Random Supplements Articles http://www.articletrader.com/ Articles at ArticleTrader en-us Maintain Healthy Cholesterol Levels With Beta Sitosterol A Plant Phytosterol http://www.articletrader.com/health/supplements/maintain-healthy-cholesterol-levels-with-beta-sitosterol-a-plant-phytosterol.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/supplements/maintain-healthy-cholesterol-levels-with-beta-sitosterol-a-plant-phytosterol.html Sun, 16 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0500
Phytosterol is one of many phytochemicals that are beneficial to your health, and the term ‘phyto’ simply indicates that the substance is obtained from plants. Phytosterols are not obtainable in your diet from animal sources, and beta sitosterol is mainly found in seeds, soy and corn oils. Because of this, most of the population do not have high intake, and so supplements are generally the most common source of this valuable material.

There are commonly two types of cholesterol: HDL and LDL, and it is the LDL form that is said to be the ‘bad’ cholesterol. In fact the terms refer to the high density and low density lipoproteins that carry the cholesterol around the body. Cholesterol itself is fat soluble, and does not dissolve in water. It therefore cannot travel through the blood without the aid of a water soluble protein, which is what the lipoproteins are.

Low density lipoproteins consist of a charged protein portion and a lipid, or fat, frequently a triglyceride. The charged protein portion is water soluble, and can carry the lipid and cholesterol round the blood. Cholesterol is not a bad substance, but carries out many useful functions, one of which is repairing damage to blood vessels: a bit like a sticking plaster. However, the LDL can become oxidized by free radicals in the body, and it is this oxidized LDL that reacts by depositing fatty plaques of cholesterol onto the arterial walls and ultimately blocking them.

The HDL carries cholesterol from the blood to the liver where it is destroyed and then secreted, which is why it is sometimes termed ‘good’ cholesterol. Beta sitosterol significantly reduces the amount of both LDL and total cholesterol levels in the blood. Once the total cholesterol level has dropped to a certain level, then the body produces more HDL cholesterol and so maintains balance that is higher than normal in the ‘good’ HDL cholesterol.

The way that phytosterols do this is believed to be by reducing the absorption of dietary cholesterol in the gut, because the sterols have a similar chemical structure to cholesterol and can occupy the cholesterol absorption sites. Beta sitosterol is particularly effective in this mechanism. Rather than the body absorbing cholesterol it passes it thorough the gut unchanged and eliminates it.

The National Cholesterol Education Program has recommended that the optimum blood LDL cholesterol level is below 100 mg/dl and that the total of LDL and HDL be below 200 mg/dl. A regular intake of beta sitosterol can help to maintain these levels without reducing your cholesterol to a dangerously low level. As previously stated, cholesterol is an essential component of your normal biochemistry, and too low a level could be dangerous. What you need is natural regulation of the LDL form, and that is what beta sitosterol and the other phytosterols do. However, beta sitosterol does more than just control your cholesterol balance.

It also supports the health of your prostate. Studies indicate that a daily intake of 60 mg – 130 mg beta sitosterol can reduce the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia, the Sunday name for non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate. This could be due to its effect on LDL cholesterol levels, since other studies have indicated a possible connection between high cholesterol levels and prostate enlargement. This might again be due to the occupation of receptor sites in the prostate cell membranes by the phytosterol. Saw palmetto, commonly used to treat prostate problems, contains beta sitosterol.

It also appears to modulate the biochemical synthesis of cytokines, which are responsible for the inflammatory response of the immune system to foreign invaders and tissue damage. It also appears to boost the activity of NK-cells, and also of the proliferation of lymphocytes in general. Another effect of beta sitosterol is in normalizing the insulin and blood sugar levels in Type 2 diabetes. It does this by inhibiting the enzyme glucose-6-phosphatase that is responsible for the conversion of carbohydrates to D-glucose which raises blood sugar levels. The upshot is that the onset of age related Type 2 diabetes is delayed.

In general, beta sitosterol displays many properties beneficial to your health. It displays anti-viral and anti-fungal properties, is believed to be responsible for the suppression of cancers of the colon and prostate, and lymphocytic leukemia. It appears to act as an anti-inflammatory, and has a beneficial effect on ulcers and cramps. There is even evidence that it can help to cure allergies, although more studies are required to confirm this. Those suffering from specific allergies have reported a lessening of the effects when taking beta sitosterol supplements, although it is possible that other dietary factors were also involved.

Beta sitosterol is contained in some concentration or another in most plants, but those richest in the phytosterol are wheat germ, peanuts, soybeans, corn oil, pumpkin seeds and rice bran. None of these form a particularly large part of the western diet, and a supplement is likely the best way to ensure a sufficiently adequate frequent intake as to have a significant effect on your LDL cholesterol level.

