Showing posts with label Suplement. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Suplement. Show all posts

Health Benefits of Cranberry

Now Bateeilee blog will post Health Benefits of Cranberry. Cranberries (Vaccinium macrocarpon) are the fruit of a plant native to North America. Often consumed whole, cranberries are also available in juice or supplement form.

Health Benefits of Cranberry:

Although research on cranberry's health effects is limited, studies suggest that cranberry products may help treat the following:


1) Urinary Tract Infections

A number of studies have shown that regularly drinking cranberry juice (or taking cranberry supplements) may help prevent urinary tract infections. Research indicates that substances found in cranberry may prevent bacteria from clinging to cells along the walls of the urinary tract and causing infection.

If you think you have a urinary tract infection, contact your healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment. Infections should not be self-treated with cranberry products.



2) Peptic Ulcer Disease

A small study published in 2005 suggests that regularly drinking cranberry juice may prevent Helicobacter pylori infection, a major cause of peptic ulcers (a sore on the lining of the stomach or duodenum, the beginning of the small intestine). Infection with H. pylori (a type of bacteria) is also linked to the development of gastric cancer.


3) Gum Disease

Cranberry may help gum disease by preventing bacteria from sticking to teeth, according to a 2004 study. To help reduce your risk of gum disease (a condition that may be linked to heart disease), drink about four ounces a day of a cranberry juice that does not contain added sugar.
Learn about 6 ways to improve your gums naturally.

 

Common Uses for Cranberry

The most common medicinal use of cranberry is to treat urinary tract infections. Cranberry is also used to manage or prevent the following:
  • Gum disease
  • Diarrhea
  • Diabetes
  • Stomach problems
  • Atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries

 

Side Effects and Precautions:

Eating whole cranberries appears to be safe, but drinking excessive amounts of juice could cause an upset stomach.

Since cranberry may increase the blood-thinning effects of warfarin, it's important to avoid cranberry products if you're using this medication.

Health Benefits of Vitamin C

Today Bateeilee Blog will post Health Benefits of Vitamin C, Vitamin C supplements are often touted as a natural defense against a number of health conditions, such as the common cold. But while research shows that including enough vitamin C in your diet may protect against certain health problems, there's a lack of scientific evidence to support the use of vitamin C supplements.


Health Benefits of Vitamin C Supplements:

 

To date, studies on the health effects of vitamin C supplements have yielded mixed results. Here's a look at some key findings:


1) Colds


In a 2007 review of 30 clinical trials (involving a total of 11,350 people), researchers concluded that vitamin C supplements did not help fight off colds in the normal population. However, the review's authors note that vitamin C supplements may be of some benefit to people living in extremely cold climates or to individuals exposed to brief periods of severe physical exercise (such as marathon runners).


2) Heart Disease

Taking vitamin C supplements may not reduce risk of major cardiovascular events, according to a 2008 study of 14,641 male physicians (ages 50 and older at the study's start). For an average of eight years, study members took either a placebo or 500 mg of vitamin C in supplement form daily. (In addition, the supplement group took 400 IU of vitamin E every other day.) Study results showed that neither vitamin E nor the vitamin C supplements had any significant effect on major cardiovascular events, such as stroke and heart attack.


3) Cancer

For a study published in 2009, 8,171 women took either a placebo or 500 mg of vitamin C in supplement form daily (as well as vitamin E and beta carotene every other day) for an average of 9.4 years. Study results showed that supplementation with vitamin C, vitamin E, or beta carotene did not help to prevent cancer.
Furthermore, a 2008 study involving 77,721 men and women (ages 50 to 76 years) found that long-term use of vitamin C supplements did not decrease risk of lung cancer. And in a 2004 review of 14 studies on antioxidant supplements and prevention of gastrointestinal cancers -- including four trials involving vitamin C supplements -- investigators found no evidence that antioxidant supplements prevented gastrointestinal cancers.



Common Uses for Vitamin C Supplements:

 

Found naturally in many fruits and vegetables, vitamin C is necessary for collagen formation, wound healing, and the repair and maintenance of cartilage, bones, and teeth. Vitamin C supplements offer antioxidant benefits and are purported to treat or prevent the following health conditions:

  • colds
  • asthma
  • bronchitis
  • cardiovascular disease
  • cataracts
  • glaucoma
  • high blood pressure
  • Parkinson's disease
Some proponents also claim that vitamin C supplements can boost immunity, as well as aid in the prevention of cancer.


Are Vitamin C Supplements Safe?


Although vitamin C is generally considered safe, high doses may lead to a number of adverse effects, including kidney stones, severe diarrhea, and nausea. What's more, a 2008 study suggests that taking vitamin C supplements during cancer treatment may reduce the effectiveness of certain chemotherapy drugs.



Using Vitamin C for Health:

 

Given the lack of scientific support for the health benefits of vitamin C supplements, it's important not to rely on vitamin C products as a principal treatment of any health condition. In order to get enough vitamin C each day, look first to food sources like citrus, strawberries, tomatoes, peppers, leafy greens, and cantaloupe.

If you're looking to treat or prevent a certain condition with vitamin C supplements -- or any kind of dietary supplement -- make sure to consult your physician before you start your supplement regimen.

Is MSM a Cure for Arthritis?

Now Bateeilee Blog will post Is MSM a Cure for Arthritis?. MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) has been hyped as a cure for arthritis, based on testimonials but little valid scientific data. Stanley Jacob, M.D. who developed MSM maintains that the supplement does not cure arthritis, but he believes it offers many benefits.


What Are the Benefits of Taking MSM?:

 

MSM has been marketed for pain and inflammation associated with:
  • osteoarthritis
  • rheumatoid arthritis
  • gout
  • fibromyalgia
MSM also claims to help constipation, allergies, and even snoring. MSM has not been shown to preserve cartilage, nor halt joint destruction and deformity. Any beneficial effects of MSM last only as long as MSM is taken.

