Mental and Emotional Stress Deplete Magnesium
It is commonly accepted that certain traditional risk factors for heart disease exist. This include high cholesterol, high blood pressure, family history of heart disease, and other factors, all of which can be linked to a shortage of nutritional magnesium. Recent studies tell us that stresses—both sudden and chronic—with their high magnesium requirements, are also strong risk factors for heart disease.
The sudden stress of the
Emotional stress and phobic anxiety cause heart problems in patients with heart disease—a population we know to be mostly low in their nutritional magnesium status. Chronic states of emotional stress, including a history of childhood abuse, neglect or family dysfunction, depression, and panic disorder, must now be added to the list of traditional risk factors for heart disease such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Depression can be a symptom of low magnesium status. So can anxiety, panic attacks, irritability, hyperactivity, and over-sensitivity to loud noises. Do these newly found risk factors cause heart disease, or are they risk factors because the, as well as heart disease, can all be aspects of low magnesium status? These chronic sources of stress can increase the human need for magnesium as well as be caused by its deficit.
Emotional stress triggers in susceptible people can even bring a sudden death due to heart attack, presumably by initiating a stress/low-magnesium crisis. Such emotional “triggers” include work stress, high-pressure deadlines, social isolation and loneliness, low socioeconomic status, anxiety, war, fear of war, anger and rage. Identical stress triggers cause more human heart attacks regardless of age, race, gender, or geographic location, including continent.
Mental stress, such as working out a math problem, can be shown to have impact upon the magnesium-stress response connection, since it can bring on heart attacks in people with heart disease.
Part IV. Stress, Magnesium and Aging
We are hearing a lot about stress in the health media, and rightly so as this constant companion to our lives brings on the fight-or-flight syndrome, a stress response that, when activated, has been shown to shorten lifespan. When we realize that the stress response is exacerbated when we are low in magnesium, that we are living on low-magnesium foods for the most part, and that our lifestyles are more and more filled with chronic stresses and stressful events, we are not surprised to see that several aspects of magnesium deficiency are remarkably like aspects of the aging process.
When faced with out stressful lifestyles, coupled with a society presenting a chronically low-magnesium/high-calcium diet, what is our best defense? For many of us, magnesium supplements can help to preserve or restore a healthy Mg:Ca balance, so important to our health in these stressful times.
Peter Gillham's Natural Calm
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=1355) Super Powerful Anti-Oxidants: Acai fruit, Green Tea, Mangosteen, Noni Fruit, and Pomegrana
Date:
July 07, 2006 12:00 PM
Acai fruit Acai (pronounced “ah-sigh-ee”) is a powerful berry that grows wild in the Amazon rail forest of Brazil and is considered by many (including Oprah Winfrey) to be one of the top super-foods available! This little, rich berry is no doubt one of the most nutritious foods in the world. Acai is packed full of anti-oxidants (to help combat premature aging), essential fatty acids, dietary fiber and amino acids. In fact, studies show that Acai pulp contains 10 – 30 times the anthocyanins (purple colored antioxidants) of red wine! Green Tea Is any other food or drink reported to have as many health benefits as green tea? The Chinese have known about the medicinal benefits of green tea since ancient times, using it to treat everything from headaches to depression. Did you know that green tea has been used as a medicine in China for at least 4,000 years? Today, scientific research in both Asia and the west is providing hard evidence for the health benefits long associated with green tea. Mangosteen Mangosteen, also known as “Queen of Fruits”, is a fruit grown in Thailand and Myanmar, and on some southern Caribbean islands. In addition, Mangosteen has a number of compounds, the most prominent being xanthones, a group of compounds that have antioxidant and other potent Physiological properties. Noni Fruit For over 2000 years, Noni (morinda cetrifolla) has been used for its many beneficial properties. The early Polynesians used it as a general tonic. They found it particularly beneficial for imbalances of the immune, respiratory, digestive, and intestinal system. It was also determined to be helpful for the central nervous system and as an aid for injured muscles, bones and tissue. Currently, scientists are studying possibilities in treating hypertension, high blood pressure, and counteracting the aging process. Pomegranate Pomegranate has quickly become one of the most talked about health foods in the past year. Pomegranate fruits contain polyphenols, tannins and anthocyanins – all are beneficial antioxidants. Interestingly, pomegranate juice contains high levels of antioxidants – higher than most other fruit juices, red wine or even green tea. In addition, preliminary evidence indicates pomegranate is particularly beneficial for cholesterol and blood pressure.