Although a daily intake of 300 mg has been cited by some sources as adequate, there have been no reported ill effects of taking this supplement at higher dosages. As already stated, your cholesterol levels are self regulating to a minimum level and you cannot completely block its absorption. Hence, it is not possible to take so much beta sitosterol as to reduce your LDL cholesterol to a dangerously low level.

There is sufficient evidence for the effects of beta sitosterol on the body to indicate that if your diet is low in those seeds, nuts and beans that contain significant quantities, the a supplement will provide you with benefits to your health, particularly if you have high blood cholesterol levels or problems with your prostate gland.


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More information on beta-sitosterol for cholesterol, prostate and the immune system is available at VitaNet ®, LLC Health Food Store. http://vitanetonline.com/


Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> Types of prescription lenses http://www.articletrader.com/health/supplements/types-of-prescription-lenses.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/supplements/types-of-prescription-lenses.html Wed, 11 Apr 2007 00:00:00 -0500
Types of prescription eyewear lens

Single vision lenses

Your eyes might require vision improvement only for distance, only for reading purpose, or even for both. If you require correction only for distance vision, then you probably only want single vision lenses. With single vision lenses, you could look through all areas of the lens and it is visible clearly. If you desire vision improvement only for reading and in case you do not have astigmatism, then you could even purchase non-prescription reading glasses. If you do have astigmatism, you should go for prescription reading glasses. In either case, these are only considered single vision lenses.

Progressive lenses

Progressive lenses are sometimes as well recognizedas no-line bifocals, which are in fact trifocal lenses without the visible lines. Progressive lenses were urbanized as many people required the convenience of not having to change their prescription glasses for reading purpose, but they did not like other people to see the visible line. Progressive lenses do have an additional benefit however, which is that you sense a soft transition when you move your eyes from far away objects to close up objects. With a lined bifocal, the transition among viewing areas could even be somewhat uncomfortable.

Multifocal lenses

If you require vision adjustment for both distance and for reading purpose, then you could use two pairs of glasses, and swap depending on what you require to see. Or, you could even choose multifocal lenses (bifocal lenses, trifocal lenses, or progressive lenses). Many people find it not convenient to swap every now and then to another pair in order to read something.

Multifocal lenses divide the lens, so that part of the lens is kept for reading and another part of the lens is kept for distance vision. Bifocal (two areas) and trifocal (three areas) lenses have visible lines, which separate the diverse areas of the lens.

Prescription reading glasses

Non-prescription reading glasses just enlarge objects that are close to us, like the letters in a book. Your eye doctor could only decide the magnification power, which is most excellent for you, or you could figure it out by yourself through test and error. A doctor’s prescription is not sometime necessary in order to choose a reading lens. Drugstore reading glasses are just eyeglasses frames with enlarging lenses pre-loaded in a range of powers with stock lens powers. It is typically less costly to buy reading eyeglasses this way, but stock lens powers hardly ever offer an optimal vision correction. For best results, reading lenses with magnification customized to your requirements could be installed in any pair of eyeglasses frames.



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rejina is a seo copywriter having more than 3 years of experience in this field who is currently working for the site Safevision.net. For further information on polarized sun glasses please visit http://www.safevision.net/ or contact me through mail: rejinakelis@gmail.com.



Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> Folic Acid in Food http://www.articletrader.com/health/supplements/folic-acid-in-food.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/supplements/folic-acid-in-food.html Fri, 27 Apr 2007 00:00:00 -0500
Folic acid is one of these vital vitamins. It is involved in the replication of DNA and RNA. It helps to keep levels of homocysteine down in our blood, which in turn is thought to help reduce the risks of cardiovascular diseases, and different kinds of dementia. And because folic acid is used in the DNA replication process its of great importance in the prevention of certain kinds of birth defects.

As such there are governments around the world that require the fortification of foods with folic acid. The United States required that foods such as flours, breakfast cereals, pasta and other grain based products be fortified with folic acid by the year 1998.

Now it’s possible to find a name brand breakfast cereal that will supply about twenty percent of the recommended daily amount of folic acid. This program was instituted to help ensure that people were getting some of their daily requirement without having to worry about it.

The recommended daily amount of folic acid for the average adult is about four hundred mcg. Those who are pregnant, could become pregnant or are lactating should get between six hundred and eight hundred mcg. in their diet daily.

It’s possible to find folic acid in a variety of foods such as, asparagus, bananas, beans, whole wheat and wheat products, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, citrus, lettuce, liver, oatmeal, oysters, potatoes, rice, salmon, spinach, and baker’s yeast. Each of these foods has folic acid in varying amounts, for example liver has the highest amount at one hundred and seventy four mcg. and one medium banana has twenty mcg. of folic acid.