Where Is the Source of MSM?:

 

MSM is a naturally occurring sulfur compound found in fresh fruits and vegetables, milk, fish, and grains. MSM is therefore found in the normal human diet, but as foods are processed, MSM is destroyed. MSM is an odorless, tasteless, white, water soluble, crystalline solid in its purified form.

Is MSM Natural?:

 

MSM can be found naturally in foods, but it is marketed as a dietary supplement and sold as a chemical compound derived from DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide). DMSO is found in an industrial-grade and also a medical-grade. DMSO, which was touted as a miracle treatment for arthritis in the 1960s, became controversial because of potential problems and unpleasant side effects. As DMSO faded from use as an arthritis treatment, MSM gained momentum.

Does Research Support MSM as an Arthritis Treatment?:

 

Animal studies have supported the benefits of MSM. Human studies published in peer-reviewed medical or scientific journals are few. In animal studies involving mice, MSM relieved symptoms similar to rheumatoid arthritis and lupus nephritis. 
There have been two human, double blind, placebo-controlled, clinical trials that have indicated that MSM is effective for osteoarthritis. One of the studies was published by the journal, Osteoarthritis and Cartilage (2006 Mar;14(3):286-94).

How Is MSM Marketed?:

 

MSM is sold as an oral formulation (solution, tablets, or capsules). It is sometimes combined with other dietary supplements such as glucosamine, chondroitin, vitamin C, or others. MSM is also sold as a topical cream.

What Should You Do Before Trying MSM?:

 

Be sure to inform you doctor that you are going to take MSM. Interactions between MSM and other prescription medications, non-prescription medications, dietary supplements, or herbal remedies are possible but unknown.

What Should You Know Before Buying MSM?:

 

If you are going to buy MSM, it is important to buy from a reputable manufacturer or vendor. Choose a product with a USP notation (for US Pharmacopoeia standards). It is important to select a quality brand. Different brands may vary in the amount of active ingredient they contain.


How Should You Take MSM?:

 

The Arthritis Foundation recommends starting with a low dosage of 500 mg twice a day and increasing gradually to 1,000 mg twice a day. Note any side effects and notify your doctor. After starting MSM, allow a reasonable amount of time to notice any benefits. If after a certain time period you do not notice any benefit, decide along with your doctor if you should discountinue MSM.

What is Ephedra?

Now Bateeilee Blog will post What is Ephedra? Ephedra sinica, ma huang, Chinese ephedra, Sida cordifolia, epitonin, ephedra. Ephedra sinica is an herb with a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine for asthma, bronchitis, allergies and cold and flu symptoms.

During the 80s, ephedra became popular outside of traditional Chinese medicine for weight loss and to enhance sports performance. Its popularity continued to grow, and it was found in many nutritional supplements marketed for weight loss and performance enhancement until supplements containing ephedra were banned by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2006.

The primary active ingredients in ephedra are believed to be the alkaloids ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, which are thought to increase heart rate, constrict blood vessels (which increases blood pressure), dilate bronchial tubes (which makes it easier to breathe) and have thermogenic properties (increases body heat and metabolic rate).

A synthetic form of pseudoephedrine is found in over-the-counter decongestants and cold medicines, and synthetic ephedrine is used to treat asthma (but it has largely been replaced by newer medications). Synthetic ephedrine and pseudoephedrine have also been used to make the illicit street drug methamphetamine, as reported by The New York Times.

What is the Current Status of Ephedra in the United States and Canada

Dietary supplements containing any amount of ephedra alkaloids have been banned in the United States since 2006.

In Canada, ephedra is authorized by Health Canada for use only as a nasal decongestant. Nutritional supplements with ephedra can't contain stimulants, such as caffeine, that might heighten the effect of the ephedra. Also, they can't exceed 400 mg per dose or 1600 mg per day of ephedra, or 8 mg ephedrine per dose or 32 mg per day of ephedrine. Products with implied or unproven claims for weight loss, appetite suppression, body-building effects or increased energy are not permitted.

Why Do People Use Ephedra

  • Weight Loss Ephedra appears to cause weight loss when combined with caffeine. It's thought to work by increasing energy expenditure, increasing basal metabolic rate and suppressing appetite. Whether ephedra alone works is less clear.

    Prior to the ban on ephedra supplements, many dietary supplements marketed for weight loss also contained caffeine-containing herbs, such as green tea, yerba mate and guarana. The ephedra/caffeine combination, however, is now widely believed to heighten the potential health risks and is not recommended.

  • Sports Performance Ephedra is similar in structure to amphetamine, so it has been used to increase athletic performance in strength and endurance sports, increase alertness and aggressiveness on the field, and reduce fatigue in sports such as ice hockey, baseball, football and cycling. There isn't good evidence, however, that it can improve sports performance, and is not recommended for this purpose given the potential side effects.
    Ephedra is banned by many sports associations, including the International Olympic Committee, the National Football League (NFL) and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).

  • Asthma and Other Respiratory Disorders Ephedra has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine as a folk remedy for asthma, bronchitis, allergies, fever, chills and cold and flu symptoms, such as nasal congestion. The ephedrine and pseudoephedrine in ephedra widen bronchioles, which are the small airways in the lungs. Although ephedrine was used for asthma, medications with fewer potential side effects are now more commonly recommended.

    Safety Concerns

    Side effects of ephedra may include:
    • nausea
    • headache; dizziness
    • irritation of the stomach; diarrhea
    • anxiety; psychosis
    • kidney stones
    • tremors
    • dry mouth
    • irregular or rapid heart rhythms; heart damage
    • high blood pressure
    • restlessness; nervousness; sleeping problems
    • decreased appetite
    • flushing; sweating
    • increased urination
    Use of ephedra has also been associated with stroke, seizures, psychosis and death. A study commissioned by the National Institutes of Health reviewed 16,000 adverse event reports and identified two deaths, nine strokes, four heart attacks, one seizure and five psychiatric cases involving the use of ephedra where there were no other possible factors that could have contributed to these results.
    The NIH-commissioned study also concluded that ephedra was associated with higher risks of mild to moderate side effects such as heart palpitations, psychiatric and digestive effects, and symptoms of hyperactivity of the autonomic nervous system (tremor, insomnia), especially when combined with caffeine or other stimulants such as kola nut, green tea, guarana or yerba mate. 