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=1326) Oxy Boost – Oxygenate your Life!
Date:
July 06, 2006 02:43 PM
Oxygen is the basis of all life and is found in the air we breathe and the water we drink. Increasing oxygen levels can have very positive effects, including improved mental clarity, endurance, immunity, better digestion and increased energy. Oxygen is the key to a healthy immune system as well as every metabolic function in our bodies. Trillion of cells use oxygen to create energy every second of every day of our lives. Atmospheric pollution and deforestation play an important role in terms of the quality of air we breathe. Oxy boost is all natural. It contains distilled water, sodium chloride (from sea salt), bioavailable oxygen, and essential and trace minerals. Oxy boost is the world’s premier stabilized oxygen supplement, containing one of the highest concentrations of activated oxygen available today. It is pH balanced (approximately 7.4—a perfect pH for internal and external use). This is why Oxy Boost is so unique in the field of oxygen supplements. Oxy boost has been proven in independent laboratory studies to be completely non-toxic in any concentration and at any amount. Oxy boost is safe to use both orally (sublingually or in water) and topically. Oxy boost does not depend on the digestive process to be absorbed. The body’s first line of defense A lack of sufficient oxygen in the blood stream reduces the body’s first line of defense. This has been clearly established in medical literature. Oxy boost safely increases the available oxygen levels in the bloodstream. Works with other nutrients Oxy boost can be taken with other nutritional supplements in fact; it may be safe to assume that oxy boost can even increase the efficacy of such supplements. Oxy boost works hand in hand with all other nutrients including amino acids, minerals and vitamins. These all require oxygen to be assimilated by the body and for utilization in the metabolic processes. The higher the oxygen saturation level in the blood and tissues, the more efficient and effective are the metabolic processes involving these nutrients. We recommend that Oxy boost be taken on an empty stomach, preferably 30 min before eating or two hours after eating, to get the greatest Physiological benefits from the product. Oxy boost is available in regular and therapeutic (2.5 times the concentration of regular Oxy boost) strengths.
(https://vitanetonline.com:443/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=1&Message_ID=1325) HDL Booster - Boost your good cholesterol 
Date:
March 16, 2006 12:51 PM
HDL BOOSTER
(Product No. 02922)
DESCRIPTION:
HDL Booster is a physician-developed dietary supplement that has been clinically shown to increase good cholesterol levels, particularly HDL-2, the best form of cholesterol.* The formula combines essential vitamins and minerals, at levels recommended by the American Heart Association (AHA), with key amino acids, powerful antioxidants, and traditional herbal extracts to provide superior support for cardiovascular health.*
HDL Booster:
· Formulated by Dr. Dennis Goodman, Chief of Cardiology at
· Clinically studied to increase good cholesterol levels up to 23%*1
· All-inclusive formula; includes ingredients recommended in accordance with the American Heart Association
· Replaces the CoQ10 depleted by cholesterol lowering (statin) drugs.*2
STRUCTURE/FUNCTION:
HDL Booster has been clinically shown to increase HDL cholesterol levels.* HDL Booster also supports healthy cholesterol and healthy triglyceride levels already within the normal ranges.* By reducing C-reactive protein levels, HDL Booster helps support the body’s natural anti-inflammatory response.*
FORMULA:
Two tablets (one serving) contain:
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) 148 mg
Vitamin E (as natural mixed tocopherols) 35 IU
Niacin (as niacinamide) 21 mg
Vitamin B6 (as pyridoxine HCl) 3 mg
Folic Acid 301 mcg
Vitamin B12 (as cyanocobalamin) 20 mcg
Magnesium (from magnesium amino acid chelate) 10 mg
Selenium (as L-selenomethionine) 49 mcg
Proprietary Blend 388 mg
hawthorn (Crategus oxyacantha) berry extract,
taurine, garlic (Allium sativum) bulb, grape seed (Vitis
vinifera) extract, grape skin (Vitis vinifera) extract,
N-acetyl-L-cysteine, alpha-lipoic acid, soy (Glycine
max) isoflavones, tocotrienols
L-Arginine (as L-arginine HCl) 153 mg
L-Carnitine (as L-carnitine L-tartrate) 51 mg
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)(ubiquinone 10) 25 mg
Policosanol 7 mg
Other ingredients: See label for most current information.