It can be very difficult to get enough of any nutrients in the modern diet. Farmers pump up their produce with fertilizers and water so that the average person needs to eat more in order to get the same amount of nutrients. Fast food phenomena has swept the globe and many are tempted or forced to eat diets high in processed meats and starches.

Also many vitamins can’t hold up under heat and pressure and they are lost through the cooking process. It’s possible to lose between twenty five and seventy five percent of the folic acid in raw food once its cooked. The canning process for vegetables today destroys many vitamins due to the extreme heat and the pressure. So a canned vegetable isn’t going to have as much folic acid as a raw vegetable.

Or a person may simply not be able to keep track of how much of what should and should not be eaten for optimum health. To this end many choose to take a daily multivitamin which contains some or all of the daily requirements for a variety of nutrients.

Visit http://www.stanley-home-products.com




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Author Vincent Platania represents the Stanley Home Products. Stanley Home Products has been in business since 1936, and offers high quality home and personal care products to keep your home and your body clean.
Visit http://www.stanley-home-products.com


Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> Improve Memory And Calm The Nerves With Gotu Kola http://www.articletrader.com/health/supplements/improve-memory-and-calm-the-nerves-with-gotu-kola.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/supplements/improve-memory-and-calm-the-nerves-with-gotu-kola.html Tue, 15 Sep 2009 15:29:21 -0500
This herb is considered to be one of the best herbal tonics, which is a substance that works to put the body into balance. A tonic makes sure that everything is working properly, while an herbal tonic helps to promote an optimum state in the body systems. This herb is responsible for gradually building the nervous system as a nervous system tonic. Gotu kola has been used for many different maladies, which include nervous disorders, deficient mental function, memory problems, epilepsy, and schizophrenia. The herb works by cleansing and purifying the blood by neutralizing acids and helping the body defend itself against toxins.

Research has found that an ingredient in gotu kola, known as asiaticoside, is responsible for speeding the healing of wounds. This ingredient is considered a blood cleanser and is also effective for diseases of the lungs. The herb stimulates the capillaries and helps to improve brain function, varicose veins, and hypertension.

Gotu kola is often used to increase mental function and performance. A variety of studies have confirmed this herb's ability to improve brain function. It is often prescribed in Europe and India for this purpose. Studies done in India have found the water extract of fresh leaves helps to improve memory and learning. Additionally, it was found to help overcome the negative effects that are associated with stress and fatigue.

Additional clinical trials in India have found that gotu kola is able to help increase the IQ and mental ability of mentally retarded children. The children that were involved in this study showed improved mental capacity and behavior. This herb was given to children in combination with capsicum and ginseng. This improved behavior and mental capacity can help individuals who have mental and learning disabilities to achieve a higher quality of life.

In ancient times, gotu kola was used to heal wounds and soothe cases of leprosy. One of the first studies done on this herb was with cases of leprosy. The asiaticoside content found in gotu kola has been used for years in Europe and the Far East to cure leprosy and tuberculosis. Recent studies on this herb center more on its healing ability. Gotu kola seems to be able to accelerate the healing of wounds and skin diseases. Additionally, it has been shown to be beneficial in helping repair tissue after surgery and trauma. The herb has the ability to strengthen veins and repair connective tissue, while nourishing the motor neurons.

The entire gotu kola plant is used to provide alterative, antiasthmatic, antispasmodic, blood purifier, diuretic, and nervine properties. The primary nutrients in this herb are catechol, epicatechol, magnesium, theobromine, and vitamin K. Primarily, gotu kola is extremely helpful in dealing with aging, arteriosclerosis, high blood pressure, poor circulation, fatigue, heart problems, hypoglycemia, leprosy, memory loss, mental problems, nervousness, and senility.

Additionally, this herb is beneficial in treating blood impurities, depression, dysentery, fevers, headaches, insomnia, liver ailments, menopausal symptoms, pituitary problems, psoriasis, rheumatism, schizophrenia, thyroid problems, tonsillitis, effects of toxins, tuberculosis, varicose veins, lack of vitality, and wounds. For more information on the many beneficial effects provided by gotu kola, please contact a representative from your local health food store.


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More information on Gotu kola is available at VitaNet ®, LLC Health Food Store. http://vitanetonline.com/


Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> Can anti aging supplements delay aging? http://www.articletrader.com/health/supplements/can-anti-aging-supplements-delay-aging.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/supplements/can-anti-aging-supplements-delay-aging.html Sun, 22 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0500
What is aging?

Aging is a complex process involving various biological, psychological and social factors. The aging of the human being is a phenomenon " Polysystemic " involving complex interactions between biological systems and other levels of reality (physical, psychological and socio-cultural). The aging process puts a great "variety" of components: genetic, cellular, neurological and hormonal.

