'Health Related' Category Archive

Posted on Aug 8th, 2007

Are you wondering which herbal health supplement you should take? Well, we’ve comprised a list of some of the most important herbs to begin on a regimen.

Alpha Lipoic acid is a special antioxidant that recycles both vitamins C and E in the human body. This is helpful to many age related diseases.

Avena Sativa is an extract for sexual health and vigor, also known by the name “green oats”

Bee Pollen is a substance produced by bees when they pollinate flowers. It’s a great energy and immune system booster, and can be used as a weight loss aid.

Beta Sitosterol is a substance used for prostate health. More powerful then saw palmetto, this nutrient occurs in plant and vegetable matter.

CoQ10 is a nutrient, short for Coenzyme Q10 that is used in heart health and anti aging.

DMAE is a special nutrient that is known to increase mental function, as well as being known for elevating moods and fighting depression.

Dong Quai is a root remedy that many women take to help fight menopausal symptoms.

Epimedium, also known as Horny Goat’s Weed, increases the body’s testosterone and can be used to help the libido.

Fish oil is a naturally occurring chemical in the bodies of fish that contains omega 3 fatty acids that work wonders for mental and physical health.

Lutein is a carotenoid nutrient that helps eye health, curbing macular degeneration. Royal Jelly is a nutrient found in the hives of bees. It has a broad range of vitamins and nutrients that can help keep your body working in tip top shape.

Wild Yam is a root remedy that helps curb menopausal symptoms.

Now that you know some of the basic herbs and remedies that go along with supplements, you can help yourself with choosing the ones that are right for you. If you are on any medications, it is best to ask a doctor before beginning a supplement regimen.

John Gibb manages http://www.nutritional-supplement-guides.com

An updated website and blog dedicated to quality nutrition.

Posted on Aug 7th, 2007

Green Tea concentrate, often sold as Green Tea pills, allows manufacturers to make highly potent forms of this great herbal supplement. The Green Tea pills can have the same efficacy as drinking cups of Green Tea. Green Tea has been associated with a host of good health effects, so it is a great idea to get this supplement in pill format.

Green Tea extract is an anti oxidant that is one hundred times more potent than vitamin C and over twenty times as potent as vitamin E. Green Tea has also been shown to be an anti-cancer agent, and it may help to lower the low density lipoproteins (or “bad cholesterol”) in our bodies. One of the potential risks associated with Green Tea concentrate, however, is that it includes caffeine. While some may see this as a benefit, there are others out there who have to watch their caffeine intake. To that end, manufacturers have found a way to manufacture Green Tea concentrate that is caffeine free!

You can get Green Tea concentrate as a supplement by itself or you can find it included in herbal supplements that contain many ingredients. This is a matter of personal preference, as it can be good to get many of your necessary nutrients and minerals from one source. The anti oxidants found in Green Tea can help your body fight off the effects of free radicals, which are agents that attack the cell membranes in your body, causing damage.

Now that you know all there is to know about green tea concentrate, you can make a better decision regarding your choice of whether or not to use it. With the caffeine-free blend, there are virtually no side-effects and it can do wonders for your health.

John Gibb manages http://www.nutritional-supplement-guides.com

An updated website and blog dedicated to quality nutrition.

Posted on Aug 6th, 2007

There are many different types of supplements on the market today, and it can be tough to weed out the prospective good supplements from a world of choices. For that reason, we’ve written this article to explain to you more about the element known as copper gluconate.

Copper gluconate, a readily absorbable type of copper, can be a great nutrient and asset for your health when used properly on a supplement basis. Copper, being an essential element that is used in all body tissues, is an important trace mineral especially during a period of bodily growth.

There are several functions and benefits of copper gluconate that make it a good choice for supplement usage. It is one of the most important blood anti oxidants, helping the body fight off the damage caused by rogue cells known as free radicals. Copper gluconate also prevents the rancidity of poly unsatured fatty acids, another helpful feature. Gluconate helps to keep cell membranes healthy and, equally importantly, helps red blood cells produce hemoglobin. Other studies have also shown this element to be helpful when dealing with high cholesterol, the healing of wounds, osteoporosis, benign prostatic hyperplasia, cardiac arrhythmia, hypoglycemia, peripheral vascular disease, and even rheumatoid arthritis.