Contains no: sugar, salt, yeast, wheat, gluten, corn, dairy products, artificial coloring, artificial flavoring, or preservatives. This product contains natural ingredients; color variations are normal.
INTRODUCTION:
Cholesterol, the soft, waxy substance present among the lipids (fats) in the bloodstream and in all cells, is important for wide variety of Physiological functions. It is essential for the formation of cellular membranes, necessary for the production of bile salts, and also plays a role in the synthesis of certain hormones.3-5
Cholesterol is both produced by the body and obtained from food. Endogenous cholesterol is formed by human cells, particularly liver cells, whereas exogenous cholesterol is absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract from food.3,4
Because cholesterol can not be metabolized for energy, it must be removed from the body once it has served its function. The major route of removal is through the liver, where it is processed and subsequently excreted from the body.3,4
Types of Cholesterol
Cholesterol is lipophilic (“fat loving” or water insoluble) by nature. It can not be dissolved in the blood, and must, therefore, be transported by carriers known as lipoproteins. These carriers are classified by density, with LDL (low density lipoproteins) and HDL (high density lipoproteins) being the most common.4,5
LDL is often referred to as “bad” cholesterol. LDLs carry cholesterol throughout the body. Conversely, HDL, or “good” cholesterol, is responsible for carrying cholesterol away from the arteries to the liver where it is eventually processed and eliminated from the body.3,4,6
Scientific studies have shown that both types of cholesterol are important indicators of cardiovascular health. But recent research, focusing on the beneficial subtypes of HDL, has found that certain fractions of HDL may be more supportive of cardiovascular health than others. The two most notably supportive HDL fractions are HDL-2 and HDL-3.7
The smaller HDL-3 is synthesized by the liver and intestines. This form, which is known as “free cholesterol-rich” HDL, scavenges or “scoops up” free cholesterol. The cholesterol is then chemically altered by the addition of an ester group. When sufficient cholesterol is esterified, HDL-3 becomes HDL-2, which is therefore referred to as “cholesterol ester-rich” HDL. HDL-2 is larger in size and has been shown to be more cardiosupportive than HDL-3.*7
HOW IT WORKS:
HDL is known to possess antioxidant activity and to help balance the body’s natural anti-inflammatory response, both of which are important for cardiovascular health, but its most important function is the role it plays in cholesterol transport.6,8 High levels of HDL cholesterol are also associated with reduced platelet activity, another key indicator of arterial and venous health.9
Both HDL and LDL levels are important indicators of healthy cardiovascular function.* Therefore, supplements that increase the level of good cholesterol can profoundly impact heart health.* In 2002, an open label pilot study was conducted at
The following chart summarizes the benefits of each of the ingredients in HDL Booster:
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If you want to stay healthy, it's important that you know what cellular mitochondria does in the body. Mitochondria are organelles found in the cytoplasm of cells. They are responsible for producing energy for the cell. Without them, the cell would not be able to function properly. We will discuss the role of mitochondria in the body, and how they impact our health. 
What is a mangosteen
If you are interested in improving your health, one of the most effective ways of doing it would be through increasing your intake of Brazil nuts. Most people don’t realize this, but these types of nuts have very high nutritional value and are beneficial for all kinds of people. They have a very high calorie count, which makes them one of the healthiest sources of energy you can find. It is estimated that 100 grams of Brazil nuts provide around 650 calories of energy. They also contain a high concentration of vitamin E, which is important in maintaining the integrity of human cells and is also a potent antioxidant. Selenium levels are also high in Brazil nuts, with 100g of the nuts having around 2000 micrograms of the element. This is more than enough for a single day. This trace element is a potent anti-oxidant, and has been shown to be very effective in protecting against diseases such as cirrhosis, some types of cancer and coronary artery disease. 
Tea tree oil is a popular essential oil. This essential oil is one of the strongest natural antiseptic and is commonly known as the universal antiseptic. This characteristic makes it one of the most valuable items in homemade cleaning ingredients. 