What are the signs of aging?

Respiratory Function: the compliance thoracic declines sharply with age, with loss of lung elasticity and decreased strength of respiratory muscles. The lung function is impaired by an increase in the residual volume and a decrease in vital capacity. The pulmonary arterial blood flow decreases and pulmonary artery pressure increases with age.

Circulatory function: the risk of arterial hypertension and arteriosclerosis increases with age. The heart muscle becomes less able to propel large quantities of blood quickly to the body. We tire more quickly and take longer to recover.

Locomotor function: The mineral content of bones decreases, so that bones become less dense and more fragile, which can lead to osteoporosis and osteomalacia, Joint motion becomes more restricted and flexibility decreases with age because of changes in tendons and ligaments. Aging muscles characterized by sarcopenia, resulting in a loss of muscle mass and strength. The repetition of effort becomes more difficult; thus, it takes muscles longer to respond.

Appearance: the skin start deteriorating which leads to pronounced lines and marked wrinkles, a decrease in the elastic matrix of the skin (Collagen and Elastin), and cells retain less water and lose their firmness.

Can anti aging product help you?

The anti-aging medicine is a preventive method combining the knowledge of nutrition (anti aging supplements), the micro nutrition (antioxidants, amino acids, coenzme q10, multi vitamin, mineral), the hormonology (hormone therapy), physical exercise and other cosmetic techniques aiming to reduce the risks of premature aging mentally, physically and aesthetically

Do you want to:
Reverse neuroendoctrine Aging
Counterbalance the effects of aging?
Genetically Slow down Aging of the Brain?
Reduces Brown Spots, a universal sign of aging?
Restore mitochondrial activity and cardiolipin to more youthful levels?
Delay the onset and slow the progression of many age-related changes?
Make your cells young again, extend your life and live longer naturally?
Visit vitalfoodstore.com to discover our natural antiaging products and information to promote healthy energy levels and encourage a healthy joie de vivre. Visit our anti aging supplements website.


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Raphaelo is a nutritionist who strongly believes in natural healing and disease prevention. He loves to share his own personal beneficial experience with natural healing to others. To learn more about antioxidants products, Visit his anti aging supplements website.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> Prevent Disease With Discount Vitamins http://www.articletrader.com/health/supplements/prevent-disease-with-discount-vitamins.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/supplements/prevent-disease-with-discount-vitamins.html Wed, 24 Oct 2007 00:00:00 -0500
First, though, a definition of what a vitamin is since an astounding number of people have no idea of what actually constitutes a vitamin even though they can recite all the letters. In fact, a vitamin is a molecule, obtained from an organic animal or vegetable source that is essential for life. Without it there can be no animal life and vitamins generally catalyze or act as coenzymes in the biochemistry that makes up all of the chemical reactions of the body. A catalyst allows a reaction to occur without changing itself, and a coenzyme allows enzymes to do their jobs.

Let’s have a look at one or two vitamins to provide examples of these statements. In bygone days when sailors used sail to cross the oceans in open boats powered only by sail and oar, a trip that takes us a week in a cruise liner these days could take sailors several months. It was not only the fact that they relied on favorable winds, but also that they did not always know where they were going, and were frequently unable to store up for a whole voyage. They depended on landing at islands on the way to replenish supplies. Disease due to lack of nutrition was common and one of these was scurvy.

This condition is not strictly a disease and is due to a lack of vitamin C, or ascorbic acid. In fact the name ‘ascorbic’ comes from the Latin for ‘without scurvy’. The symptoms are liverish spots over the body, spongy gums that cause the teeth to fall out and bleeding from the mucus membranes. Healed scars will open up, and cured and knitted bone fractures will separate. Ultimately it causes death. The first person is used since scurvy still exists.

It is due to a breakdown in the synthesis of collagen which heals scars, keeps joints held together, and forms the outside part of cells, and also some inner cell structures. Collagen synthesis is dependent on the amino acids proline and lysine that are hydroxylated by the enzymes lysyl and prolyl hydroxylase. The problem is that these enzymes need ascorbic acid (vitamin C) to do their work. Without it, collagen cannot be made.

Although the chemistry was unknown, early sailors soon found that citrus fruits such as lemons and limes prevented this horrible condition. The English used to stock up their ships with fresh limes at any port of call that had them, and this is why the English are frequently referred to a ‘Limeys’. It got them a nickname, but it saved their lives. Scurvy is now rare, but it is not a disease as such that can be eradicated. It occurs now and again in teenagers with poor diets that do not include fresh fruit and vegetables.