    Many of the side effects of ephedra have been attributed to overdose, abuse and combining it with other stimulants that heighten its effect, such as caffeine. Side effects of ephedra, however, can vary and don't always depend on the dose. Serious adverse effects may also occur in susceptible people at low doses.
    The risk of side effects and adverse effects appears to be greater in people with preexisting conditions, such as heart disease, high blood pressure; heart rate disorders; thyroid disease; hypoglycemia; glaucoma; anxiety; glaucoma; pheochromocytoma; diabetes; kidney disease or kidney stones; mental illness or a history of mental illness; enlarged prostate; cerebral insufficiency and a history of seizures, stroke, or transient ischemic attacks. People with these health conditions should avoid ephedra. People with allergies to ephedra, ephedrine, or pseudoephedrine should also avoid ephedra.

    Ephedra is believed to increase the risk of heat stroke, because it increases metabolism and impairs the body's ability to lose heat. 

    Ephedra shouldn't be taken two weeks before or after surgery. It shouldn't be used by pregnant or nursing women or children. People with anorexia nervosa or bulimia should avoid ephedra because it affects appetite. 

    Remember, products containing ephedra were banned by the FDA in 2006.


    Potential Interactions

    Based on known interactions between the active ingredients of ephedra, ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, the following medications could theoretically interact with ephedra:
    • Aerolate, T-Phyl, and Uniphyl (theophylline) -- a medication used for asthma, emphysema and chronic bronchitis
    • Amphetamines, such as those used for narcolepsy or attention deficit hyperactivity, such as Adderall (dextroamphetamine)
    • Antidepressants, particularly monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), such as Marplan (isocarboxazid), Nardil (phenelzine) and Parnate (tranylcypromine), due to an increased risk of high blood pressure and stroke; tricyclic antidepressants, such as Elavil (amitriptyline) and Pamelor (nortriptyline)
    • Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid)
    • Blood pressure medication
    • Diabetes medications, such as insulin, Glucophage (metformin), Diabeta, Glynase, Micronase (glyburide)
    • Narcotics, such as codeine
    • Pitosin (Oxytocin) or Secale Alkaloid Derivatives
    • St. John's Wort
    • Stimulants -- Ephedra should not be combined with other substances with a stimulant effect, such as caffeine and Sudafed (pseudoephedrine hydrochloride), as it may have an additive effect. Herbs known to contain caffeine include green tea, kola nut, guarana and yerba mate, while bitter orange is a stimulant.
  • Chia For Weight Loss

    Now Bateeilee Blog will post Chia For Weight Loss, Can Chia Help you lose Weight ? Chia (Salvia hispanica L.) is a flowering plant often marketed as a weight loss aid. Some proponents claim that chia can also protect against heart disease, stimulate the immune system, and improve nerve function. 

    Sold in whole-seed, oil, and capsule form, chia contains omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and antioxidants. To date, however, there is little scientific evidence showing that chia can promote weight loss or offer any other health benefits.

    The Science Behind Chia and Weight Loss

    For a 2009 report from Reviews on Recent Clinical Trials, scientists gathered the available research on the health effects of chia. Although some studies showed "possible effectiveness" for several conditions (including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and angina), the report's authors caution that there is limited evidence supporting the use of chia for any indication (including weight loss).

    In a study published in Nutrition Research the same year, researchers assigned 90 overweight or obese adults to 12 weeks of treatment with chia seed or a placebo. Looking at study results, the researchers found no differences in body mass, inflammation, or blood pressure between the two treatment groups.

    In 2007, another study published in Diabetes Care and involving 20 people with type 2 diabetes found that 12 weeks of treatment with chia helped reduce systolic blood pressure and inflammation but failed to produce changes in body weight.

    Is Chia Safe as a Weight Loss Aid?

    Although chia appears to be safe for nonallergic individuals, there's some evidence that it might increase the effects of drugs taken for diabetes and high blood pressure. Consumption of chia may also lower your blood sugar levels.

    Should You Use Chia for Weight Loss?

    Due to the lack of supporting research, chia cannot be recommended as a weight loss aid. Adding whole chia seeds or chia oil to your diet may offer some health benefits, but it's important to consult your physician before taking chia capsules (or any other dietary supplement) in the effort to promote weight loss.

    Can Resveratrol You Lose Weight?

    Now Bateeilee Blog will post Can Resveratrol You Lose Weight? Resveratrol is a popular natural remedy said to offer a broad range of health benefits. Found naturally in the skin of grapes, resveratrol is widely available in supplement form. Research shows that resveratrol acts as an antioxidant and an anti-inflammatory. Although a number of laboratory and animal-based studies suggest that resveratrol may provide certain health benefits, research on the health effects of resveratrol in humans is somewhat limited. Resveratrol is a natural remedy frequently marketed as a weight loss aid. An antioxidant found in the skin of red grapes, resveratrol is said to speed up metabolism and prevent the growth of fat cells.

    The Science Behind Resveratrol and Weight Loss

    To date, most of the data on resveratrol and weight loss have come from test-tube studies and animal-based research. In a 2011 study published in the journal BMC Physiology, for instance, scientists found that lemurs fed a resveratrol-enriched diet gained less weight during the winter (a period typically marked by weight gain in the small primate animals). Study results suggest that resveratrol helped prevent weight gain by revving up the lemurs' metabolism and decreasing their intake of calories.

    Previously published animal-based research indicates that resveratrol may help stave off weight gain among rodents fed a high-fat diet. In addition, test-tube studies show that resveratrol may help counteract the formation of fat cells.