CLA, or conjugated linoleic harsh corrosive, has been the subject of an assortment of exploration in the previous numerous years. Over 200 studies have indicated that it may assume an exceptionally vital part in weight reduction, as well as in serving to battle disease, diabetes, and atherosclerosis (solidifying of the corridors). It is not made in the human figure, and is discovered commonly in meat and dairy fats, or as an over-the-counter supplement. Artificially, it is a marginally changed type of the fundamental greasy harsh corrosive, linoleic harsh corrosive, and an omega-6 fattening harsh corrosive. The CLA discovered regularly in the sustenance sources is most astounding in dairy cattle and bovines that expend an eating methodology rich in grasses, and the individuals who are nibbling in pastures; instead of the aforementioned bolstered monitored food, for example, grain, feed or silage. To quote Larry Satter, an Agricultural Research Dairy Scientist, "Pasture-nibbled cows had 500% more CLA in their milk than those nourished silage." Since the fat is the particular bearer of the CLA, the substance of the fat in the milk is extremely paramount. The higher the fat substance, the more stupendous the CLA sum is in the milk. This is as opposed to what is proposed when drinking milk. Skim or 1% is constantly proposed over the entire or 2%, to maintain a strategic distance from the overabundance calories and fat, since normally drain was tanked for the calcium content (or the protein). This adds an entire new profit to drain and dairy items, clearing a path for science to control the CLA substance of milkfat, and may open the entryway the CLA-improved sustenances. 
Assuming that you are one of the numerous people that experience the ill effects of cerebrum fogginess, weakness and even laziness, you can discover the easing you require since L-Glutamine enhances memory and cognitive capacities. This amino acid is extremely pervasive in a few parts of the mind, the spinal string, and even organs of assimilation and detoxification. These methodologies all work synergistically with one another to handle optimal health conditions that abandon you feeling extraordinary constantly. When you have ever battled to recall certain occasions, data, or basic portions, you have to adjust the way your cerebrum appreciates data, which might be adequately finished when you utilize L-Glutamine to upgrade memory capacity. This compelling cell reinforcement does everything, and revitalizes your cells so you profit from improved vigor levels for your health and against maturing necessities. 
A amino peptide is basically a little protein which is made up of amino acids. Peptides are animated at quite little dosages, are greatly particular and have a quite great wellbeing profile when utilized Physiologically - that is, to support or change a living being's physical methods. When we dismember a percentage of the peptide marks above, we can start to separate around them. The utilization of "amino" in amino-polypeptide is a spot excess since all peptides are made of amino acids. The "poly" just implies this is a peptide of a few amino acids. A "hexapeptide" is a chain of precisely six (hexa) amino acids; a pentatpeptide is a chain of five (penta). One scientist working with a palmitoylated five-amino-harsh corrosive chain peptide named it "palmitoyl pentapeptide", while an alternate scientist examining the same atomcalled it "palmitoyloligopeptide". This is a honest to goodness, however less particular, name since "oligo" implies "few". Along these lines the disarray develops. 
Pantethine (bis-pantethine or co-chemical pantethine) is a dimeric type of pantothenic harsh corrosive (vitamin B5). It is made out of two particles of pantothenic harsh corrosive connected by cysteamine crossing over aggregations. The monomer of this compound is regarded as pantetheine and is a halfway in the generation of Coenzyme A by the form. Pantethine is acknowledged the all the more naturally animated type of vitamin B5, yet it is less stable, disintegrating over the long haul in the event that it is not kept refrigerated most vitamins B5 supplements are subsequently as calcium pantothenate, a salt of pantothenic harsh corrosive. 
As the human being grows older, he/she experiences Physiological changes that may interrupt normal brain function. For instance, it may take him/her longer than usual to learn new information and retain it because the brain is not as quick as it used to be. As a matter of fact, the slowing down of mental processes is often mistaken as total memory loss. But in real sense, the brain can learn or retrieve information if it is given more time. 
Prickly pear leaf is obtained from a group of cacti known for their positive effect on blood sugar. It is an important source of food and medication for Native Americans since prehistory. It contains unique compounds that display potent antioxidant activity. Studies have shown that its phytochemical content displays potential in the management of 
Cod liver oil is a dietary supplement obtained from the liver of a group of fishes collectively known as cod. It is an all natural remedy for a diverse variety of disorders, and as such remains one of the most popular supplements to this day. Recent studies have confirmed many of its age-old health claims. It is now common knowledge that it aids joint health, treats skin conditions, and improves brain function. 