Vitamin C supplements are now available, and it is one of the most common of the discount vitamins on the market. The same is true of vitamin A that is essential for good eyesight. It has many other uses, as has vitamin C, but without it we could not survive. Without it we will eventually become blind, although the first symptom is night blindness. However, an excess can lead to hypovitaminosis A, a condition common in the developed world. Its absence can kill us, and vitamin A deficiency is one of the more common conditions of the developing world. Vitamins are contrary creatures, and can do us harm as well as good.

How about vitamin D, the sunlight vitamin? We don’t think of it, yet it is responsible for the strength of your skeleton and the regulation of calcium and phosphorus levels in the blood. Without it our bones become soft, our children get rickets and we eventually die – frequently through cancer.

1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol is the chemical name for calcitriol, which is the form of vitamin D found in the body, known as vitamin D3. This has been found to kill some cancer cells in the laboratory, and it is thought that supplements of vitamin D might help to prevent some types of cancer. The reults of a four year cancer study were released in June, 2007, that showed a reduction of 60% in cancers where patients were given a aupplement of 1100 inernational units daily. This rose to 77% where the cancers had been diagnosed in their first year.

The effect of vitamin D was emphasized by the reults of a study of more than 4 million cancer patients that showed a marked difference in the risk of cancer according to whether they lived in sunny or less sunny climates.

So these are the benefits of some discount vitamin supplements. How, then, do you find vitamins at discount prices? The easiest way is to purchase in bulk. There are those that form online clubs for vitamins and pay a weekly or monthly fee to join. When offers come online for specific supplements at low prices, they are purchased by the groups and distributed. You could do the same yourself with some friends, since it is generally cheaper to purchase 5 Kg of a vitamin that 500g. Your local health food store could also help you out since they are likely to be able to procure discount bulk prices from their supplier.

Another way is to wait until your local store makes special offers, or seek offers in the press. These can often be found, but if you are concerned mainly with the common vitamins A, B complex, C, D and E then a large proportion of the population are interested in these and you should not find it difficult to sell several kilos of these. You will not only get yours free, but will a sizeable profit into the bargain.

Anything between that and the normal price is an advantage for chemicals that are essential for life. One thing to always remember, buy reputable name brand vitamins because if the vitamins seem to cheap than you’re probably right. Name brand vitamins have quality and can be purchased at discount prices if you look long enough.


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More information on discount vitamins and herbs can be found at VitaNet LLC, Health food store. http://vitanetonline.com/


Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> Diet and Supplements for Gaining Weight http://www.articletrader.com/health/supplements/diet-and-supplements-for-gaining-weight.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/supplements/diet-and-supplements-for-gaining-weight.html Mon, 21 Aug 2006 00:00:00 -0500
In years past the diet portion of acquiring muscle could best be described as haphazard. You simply ate anything that wasn’t nailed down. That, of course, resulted in not just lean mass gains but also a hefty increase in bodyfat. The next step involved reducing calories or carbs or both until you lost the excess fat. Under ideal conditions you also kept most of the muscle gained during your bulking-up phase.

For a classic example of the comparatively primitive bulk-up/cut-down process take a look at Bruce Randall, who began his bulking phase while he was in the U.S. Marine Corps in the early 1950s. He consumed prodigious amounts of food (courtesy of Uncle Sam) including dozens of eggs, quarts of whole milk and plenty of bread. That diet led Randall to a body-weight of more than 400 pounds, but he wasn’t just another fat, sloppy guy. He lifted actively during his entire hulking period, doing some extraordinary lifts, such as good mornings with 900 pounds.

I recall being told a story about the time Randall visited a New York gym for a workout during those days. He opted to do incline presses but for some reason decided to move the bench, which he did. Only after he moved the bench from one end of the gym to the other did Randall realize that the bench had been bolted to the floor. He was so powerful that he ripped the bench from its moorings without realizing it.

Randall later began training for bodybuilding competitions and, through a stringent diet and training program, dropped his weight from 405 to 187. He then increased it to 227 and won the ‘59 NABBA Mr. Universe title in London. His trophy was presented to him at the contest by buxom film star Jayne Mansfield.

A more recent example of a successful hulking program was that of two-time Mr. Universe and star of the “Incredible Hulk” TV series, Lou Ferrigno. When Lou started back in Brooklyn he was skinny, though a enthusiastic young bodybuilder. After a few years of training Ferrigno weighing nearly 300 pounds. What had he done to achieve such phenomenal mass gains?

“Plenty of milk and food,” he said.

And therein lies the key to success in gaining muscular size. You simply have to eat more. These days the object is not to gain just any type of weight, but to ensure that what you gain is mainly muscle. The problem is, you must still increase your calories. There’s simply no way around that, regardless of what you hear or read.