    However, in a 2009 report from Nutrition Research Reviews, scientists caution that resveratrol should "not be recommended for use in the prevention and treatment of obesity" until more is known about its safety and effectiveness. The report's authors also note that resveratrol may be toxic to the liver.


    Should You Use Resveratrol for Weight Loss?

    While preliminary research suggests that resveratrol shows promise for obesity prevention, given the lack of clinical trials on resveratrol and weight loss, it's too soon to recommend resveratrol as a weight loss aid. What's more, very little is known about the safety of long-term use of resveratrol supplements.

    To increase your resveratrol intake without using supplements, try adding resveratrol-rich foods like grapes, blueberries, cranberries, and pomegranate to your diet. Although these foods may not have a significant effect on weight loss, they do offer a range of antioxidants and other nutrients.

    Following a weight-management plan that pairs healthy eating with regular exercise is the best approach to weight loss, according to the National Institutes of Health. Keeping a food diary, getting eight hours of sleep each night, keeping your stress in check, and natural weight remedies may also help you reach and maintain a healthy weight.

    If you're considering the use of resveratrol supplements for weight loss (or any other health purposes), talk to your doctor before starting your supplement regimen.

    Vitamin D for Weight Loss

    Now Bateeilee Blog will post Vitamin D for Weight Loss, Can It Help You Lose Weight?. Vitamin D supplements are sometimes touted as a natural weight loss aid. Indeed, some research suggests that running low on vitamin D might increase your risk of obesity, while taking vitamin D supplements may help promote weight loss and weight maintenance.

    Benefits of Vitamin D for Weight Loss

    Here's a look at some key findings on vitamin D and weight:

    1) Dieting
    In a 2010 study from the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, researchers found that boosting your levels of vitamin D (and intake of dairy-derived calcium) may increase the likelihood of weight loss while dieting. The study involved 126 overweight women, all of whom were followed for six months.

    2) Weight Gain Prevention
    Vitamin D may help thwart the weight gain that often occurs in middle-aged women, according to a 2007 study from the Archives of Internal Medicine. For the study, 36,282 postmenopausal women were assigned to receive 400 IU of vitamin D and 1,000 mg of calcium in supplement form or a placebo daily. After three years, supplement-taking participants who had skimped on calcium prior to the study were found to be 11 percent less likely to gain weight (compared to those assigned to a placebo).


    3) Heart-Health

    Vitamin D may enhance some positive effects of weight loss, a 2007 study from the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggests. In tests on 63 overweight or obese women assigned to a weight loss program, scientists discovered that those who took 400 IU of vitamin D and 1,200 mg of calcium in supplement form daily during the course of their 15-week diet had greater improvements in cholesterol levels (compared to those given a placebo for the same time period).

    When Should You Take It For Weight Loss?

    Supplements containing both vitamin D and calcium are possibly effective for weight loss, according to the National Institutes of Health. However, scientists have yet to determine whether taking vitamin D alone (rather than in combination with calcium) can help promote weight loss.

    Even though vitamin D is found in some foods (such as oily fish and fortified milk) and can be produced by the body during sun exposure, taking supplements may be a more reliable means of increasing your vitamin D levels. Although vitamin D might not help you lose weight on its own, increasing your vitamin D intake could support your weight loss efforts while enhancing your overall health. (Essential for strong bones and osteoporosis prevention, vitamin D may also help fend off heart disease and stimulate your immune system.) In order to achieve weight loss, it's important to combine vitamin D supplementation with a healthy diet and regular exercise program.

    If you decide to take vitamin D supplements, be aware that consuming an excessive amount of vitamin D may cause vomiting, loss of bone density, and other problems.

    Can Chitosan Help You Lose Weight?

    Now Bateeilee Blog will post Can Chitosan Help You Lose Weight? Often marketed as a natural weight loss aid, chitosan is a dietary supplement made from the shells of crustaceans (such as crabs, shrimp, and lobster). Although supplement manufacturers claim that chitosan can fight fat absorption, there is little scientific support for the weight loss benefits of chitosan.

    The Science Behind Chitosan and Weight Loss

    For a report published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews in 2008, researchers reviewed 15 clinical trials (with a total of 1,219 participants) that tested the effects of chitosan on adults who were overweight or obese. Compared to participants given a placebo, study members treated with chitosan appeared to lose significantly more weight and experience beneficial changes in cholesterol levels and blood pressure. However, the report's authors note that many of the reviewed trials were of poor quality. Furthermore, findings from the high-quality trials suggest that chitosan may have a minimal, insignificant effect on weight.

    A larger report (published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 2004) also indicates that chitosan may not be useful for weight loss. Looking at five previously published reviews and meta-analyses (as well as 25 additional clinical trials), the report's authors found "no evidence beyond a reasonable doubt that any specific dietary supplement is effective for reducing body weight." Supplements highlighted in the report included chitosan, yerba mate, and yohimbe.

    Should You Use Chitosan for Weight Loss?

    Due to the lack of scientific support for its use, chitosan cannot be recommended for weight loss. What's more, some research shows that chitosan may cause certain adverse effects (including constipation and upset stomach) and reduce absorption of essential nutrients (including calcium and vitamins A, D, E, and K). In addition, chitosan may cause allergic reactions in people with shellfish allergies.

    In order to lose weight, it's important to follow a healthy diet (including a wide variety of vegetables and fruits and a limited intake of saturated fats and refined-grain products) and stick with an exercise program that combines aerobic activity with strength training. Improving your sleep hygiene and managing your stress levels may also help promote weight loss.

    Health Benefits of Glucomannan

    Now Bateeilee Blog will post Health Benefits of Glucomannan. Glucomannan is a substance extracted from the root of the konjac (a plant native to Asia). Glucomannan is rich in soluble fiber, the type of dietary fiber that attracts water and turns to gel during digestion. Long used in traditional Chinese medicine, glucomannan is now sold as a dietary supplement and weight loss aid.