When taking copper, you definitely need to exercise care with respect to your daily copper dosage. The average adult should take about 2 milligrams of copper gluconate per day. This can not be stressed enough, as copper can be toxic when taken overly.

If you are pregnant or nursing, it would be a good idea to check with your local doctor to see if a copper supplement will be OK for you. In addition, if you are on any types of medication, it would be a good idea to check with your physician to make sure a copper supplement will not interfere.

John Gibb manages http://www.nutritional-supplement-guides.com

An updated website and blog dedicated to quality nutrition.

Posted on Aug 5th, 2007

Are you trying to achieve clear heart arteries and blood vessels? There are many supplements out on the market available to help you live a more heart-healthy life. In the fast paced world of today it can be hard to maintain a strict heart smart diet, so here are some supplements that can keep your heart healthy and strong.

COQ10, an abbreviation for coenzyme Q10, is a compound that can be found naturally produced in the human body. As a co-enzyme, it aids other enzymes functioning. It is needed by every cell in the body to produce energy to digest our food, heal our wounds, and keep our muscles healthy. COQ10 is found in high concentrations in the heart, so it’s best to keep your COQ10 levels high. It has an ability to strengthen the heart muscle and help prevent heart disease and heart attacks. Many patients in hospitals with congestive heart failure’s health markedly improved once they began a COQ10 regimen.

It is also an anti-oxidant, helping your body fight off the harmful effects of free radicals on your cell walls.

Policosanol is another supplement that can help you maintain heart health. A natural, waxy extract from sugar cane, policosanol helps to lower cholesterol while preventing the formation of lesions in arterial walls and the possibility of heart failure. It is also an anti-coagulant, causing it to be useful for blood thinning.

Omega 3 fatty acids: Found in such supplements as fish oil, omega 3 fatty acids are needed by the body for clear mental function and heart health. The American Heart Association even recommends people eat fish purely to get what they need of this valuable nutrient. It has been shown to help prevent coronary heart disease.

These are just a few of the many supplements out there you can get to help maintain a clear heart arteries and blood vessels. Hopefully one will work for you!

John Gibb manages http://www.nutritional-supplement-guides.com

An updated website and blog dedicated to quality nutrition.

Posted on Aug 4th, 2007

Black cohosh is an herbal remedy that is used for several different reasons. One of the main reasons people consume this herbal remedy has got to be the use of black cohosh for hot flashes. Menopause can be a difficult time, and many people feel that they need the best possible remedies to get through it gracefully. Black cohosh extract is best known for its uses when trying to curb many of the symptoms associated with menopause. It helps with hot flashes, night sweats, and menstrual cramps, three of the toughest symptoms of menopause.

It is believed that black cohosh helps to diminish the levels of a hormone that is produced very rapidly when menopause takes hold. The increase of this hormone, known as luteinizing hormone, is what many believe causes the menopause troubles. Therefore, by reducing these levels, you lower your chances for intense pain due to the symptoms. Hot flashes are often reported to be less severe when taking black cohosh.

Since black cohosh is also an anti-inflammatory, it can help to bring relief to aches and muscle pains. It also treats coughs by clearing bodily mucus and helps tinnitus, a condition where there is a constant ringing in the ears.

You should not take black cohosh when you are pregnant or nursing, which is likely not the case if you are taking this supplement for menopause, anyway. It also may interfere with such medications as birth control, so it’s advised to check with a doctor if you are taking any type of medication before taking cohosh.

One great thing about black cohosh for hot flashes is that there is no recorded toxicity level for it. It is considered by most to be a ‘safe’ herb. Now that you know all there is to know about black cohosh, you can make a better decision regarding if it’s right for you or not.

John Gibb manages http://www.nutritional-supplement-guides.com

An updated website and blog dedicated to quality nutrition.

Posted on Aug 3rd, 2007

Astragalus root, or astragalus membranaceous as it is commonly known in scientific circles, is an herbal supplement that can pack a punch for your health. An herbal remedy, astragalus comes from the pea family, and it’s been used for literally thousands of years in places such as China for therapeutically healing.