That last statement must be qualified to a certain extent. Using certain anabolic drugs, including anabolic steroids, growth hormone and insulin, among others, can indeed increase muscle size, but even with their assistance, you still need to eat and train properly to build quality muscle. In fact, emerging research shows that you can manipulate your body’s anabolic hormones by making certain adjustments in your diet and supplement regimen. That way you fine-tune your gains so they’re mostly lean mass rather than a combination of muscle and too much fat.

One common question about gaining muscle is, How much can I realistically expect to gain? The amount of lean mass gains varies among individuals due to such factors as genetics, body structure and training intensity. Those who are blessed with a combination of naturally high androgen, or testosterone, levels and a high percentage of fast-twitch muscle fibers will make the most rapid initial gains, but even those who have less of a genetic head start will nonetheless make impressive gains by eating properly and training hard. A bodybuilding axiom holds that you make your best ever gains when you first begin training, simply because your body isn’t used to it and responds rapidly to the added stress of exercise. As you progress to the advanced level, adding muscle each year becomes increasingly difficult regardless of genetics.

Mass-With-Class Weight-Gain Diet
Meal 1
1 cup orange juice
1 cup oatmeal
1 cup milk
4 scrambled eggs
2 slices whole-grain toast with butter (no margarine; avoid transfats)

Meal 2
8-ounce hamburger
1 large baked potato
Tossed salad with dressing
1 cup milk
Fresh fruit

Meal 3
Weight-gain drink or meal replacement with a banana mixed in nonfat milk

Meal 4
8 ounces cottage cheese with fruit
1 cup yogurt

Meal 5
6 ounces tuna
1 piece fruit
1 slice whole-grain bread

Meal 6
8 ounces chicken
2 cups brown rice
2 slices whole-grain bread
1 cup broccoli or other vegetable
Tossed salad
Fresh fruit
1 cup milk with added protein powder

What to Eat for Mass

Regardless of genetic predispositions, you’ll need a positive energy balance to increase your muscular bulk. That simply means you must
eat more food than you burn. The effect is so potent that eating an unusual amount of food alone can add lean mass even without exercise, although that isn’t a recommended procedure. Studies involving human subjects who overate but didn’t exercise showed some surprising changes in body composition. The subjects all showed significant increases in lean mass.

The gains were the result of the body’s adjustments to the unaccustomed levels of food. The body compensated by increasing the levels of anabolic hormones, including growth hormone, testosterone, insulin and insulin like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), which led to the subjects’ building more muscle, a.k.a. lean mass.

Eating all those calories also blunted the levels of the primary catabolic hormone in the body, cortisol. High levels of cortisol promote the catabolism, or breakdown, of muscle. Cortisol is secreted mainly under high-stress conditions; hence its designation as a stress hormone. But the stress conditions that promote cortisol release more often involve an energy-deficit condition, such as a lack of sufficient calories or carbs. So overeating itself is an anabolic process.

The point here is not to suggest that you must overeat to gain muscle size but that you do have to up your calories because it promotes the secretion of anabolic hormones that will work in tandem with exercise to produce lean mass gains.

A vital consideration in any hulking plan is protein. While it’s true that providing additional calories in the form of carbohydrates alone has a protein-sparing action in muscle, maintaining a high level of amino acids from food-protein sources promotes a positive nitrogen balance that sets the stage for muscular gains through increased muscle protein synthesis reactions in muscle. Some call the process the ‘anabolic-drive effect.”


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Naveen Kumar is the author related to Deca Durabolin|Sustanon|Dianbol|Anadrol|Anabolic Steroid Terepharmacy.com No1 for Deca Durabolin, Sustanon, Dianabol, Anadrol, Steroids, Gh, Hcg, Nolvadex, Viagra, Proviron, Primobolan, Winstrol, Mens Health, Xenical, Propecia, Omnadren!



Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> What Does GABA Do In The Brain? http://www.articletrader.com/health/supplements/what-does-gaba-do-in-the-brain.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/supplements/what-does-gaba-do-in-the-brain.html Tue, 26 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0500
For many people, the rush of daily life, with its problems, worries and external stimuli, can over-stimulate the brain to the extent that it can all seem too much for them. They feel anxious and overwhelmed, and wish that they could just go into a quiet corner to get away from it all. Most people have felt like that at some time, but the demands of life do not allow them that luxury. They just have to bear it and get on with life.

That is where GABA can come in. It can be used to bring your nervous system back to base, and make you feel more relaxed, calmer and more able to meet these challenges that life often throws at you. When you feel that you just can’t relax or concentrate on what you are doing, GABA can help you. If you look around you and everybody else seems OK, without apparently feeling the stress and irritability that you feel, and then perhaps your problem is due to a GABA deficiency. GABA is the principal inhibitory neurotransmitter in your brain, and a deficiency would certainly give you the symptoms that you are feeling. Let me explain why.