    Health Benefits of Glucomannan:

    Although research on the health effects of glucomannan is somewhat limited, several studies suggest that glucomannan may offer certain health benefits. Here's a look at some key findings from the available research on glucomannan:

    1) Weight Loss

    In a research review published in Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine in 2005, scientists found that taking glucomannan in doses of two to four grams per day may result in significant weight loss among overweight and obese individuals. According to the review's authors, glucomannan may help promote weight loss by increasing satiety (the feeling of fullness after eating).

    While glucomannan shows promise as a weight loss aid, the review's authors note that more research is needed to determine the safety and efficacy of taking glucomannan for weight loss.

    Glucomannan is just one remedy that is used for weight loss. Find out about other Popular Weight Loss Supplements.

    2) Cholesterol

    Glucomannan may help keep cholesterol in check, suggests a 2008 report published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. After analyzing 14 clinical trials on glucomannan, the report's authors concluded that glucomannan may lower total cholesterol and LDL ("bad") cholesterol. In addition, glucomannan appeared to reduce body weight and cut levels of triglycerides (harmful blood fats). However, the report's authors note that glucomannan does not seem to affect HDL ("good") cholesterol or blood pressure.
    See other Natural Remedies For High Cholesterol.

    3) Constipation

    Glucomannan may help treat childhood constipation, according to a 2004 study published in Pediatrics. The study involved 46 chronically constipated children, each of whom was treated with either glucomannan or a placebo for four weeks. Among the 31 children who completed the study, researchers found that glucomannan was more effective in alleviating constipation. Glucomannan also appeared to reduce abdominal pain.
    More Constipation Remedies: 7 Natural Methods To Get Relief.

    4) Rheumatoid Arthritis

    Glucomannan may help manage rheumatoid arthritis, according to preliminary research published in Neuro Endocrinology Letters. In tests on rats, the authors of a 2008 study found that certain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds available in glucomannan may be beneficial in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

    Learn about other Natural Remedies For Rheumatoid Arthritis.

    5) Diabetes

    Although there have been relatively few studies on the effects of glucomannan for diabetes, several small studies suggest that it may help.
    Read my article Glucomannan For Diabetes.

    Common Uses for Glucomannan

    Glucomannan has a long history of use as a detox aid and treatment for asthma, cough, and skin disorders. Today, many proponents claim that glucomannan can help with the following conditions:
    • allergies
    • constipation
    • diabetes
    • high blood pressure
    • high cholesterol
    In addition, glucomannan is purported to promote weight loss and slow the aging process. Some proponents suggest that glucomannan can also improve thyroid health and even fight some forms of cancer (such as lung cancer).

    Is Glucomannan Safe?

    Little is known about the safety of using glucomannan in the long term. However, there's some evidence that glucomannan may produce certain side effects (such as flatulence, abdominal pain, and digestive problems). If you're considering the use of glucomannan, talk to your doctor before beginning treatment. 

    Where to Find Glucomannan

    Widely available for purchase online, glucomannan powder, capsules, and tablets are sold in many natural-food stores and in stores specializing in dietary supplements.
    Glucomannan is also found in shirataki noodles, a type of diet noodle with almost no calories or carbohydrates.

    CLA for Weight Loss

    Now Bateeilee Blog will post CLA For Weight Loss. Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is a fatty acid often marketed as a weight loss aid. Available in supplement form, CLA is found naturally in dairy products and in beef. Proponents claim that CLA can reduce fat while building muscle, as well as keep cholesterol in check. Despite these claims, research on CLA and weight loss has yielded mixed results so far.

    Does CLA Work for Weight Loss?

    For a report published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 2007, researchers reviewed 18 studies on CLA and fat loss in humans. Results revealed that CLA supplements (taken at a dose of 3.2 grams per day) may produce a "modest loss in body fat."

    In another review from the same year, scientists analyzed the available research on CLA and obesity. Published in the journal Public Health Nutrition, the review states that CLA has not shown a significant effect on body weight or body composition in humans. What's more, trans-10,cis-12 (a component of many CLA supplements) was found to have a negative impact on blood sugar metabolism and possibly contribute to insulin resistance.

    The most recent research on CLA and weight loss includes a 2011 review from the Journal of Obesity. Looking at studies on supplements thought to affect body fat, the review's authors found that CLA (along with chitosan, chia seed, and several other substances) appeared to be effective for weight loss. However, since the supporting research is limited, the authors warn that more research is needed to determine the safety and effectiveness of these supplements.

    Should You Use CLA for Weight Loss?

    Due to the conflicting evidence for its effectiveness, CLA cannot currently be recommended for weight loss. Furthermore, it's crucial to take caution when using CLA supplements (due to their potentially negative effects on blood sugar and insulin).

    If you're looking to lose weight, make sure to follow a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and consider these alternative weight loss solutions. In addition, it's important to consult your physician before using CLA to help promote weight loss.

    Benefits of White Bean Extract

    Now Bateeilee Blog will post Benefits of White Bean Extract. White bean extract is a natural substance commonly sold in supplement form. Often referred to as Phaselous vulgaris, white bean extract is typically marketed as a "starch blocker."

    How Is White Bean Extract Used For Weight Loss?

    Proponents claim that white bean extract can prevent alpha-amylase (an enzyme that occurs naturally in the body) from breaking down carbohydrates into glucose (sugar). By slowing up alpha-amylase activity, proponents suggest, white bean extract leaves behind less glucose for the body to turn into fat.
    White bean extract is widely marketed as a weight loss aid. The product is also purported to prevent obesity and reduce abdominal fat.

    More Uses for White Bean Extract

    Not only touted as a natural weight loss aid, white bean extract is said to keep blood sugar in check, fight insulin resistance, protect against diabetes and heart disease, enhance athletic performance, increase energy, ease symptoms of arthritis, and aid in the prevention of colon cancer.