One thing that astragalus root has been made famous for is its ability to boost the immune system. While this isn’t what the Chinese used astragalus for, Western medicine has discovered that astragalus helps to stimulate the body by producing a substance known as interferon while boosting red blood cell formation. Interferon, an anti viral agent, helps the body when destroying viruses and other harmful microbes. For this reason, many scientists recommend the astragalus root for those who have a compromised immune system. People who frequently fall victim to colds and get respiratory infections are prime candidates for an astragalus root user. It is also helpful to people with more serious conditions such as cancer, since the body is weakened when trying to fight a disease.

Another benefit of astragalus is its ability to boost energy levels and vitality. Also, astragalus root has been linked to improving blood circulation. Astragalus is pretty well known as a ‘safe’ herb, with no known side effects. However, it is important to consult a physician before you take any kind of supplement, especially if you are already taking medications. Some medications can counteract with herbal remedies, and vice versa, so it’s important to get your facts straight with a physician regarding your regimen. Also, if you are pregnant or nursing, it’s not advisable to take astragalus as its effect on children have not been tested.

Now that you know more about astragalus root, you can better decide if it’s for you or not.

John Gibb manages http://www.nutritional-supplement-guides.com

An updated website and blog dedicated to quality nutrition.

Posted on Aug 2nd, 2007

There is a lot of hype surrounding apple cider vinegar tablets these days. Many ads can be found promising weight loss and fat burning courtesy of this supplement. There’s even an apple cider vinegar diet in the works! But is all the hearsay true? In this article, we will attempt to separate fact from fiction with regards to the apple cider vinegar tablets available on the market.

There is NO hard proof that apple cider vinegar tablets or supplements will help to promote weight loss or the burning of fat. There have been no clinical studies that have backed up this information whatsoever, so when you hear that apple cider vinegar tablets help weight loss, demand some clear cut proof before believing the hype. Some claim that apple cider vinegar helps to alkalize the body, helping to ward off many diseases. This theory definitely has its skeptics, and with good reason. There is no substantial proof one way or the other in this department.

Wondering about the good parts of apple cider vinegar? It is an excellent source of potassium. This mineral plays a crucial role in the body’s everyday function. Apple cider vinegar also contains anti-oxidants which help to protect your body from the harmful effects of free radicals, which attack cell membranes. It may also improve digestion and improve immune system function! Therefore, if you are looking to apple cider vinegar tablets to be a miracle weight loss supplement, you may be barking up the wrong tree. However, if you’re looking for a supplement that will provide your body with some crucial nutrients and possibly aid your body’s processes, then definitely pick up a bottle.

As with any supplement, if you are on any type of medication, it is a good idea to consult a doctor about taking this supplement.

John Gibb manages http://www.nutritional-supplement-guides.com

An updated website and blog dedicated to quality nutrition.

Posted on Aug 1st, 2007

In this article, we’ll explain all about quercitin that you need to know. Quercitin, a bioflavonoid ( a type of nutrient that is found in some fruits and green, leafy vegetables, amongst other things such as teas and beans) can be a great asset to your health when taken as a supplement to a healthy diet. Bioflavoniods are the nutrients necessary to maintaining the health of your skin. This is because they help to create collagen, the substance that keeps our skin firm and healthy. Therefore, a lack of collagen can lead to wrinkles and sagginess.

Quercitin has also been shown to help the body improve the health of its capillaries and connective tissues. Due to this, quercitin has been linked to helping to alleve bruising, unsightly varicose veins, fragile cappilaries, and edema. Also, good news for allergies! Quercitin has been known to block the release of histamine, which may help aid conditions brought on by allergies.

After testing at the Mayo clinic, quercitin was also shown to be useful in helping to treat or prevent prostate cancer. In the findings of the Mayo Clinic study about quercitin, Mayo Clinic researcher Nianzeng Xing, Ph.D stated that "Our laboratory results showed quercitin blocks the androgen activity in androgen-responsive human prostate cancer cell lines." He then followed this statement by asserting that "By blocking the androgen activity, the growth of prostate cancer cells can be prevented or stopped." While this research doesnt prove quercitin will actually truly benefit men with prostate cancer or those at risk, it definitely shows promise as a preliminary study.