As your brain becomes excited, it can run out of control and needs some form of modification or inhibition to keep it acting as normal. Without this you would become increasingly more restless and irritable, and ultimately have seizures. GABA is not only the main inhibitor in your brain, but also helps in the production of endorphins that provide you with a sense of well being. That sense of calm you feel when endorphins are produced, for example during exercise or sexual intercourse, is commonly referred to as the ‘endorphin effect’.

GABA is at its highest concentration in specific areas of the brain, including the hypothalamus, the hippocampus and the central brain area, and is present in up to 40% of all synapses, the small gaps between neurons across which brain cells can communicate with each other.

It is produced during the Krebs or Citric Acid Cycle that is responsible for cell respiration or the production of energy from carbohydrates. It is synthesized from alpha-keto glutarate, which is produced just before the Succinyl Co-A stage of the Krebs Cycle in the brain. Vitamin B6 in involved in its metabolism, and a Vitamin B6 deficiency can lead to a deficiency in GABA that might result in seizures.

Basically GABA works by inhibiting the firing of neurons in your brain, and thus reducing general brain activity. The GABA receptor allows more chloride ion to enter the brain cell, thus helping to maintain the electrical charge within the cells. Bezodiazepines (e.g. diazepam) work by increasing the effectiveness of GABA in opening the chloride ion cells to allow more chloride ion to enter the neurons, and caffeine does the opposite, and inhibits this property of GABA. Thus diazepam works as a minor tranquilizer and caffeine as a stimulant.

Alcohol has a similar effect to the benzodiazepines, increasing the release of chloride into the neurons, and is the major way in which alcohol affects the brain. In fact, tolerance to drugs and withdrawal symptoms can be explained by the receptors adapting to the drug. They may increase in number, which means that more of the drug is needed to work on them, and they can become hypoactive in the event of the drug being withdrawn, that enhances the symptoms that the drug was intended to treat.

So basically, that is the way that GABA works. In simple terms it increases the flow of chloride electrolyte to the brain, and in so doing affects our mood. This effect is enhanced by prescription drugs such as Valium and Ativan, which are used by those that suffer the effects of a GABA deficiency. However, these drugs have side effects, not the least of which is dependency due to the GABA receptors becoming modified to suit the drug. There is a more natural way to overcome many stress problems and symptoms of mood swings.

Knowing what causes these symptoms, it makes sense to eat foods that stimulate the creation of neurotransmitters to replace those that are deficient. Since GABA is produced in the Krebs Cycle and complex carbohydrates produce glutamine that is an important part of that Cycle, and is also the precursor to GABA, then the consumption of such foods should in theory produce more GABA. In this case the theory works, and you should eat foods rich in complex carbohydrates such as whole grains, brown rice and oats as part of your diet.

Other foods that are high in glutamine or its precursors, glutamic acid and glutamate, include citrus fruits, beef liver, broccoli, halibut and lentils. A useful supplement to take is L-theanine, an amino acid found in green tea, and available in supplement form. L-theanine can calm your nerves while maintaining clarity of thought. In other words it calms you down, but doesn’t make you drowsy and allows you to enjoy your day with anxiety.

Your doctor can determine whether or not you have a neurotransmitter deficiency through a simple urine test, and might also test your saliva for hormone content. A GABA supplement might be indicated, and if so it other beneficial effects on your body other than its effect on your brain cells.

It improves your sleep cycles and promotes vivid dreaming, and can also have a positive effect on your blood pressure. It is also an effective pain killer, and can provide relief from such conditions as back pain and arthritis. Its stimulating effect on the anterior pituitary gland to secrete Human Growth Hormone might also be regarded as a benefit by many. Increasing the level of HGH in your blood can lead to fat loss and improved anabolic activity (increase in muscle tissue). This can be of benefit to older people whose level of HGH secretion has dropped off, and who find it more difficult to lose fat.

GABA is a substance that has many known benefits and no known side effects other than a slight tingling and increase in heart rate when the supplement is first used. It has a definite benefit for people to whom the world seems too hectic and overwhelming.


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More information on GABA Gama Amino Butyric Acid is available at VitaNet ®, LLC Health Food Store. http://vitanetonline.com/


Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> Enhance Your Immune System with an Herbal Boost of Astragalus http://www.articletrader.com/health/supplements/enhance-your-immune-system-with-an-herbal-boost-of-astragalus.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/supplements/enhance-your-immune-system-with-an-herbal-boost-of-astragalus.html Sat, 31 May 2008 00:00:00 -0500
Boosting Your Immune System

Boost your immune system to strengthen the heart and lungs, protect the eyes, heal the skin and improve the body's functions. You can enhance your immune system with an herbal boost of astragalus, also known as huang-qi. Astragalus is an herb from the legume family. It has been used for many years in Chinese medicine and made its debut in the U.S. in the 1980s. It is used to enhance the immune system, for chronic hepatitis, in cancer therapy, to prevent colds, help fight upper respiratory infections and prevent heart disease.