    Benefits of White Bean Extract

    To date, there is limited research on the potential health benefits of white bean extract. However, some studies suggest that white bean extract may help promote weight loss. For instance, the authors of a research review published in Nutrition Journal in 2011 concluded that one proprietary white bean extract product (Phase 2 Carb Controller) may have the "potential to induce weight loss and reduce spikes in blood sugar caused by carbohydrates."

    One of the few clinical trials to test the health effects of white bean extract was published in the International Journal of Medical Sciences in 2007. The study involved 60 slightly overweight volunteers whose weight had been essentially stable for at least six months. For 30 days, study participants took either 445 mg of white bean extract or a placebo daily (prior to consuming a meal rich in carbohydrates).

    At the end of the 30-day period, researchers found that participants who had taken the white bean extract experienced a significantly greater reduction in body weight, fat mass, and waistline size (compared to members of the placebo group). What's more, white bean extract appeared to help the participants maintain lean body mass.

    There is currently a lack of scientific evidence to support the use of white bean extract for any other health-related purpose.

    Side Effects

    Due to the lack of long-term clinical trials, little is known about the safety of taking white bean extract for an extended period. There's some concern that use of white bean extract may trigger certain minor side effects (including nausea, bloating, gas, and diarrhea.

    Where to Buy It

    Widely available for purchase online, white bean extract can also be found in many natural-foods stores (as well as stores specializing in dietary supplements).

    When Should I Use It?

    More research needs to be conducted before white bean extract can be recommended for weight loss. If you're looking to lose weight, the National Institutes of Health suggest following a weight-management plan that pairs healthy eating with regular exercise. Keeping a food diary, getting eight hours of sleep each night, and keeping your stress in check may also help you reach and maintain a healthy weight.

    If you're considering the use of white bean extract for weight loss (or any other health purpose), talk to your doctor before starting your supplement regimen.

    Health Benefits of Theanine

    Now Bateeilee Blog will share Health Benefits of Theanine. Theanine (sometimes referred to as "L-theanine") is an amino acid found naturally in green tea. Also available in supplement form, theanine is said to offer a number of health benefits.

    Health Benefits of Theanine:

    To date, few clinical trials have tested the health effects of theanine. However, preliminary research indicates that theanine may offer certain health benefits. Here's a look at some key study findings:

    1) Stress

    Theanine may help reduce the negative effects of stress, according to a small study published in Biological Psychology in 2007. In an experiment involving 12 people, researchers found theanine-treated participants were less likely to experience an increase in heart rate when performing a stressful task.
    See Natural Remedies For Anxiety and also Supplements For Stress Relief.

    2) Immunity

    Taking green-tea-derived theanine and antioxidants in supplement form may help prevent the flu, suggests a study published in BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine in 2011. Every day for five months, the study's 197 participants took either a placebo or a capsule containing theanine and catechins (a class of antioxidants found in green tea). Results revealed that incidence of flu was significantly lower in the theanine/catechin group (compared to the placebo group).

    Learn 5 Ways To Boost Your Immune System Naturally and get the scoop on 5 Foods For Boosting Your Immune System.

    3) Brain Health

    A 2010 study from Nutritional Neuroscience suggests that a combination of theanine and caffeine may help improve cognitive performance. For the study, 44 young adults took either a placebo or a combination of theanine and caffeine prior to performing a demanding cognitive task. Researchers found that the combination of theanine and caffeine significantly improved accuracy and alertness and helped to increase focus while performing the task.

    Additionally, findings from an animal-based study published in Free Radical Biology & Medicine in 2009 suggest that theanine may inhibit buildup of amyloid beta (a substance that forms the brain plaques associated with Alzheimer's disease).

    4) Depression

    Theanine may help relieve depression, according to an animal-based study published in Phytotherapy Research in 2011. In tests on mice, scientists discovered that theanine produced an "antidepressant-like effect."
    See Natural Remedies For Depression for other ways to help fight depression naturally.

    5) Weight Loss

    Theanine shows promise as a weight loss aid, according to animal-based research published in the journal In Vivo in 2004. In an experiment involving mice fed green tea powder, researchers found that theanine and caffeine found in the powder appeared to prevent weight gain and fight the buildup of fat.
    Theanine is just one supplement that is used to shed pounds. Learn about 15 Popular Weight Loss Supplements.

    Common Uses for Theanine:

    Proponents claim that theanine can help with the following health problems:
    • anxiety
    • depression
    • high blood pressure
    • high cholesterol
    • insomnia
    • stress
    Theanine is also purported to increase concentration, promote weight loss, and boost the immune system. In addition, some proponents suggest that theanine can prevent stroke, Alzheimer's disease, and some forms of cancer.

    Safety:

    To date, little is known about the safety of taking theanine supplements in the long term. While theanine is generally considered safe when consumed in green tea, the National Institutes of Health caution against drinking more than five cups of green tea daily. Due to the caffeine content, excessive consumption of green tea may trigger certain side effects (such as headache, insomnia, irritability, diarrhea, and heartburn).
    There's also some concern that taking theanine in combination with sedatives, lipid-lowering medications, and/or drugs used in chemotherapy may produce harmful effects.

    Where to Find Theanine Supplements:

    Widely available for purchase online, theanine supplements are sold in many natural-food stores and in stores specializing in dietary supplements.

    Using Theanine for Health:

    While increasing your theanine intake by consuming green tea on a regular basis may help enhance your overall health, it's important to consult your doctor before using theanine supplements for any health condition.

    Green Tea For Weight Loss

    Now Bateeilee Blog will share Green Tea for Weight Loss.If weight loss is one of your top health goals, green tea may help. Some studies show that substances in green tea may offer several weight-loss-promoting effects, such as speeding up your metabolism and suppressing your appetite. Although the antioxidant-rich brew won't help you shed pounds on its own, there's some evidence that drinking green tea may support your weight loss efforts.

    How Might Green Tea Promote Weight Loss?