While there is not a recommended daily allowance, or RDA, of quercitin, studies have indicated that toxicity with quercitin is largely a non issue. However, a dosage of somewhere between 50 mgs and 150 mgs per day is a reasonable dose, and using mega-doses is not recommended. If you are pregnant or nursing, it would be a good idea to speak with your physician before beginning taking this supplement.

John Gibb manages http://www.nutritional-supplement-guides.com

An updated blog dedicated to educating people on quality nutrition.

Posted on Jul 31st, 2007

Valerian, a perennial native plant to North America, Europe, and Asia, contains a root stock which harbors many active compounds that herbalists believe give this plant an amazing medicinal value. Valerian’s effects can be both positive and negative, however, so we’ll talk about both the health benefits of Valerian and possible side-effects of Valerian in this article.

First and foremost, Valerian’s root stock has been shown to help fight insomnia in several cases. Promoting sleep, many people use this supplement to help rest easier at night. Valerian is not an addictive substance, and doesn’t lead to the usually groggy "Sleep Hangover" that some people feel when they take sleep aids. For this reason, its use is widely accepted. Another of the health benefits of Valerian root would be its ability to put the user in a calm and relaxed state, helping to alleviate the effects of stress and anxiety. Valerian has also been used for such tasks as alleviating headaches, relieving pain, improving menstrual flow and cramps, and also for helping irritable bowel syndrome.

The side effects of Valerian root are worth considering. Many experts tend to agree that a dose between 250 mg to 500mg per day is an adequate dose of this supplement. Possible side effects from taking overly high amounts of Valerian can include nausea, headaches, dizziness, grogginess, and palpitations of the heart. Very high dosages may also impair the liver and the central nervous system. Pregnant and nursing women should avoid Valerian since its effects on newborns have not been tested. Also, taking Valerian for stretches of longer than 2 weeks is not recommended.

Now that you know more about Valerian root, you can make a more informed decision about whether the health benefits of Valerian outweigh the possible risks of taking it.

John Gibb manages http://www.nutritional-supplement-guides.com

An updated website and blog dedicated to quality nutrition.

Posted on Jul 21st, 2007

Completely healthy does not only mean being the perfect weight, no it means much more than that.

There are a lot of people out there who exercise nearly every day, weigh what they are suppose to and look just great.

But does that mean,that they are completely healthy? No, not neccessarily. So what is needed to be of total health?

If you are a couch potatoe and your only excercise is walking to the pantry to get something to snack on and are 30 pounds overweight, I am sure you realize that you can’t attain great health.

Look at the Hunza people for example, they are extremely healthy and attain longevity through their lifestyle.

The Hunza people live in the Himalayas and eat only twice a day, at midday, even though they usually get up at five in the morning, and at dinner time.

And of course it is very important what you eat. Obesety is unknown amongst the Hunzas. They have a special bread,which is eaten with every meal and seems to be the key to their longevity.

I have not mentioned yet how old the Hunzas get. Would you believe,that it is not unusual for them to become 130 years old.

And yes,they do exercise daily, they take regular walks,a 15 to 20 kilometer hike is considered quite normal.

The question here would be, is longevity and health like that obtainable to us in the western world? I like to believe that it is.

So, what is important to be completely healthy? Exercise, absolutely! But if you don’t have time to go to the gym, don’t worry, or you might be just like me and don’t like to go to the gym.

A brisk walk every day (a dog certainly helps with that)and a bit of stretching will do the trick.

And of course our diet is a extremely important factor to our health, fresh fruit and vegetable (preferably organic), only very little meat and whole grain. Those are the very basics.

We tend to forget our mental health, it is a crucial part to being completely healthy. Every day is a new day and we need to be willing to meet each task with a positive attitude.

A great way to start a new day is to meditate.It does not have to be for long, 10-15 mins. will do and will put you in the right frame of mind to have a great day.

An other great tool for your mental health are affirmations. Or start a journal take some time out every day and write down what you have experienced and your feelings.

When you go for a walk, enjoy nature conciously, be grateful for the little things in life.

Every day we can find something to be grateful for. We are here to enjoy life and the more we do, the more it helps us to be and stay healthy in body, mind and spirit.

Melanie Haney-Ellis resides in Nelson, New Zealand. Her passions are nutrition, natural health and spirituality. Check out her website for a must read free ebook on Longevity! Click Here Now http://www.inchargeofyurlife.com

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