Astragalus contains powerful antioxidants that strengthen the body in many ways. It acts as an antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and diuretic. It increases the production of immune cells to heal the body.

Things that Affect Your Immune System

Poor eating habits, a sedentary lifestyle, smoking, drugs, alcohol, environmental toxins, stress and lack of sleep chip away at the effectiveness of your immune system to fight disease. Each of these things takes away from your overall health and well-being. They break down the healthy functioning of your immune system. When this happens, you can expect to feel weak and run down, to be susceptible to colds and the flu and more likely to be affected by disease. When your immune system is not functioning well, germs can easily penetrate the body and wreak havoc on your organs.

Protecting the Immune System

Choosing a healthy lifestyle is the single most important factor in protecting your immune system. You can cause serious damage to your body by filling it with toxins. This includes inhaling cigarette smoke, consuming alcohol, drinking sodas and other sugary drinks, and eating too many pre-packaged foods. By eliminating these things, you will be able to better protect your health. Make healthy lifestyle changes to boost your immune system. Get plenty of sleep, eat lots of fruits and vegetables, stop smoking and get more exercise on a daily basis. Stop and think about everything before you put it in your body. Consider the damage you may be doing to yourself by breaking down your immune system.

Astragalus Helps Strengthen Your Immune System

Lifestyle changes are important for your total health. There are some other things you can do to enhance your immune system though. Taking the herb astragalus is one example. It helps the body adapt to its surroundings and cope with the bacteria and germs you frequently come in contact with. When your defenses are low, it's easy for bacteria and germs to invade your body and make it a toxic environment.

You know your immune system isn't working properly if you catch cold after cold. Your body is more susceptible to illness. Your goal should be to make your defenses strong and keep illness at bay. The astragalus herb can help.


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More information on herbs like astragalus is available at VitaNet ®, LLC Health Food Store. http://vitanet.blog-city.com/


Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> 3 Ways to Fight Erectile Dysfunction http://www.articletrader.com/health/supplements/3-ways-to-fight-erectile-dysfunction.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/supplements/3-ways-to-fight-erectile-dysfunction.html Mon, 13 Nov 2006 00:00:00 -0600
1. Viagra (Sildenafil)

The most popular method amongst erectile dysfunction cases (around 90%). It is widely known that 70% of patients achieve success. Viagra takes effect in around 20-40 minutes, but sometimes takes 1-2 hours to take effect for some people. Sometimes it doesn’t even work at all.

However, Viagra is notorious for its common side effects. These include headaches, flushing, Dyspepsia (upset stomach), Nasal blockage, Urinary Tract infection, Abnormal Vision (sometimes blindness!), Diarrhea, Dizziness and Rashes. Basically you are vulnerable to these side effects while achieving better sexual function! This is generally not recommended because the negative effects outweigh the positive ones.

2. Horny Goat Weed

Also known as Epimedium, Horny Goat Weed is an odorless Chinese herb that has been used by practitioners for over 2,000 years, and is gaining popularity daily. The funny name came from hundreds of years ago when a farmer noticed his goats sexual behavior became more noticeable when they consumed this unknown weed – Epimedium, which was later named Horny Goat Weed. Amazingly Horny Goat Weed has no side effects.

Horny Goat Weed is basically a sexual enhancement pill like Viagra without the side effects. Users have also reported an increase in semen volume, and an overcome in sexual disorders. Horny Goat Weed is gaining popularity amongst erectile dysfunction patients, even now.

3. Herbal Alternative Viagra

These new pills are gaining popularity faster than any other pill. Called ‘Herbal Viagra’ or ‘Herbal Alternative Viagra’ these act more faster (15 minutes) and longer (up to 4 hours) than normal Viagra and work better without the side effects, since they are made from herbal ingredients. Most contain effective ingredients such as L-Arginine, an amino acid considered one of the most effective sexual enhancement nutrients ever. Some also contain Horny Goat Weed or Epimedium in their formula, which makes these products a better boost in sexual drive than any other product.

Also, herbal alternative Viagra pills are cheaper than Viagra, which can cost up to $14 per pill. You can buy herbal Viagra for $1 or $2 per pill, which is very affordable for many people. Thousands of people have trouble finding the most affordable and effective erectile dysfunction pills every time. This method is recommended to any erectile dysfunction patient.

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Tommy Lee helps those suffering from erectile dysfunction find the best way to cure it. He recommends this Herbal Viagra Alternative.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]>