    Green tea contains caffeine, which is known to increase thermogenesis (a biological process involved in burning calories). In a 2007 report from the American Journal of Physiology: Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology, scientists state that green tea may fight the decrease in metabolism that typically accompanies weight loss. According to the report's authors, green tea may also inhibit the effects of catechol-O-methyltransferase (an enzyme known to trigger the breakdown of brain chemicals involved in regulating appetite).

    Is Green Tea Effective?

    Certain antioxidants found in green tea seem to have a "small positive effect" on weight loss and weight maintenance, according to a report published in the International Journal of Obesity in 2009. In their analysis of 11 studies on green tea and weight loss or weight maintenance, researchers found that green tea antioxidants known as catechins may help increase metabolism.

    Still, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) caution that there isn't enough scientific evidence to determine whether green tea is effective for weight loss. However, epigallocatechin gallate (a catechin found in green tea) may help moderately overweight people lose weight, according to the NIH.

    Is It Safe?

    While green tea is likely safe for most adults, drinking more than five cups a day may lead to caffeine-related side effects (such as headache, nervousness, sleep problems, and irregular heartbeat). The caffeine in green tea may also aggravate some health conditions, including anxiety, high blood pressure, and diabetes.

    When Should You Use It?

    For most adults, moderately increasing green tea intake may yield some weight loss benefits without causing negative health effects. But in order to experience significant weight loss, it's important to combine a healthy diet with regular exercise (including at least two and a half hours of moderate-intensity aerobic activity and two strength-training sessions per week). If you're considering the use of green tea supplements (or any other natural weight loss aid), make sure to consult your physician before beginning treatment.

    What is Fucoxanthin?

    Now Bateeilee blog will share What is Fucoxanthin?.Fucoxanthin is a type of carotenoid found naturally in edible brown seaweed such as wakame (Undaria pinnatifida) and hijiki (Hijikia fusiformis), which are used widely in Asian cuisine. Wakame is the seaweed used in miso soup.

    Fucoxanthin is also found in much smaller amounts in red seaweed (the kind typically used in Japanese sushi rolls) and green seaweed. 

    Both wakame and hijiki are available at Japanese specialty food stores, some health food stores and online. Although brown seaweed is the richest source of fucoxanthin, you would have to eat an unrealistic amount of it daily to get fucoxanthin levels close to those used in research studies. 

    Fucoxanthin is also available as a nutritional supplement in capsule form and can be found in some health food stores and online.


    Why Do People Use Fucoxanthin

     


    1) Weight Loss

    Fucoxanthin is being explored for weight loss. So far, only animal studies have been done. Japanese researchers have found that fucoxanthin (isolated from wakame) promotes the loss of abdominal fat in obese mice and rats. Animals lost five to 10% of their body weight. 

    Although it's not fully understood how fucoxanthin works, it appears to target a protein called UCP1 that increases the rate at which abdominal fat is burned. Abdominal fat, also called white adipose tissue, is the kind of fat that surrounds our organs and is linked to heart disease and diabetes. Fucoxanthin also appears to stimulate the production of DHA, one of the omega-3 fatty acids found in fatty fish such as salmon. 

    Although it's promising and already a popular nutritional supplement, more research is needed to determine if fucoxanthin will work in the same way in humans. If it does prove to be effective, fucoxanthin could be developed into a diet pill for obesity. 


    2) Diabetes

    Fucoxanthin has also been found in animal studies to decrease insulin and blood glucose levels. Researchers hypothesize that fucoxanthin anti-diabetes effect may be because fucoxanthin appears to promote the formation of DHA (the omega-3 fatty acid found in fish oil). DHA is thought to increase insulin sensitivity, improve triglycerides and reduce LDL ("bad") cholesterol.


    3) Cancer

    Preliminary research in test tubes suggests that fucoxanthin may have anti-tumor effects. No studies have looked at whether this holds true in humans or if taken orally. It's far too early for fucoxanthin to be used as a complementary treatment for cancer. 


    Side Effects

    Because there hasn't been research on fucoxanthin in humans, the possible side effects aren't known. 

    People shouldn't consume large amounts of wakame or other types of seaweed as a source of fucoxanthin. Seaweed is rich in iodine and excessive consumption may result in iodine poisoning. High levels of iodine can interfere with the function of the thyroid gland. Also, consuming excess amounts of iodine-rich foods isn't recommended if there is a known allergy or hypersensitivity to iodine.

    Healthy Hair Vitamins

    There a number of different specific hair vitamins and minerals that can play a major role in helping a person have a healthy head of hair. If a person does not have sufficient hair vitamins then the deficiencies can lead to thinning hair or even total baldness in the most severe cases. The fact is that the state of a person's hair reflects the overall condition of their body. Extra hair vitamins are likely to be needed if a person is generally unwell or is undernourished as their hair will show damage too and may even stop growing.

    Some of the most important hair vitamins that a person needs to have healthy hair include B6, biotin, inositol and folic acid. The best way to ensure that a person receives enough of these essential hair vitamins are for them to be taken as vitamin supplements. It is not just hair vitamins that are necessary for healthy hair though as there are a number of minerals that are essential, including magnesium, sulphur, silica and zinc.


    The most essential hair vitamin is vitamin a but the best form of this is to include in the diet is beta-carotene. This is because the hair vitamin A can be toxic if consumed in large quantities but beta-carotene has no such problems and is converted by the body into vitamin A that can be used to promote healthy hair. Of course, vitamin A is not just a hair vitamin, it is also needed for a number of other functions including normal growth of bones, skin, nails and the protective sheath surrounding nerve fibres.


    Protein is another essential hair vitamin. This is because hair itself is essentially protein. The amount of this hair vitamin that a person consumes in their diet can affect the hair directly. If a lot of protein is included in a person's diet then this hair vitamin will lead to improved hair growth and a far fuller head of hair. However, a person who has a diet that is lacking in this hair vitamin will suffer from thinning hair and slow hair growth.


    Of course, it is not just hair vitamins and minerals that are needed to ensure that a person has healthy, strong hair. There are a number of researchers who have found that there are direct links between the overall health of a person and the condition of their hair. If a person is under a lot of stress or suffers from a lack of sleep then their hair is also likely to suffer and it is likely that their diet will not provide enough hair vitamins to counter these effects. Hair vitamin and mineral supplements can be the solution to weak and damaged hair.

    What is Anadrol Steroid ?

    Anadrol is the strongest and also the most effective oral steroid. Anadrol has an extremely high androgenic effect which goes hand in hand with an extremely intense anabolic component. Anadrol is the U.S. brand name for oxymetholone, a very potent oral androgen. This compound was first made available in 1960, by the international drug firm Syntex. Since oxymetholone is quite reliable in its ability to increase red blood cell production (and effect admittedly characteristic of nearly all anabolic/androgenic steroids), it showed particular promise in treating cases of severe anemia. For this reason, dramatic gains in strength and muscle mass can be achieved in a very short time. An increase in body weight of 10 - 15 pounds or more in only 14 days is not unusual. This item is shown to have a much more direct effect on the red blood cell count, without the side effects of a strong androgen.

    Anadrol is considered by many to be the most powerful steroid available, with results of this compound being extremely dramatic. A steroid novice experimenting with oxymetholone is likely to gain 20 to 30 pounds of massive bulk, and it can often be accomplished in less than 6 weeks, with only one or two tablets per day. This steroid produces a lot of trouble with water retention, so let there be little doubt that much of this gain is simply bloat. But for the user this is often little consequence, feeling bigger and stronger on Anadrol than any steroid they are likely to cross. This will allow for more elasticity, and will hopefully decrease the chance for injury when lifting heavy. It should be noted however, that on the other hand the very rapid gain in mass might place too much stress on your connective tissues for this to compensate. Pronounced estrogen trouble also puts the user at risk for developing gynecomastia. Individuals sensitive to the effects of estrogen, or looking to retain a more quality look, will therefore often add Nolvadex to each cycle.


    Clearly if this is the case we can only combat the estrogenic side effects of oxymetholone with estrogen receptor antagonists such as Nolvadex or Clomid, and not with an aromatase inhibitor. The strong anti-aromatase compounds such as Cytadren andArimidex would similarly prove to be totally useless with this steroid, as aromatase is uninvolved.


    Anadrol is also a very potent androgen. This trait tends to produce many pronounced, unwanted androgenic side effects. Oil skin, acne and body/facial hair growth can be seen very quickly with this drug. Many individuals respond with severe acne, often requiring medication to keep it under control. Some of these individuals find that Accutaine works well, which is a strong prescription drug that acts on the sebaceous glands to reduce the release of oils. Those with a predisposition for male pattern baldness may want to stay away from Anadrol 5007 completely, as this is certainly a possible side effect during therapy. And while some very adventurous female athletes do experiment with this compound, it is much too androgenic to recommend. Irreversible virilization symptoms can be the result and may occur very quickly, possibly before you have a chance to take action.


    HOW TO USE ANADROL: 
    Anadrol is unfortunately also the most harmful oral steroid. Its intake can cause many considerable side effects. Since it is I 7-alpha alkylated it is very liver toxic. Most users can expect certain pathological changes in their liver values after approximately one week. An increase in liver values of both the enzymes GOT and GPT also called transaminases, often cannot be avoided. Elevated GOT and GPT values are indications of hepatitis, i.e. a liver infection. Longer intake and/or higher doses can cause a yellow discoloration of fingernails, eyes, or skin jaundice). This is because oxymetholone induces an increase of biliburin in the liver, producing a bile pigment which causes the yellow discoloring of the skin. The liver enzyme gamma-GT also reacts sensitively to the oxymetholone, causing it to elevate
     

    Other possible side effects may include headaches, nausea, vomiting, stomach aches, lack of appetite, insomnia, and diarrhea. The athlete can expect a feeling of "general indisposition" with the intake of Anadrol which is completely in contrast to Dianabol which conveys a "sense of wellbeing". The increased aggressiveness is caused by the resulting high level of androgen and occurs mostly when large quantities of testosterone are "shot" simultaneously with the Anadrol. The body's own production of testosterone is considerably reduced since Anadrol has an inhibiting effect on the hypothalamus, which in turn completely reduces or stops the release of GnRH (gonadotropin releasing hormone). For this reason the intake of testosterone stimulating compounds such as HCG and Clomid is absolutely necessary to maintain the hormone production in the testes.

    ANADROL DOSAGE: 
     As for the dosage, opinions differ. A dosage sufficient for any athlete would be 0,5 - 0,8 mg per pound of body weight/day. This corresponds to 1-4 tablets; i.e. 50-200 mg/day. Under no circumstances should an athlete take more than four tablets in any given day. We are of the opinion that a daily intake of three tablets should not be exceeded. Those of you who would like to try Anadrol for the first time should begin with an intake of only one 50 mg tablet. After a few days or even better, after one week, the daily dosage can be increased to two tablets, one tablet each in the morning and evening, taken with meals. Athletes who are more advanced or weigh more than 220 pounds can increase the dosage to 150 mg/day in the third week.Athletes continue their treatment with injectable testosterone such as Sustanon or Testosterone enanthate for several weeks. Bodybuilders often combine Anadrol with Deca-Durabolin or Testosterone to build up strength and mass. Anadrol is to be taken seriously and the prevailing bodybuilder mentality "more is better" is out of place.

    Trivial name Oxymetholone
    Systematic name 5-alpha,17-beta-Androstan-3-one, 17-hydroxy-2-
    (hydroxymethylene)-17-methyl-
    CAS number 434-07-1
    ATC code A14AA05
    Merck Index Number 7036
    Chemical formula C21H32O3
    Molecular weight 332.477 g/mol
    Bioavailability 95%
    Metabolism Hepatic
    Elimination half-life 9 hours
    Excretion Urinary: 95%
    Pregnancy category X
    Routes of administration Oral