Another Blog

One of the more common questions I get relates to hormones. How do you handle the onset and aftermath of menopause? What about “male menopause”, or andropause? Are there products out there that will help boost hormones naturally? What about products to help with the physical symptoms of these hormonal declines? More over, can I avoid this process?

The sooner you accept it, the better your post-40 life will become:

You have more control over your hormones than you believe.

I can quote you endless studies that prove that regular exercise (the more intense the better) stimulates and keeps hormone levels naturally elevated. Exercise also delays the process of menopause in many women – and, without a doubt, lessens the symptoms. Growth hormone is practically dependent upon a proper nutrition plan and exercise routine.

Follow the routine you feel best suited for and you’re well on the way to taking back your life.

We will cover a few of the natural remedies for menopause and andropause. Do they work? How does this compare with HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy), and is there a “safe blend” of the two?

Hormones are the absolute KEY to long-term health and fat loss.

First of all, as just about every post-menopausal woman will tell anyone who’ll listen, menopause is no fun. I have to take their word for it, of course, but I’ve had my own hormonal demons to overcome. I can relate…perhaps not specifically, but definitely to the inconvenience, the slowing down, and the physical “junk” that comes with whacky hormones.

Are any of you out there moody? Lack the ability to concentrate? How’s your sleep? Hot flashes?

Yep…it can be a rough ride. Let’s see if these natural suggestions will help. We’ll cover HRT in passing. As always, pass all this information by your doctor. I cannot stress that enough.

Let’s take it from the top: one of the biggest problems with menopause is the issues with testosterone. In case you’re wondering why certain herbs that elevate testosterone are recommended, it’s because of how the body reacts to a sudden drop in both estrogen and testosterone. Testosterone decreases are really what I’d like to focus on, as it is a subject I’m very well-read on, as I myself am (or rather was) testosterone-deficient.

Low test (we’ll just call it “test” from here on out to save my fingers) is fortunately something you can do many things about on the natural side. First, simple weight training and increasing your dietary protein intake can elevate serum test levels significantly. The body responds to the added stress by adapting…however, such adaptation is not an overnight process. So patience must be exercised along with the body.

Speaking of exercises, the best ones are the ones most women, especially over 45, are ‘afraid’ to do! If you ever take anything I say to heart, this would be it – baby weights and cardio is NOT the way to increase your hormone levels. You need to train with “compound movements”, like squats and dumbbell bench presses. If you think you’ll turn into the Hulk, think again.

It is the greatest gift I can give a woman – the freedom to train the way her body is craving her to train. Free of society’s “norms”, or what you’ve been led to believe in the magazines.

Now, other than weights you have supplements. Most of the stuff you see is junk, and it’s hard to tell the difference between what may work and what is just tossing cash down the drain.

The only place we part ways is with the herb tribulus…at least slightly. If you combine quality tribulus with potassium-rich foods and, believe it or not, fish oil, you may see substantial results in the area of test increase. Many of my clients have…granted, not to the levels of HRT, but enough to alleviate some or all of the menopause symptoms related to low test. The best product I’ve found for this is called Tribustol.

MACA is another herb worth looking into, and it has the added benefit of aiding thyroid production – a very important part of keeping lean.

Okay, what about the mood swings? Ask your doctor about Ginkgo Biloba. I’m a huge fan of this herb now, as it really did a good number on my vascular health. I also noted an incredible increase in mental focus. I’ve never been that moody, but many people report that moodiness is decreased on Ginkgo. I take 240mg/day and feel great on it, but I’ve been cleared by my doctor to do so.

Now, as odd as this may sound, I’ve seen it work just about every time I recommended it. A friend of mine told me about it, and ever since I’ve been passing it on to my clients…and they love it! It’s a simple way of increasing the “mood elevators” dopamine and serotonin…and it’s dirt cheap. In fact, it comes from the dirt! I’m talking about a spud. Mr. Potato, just without the “head”. The book this information comes from is “Potatoes Not Prozac” by Dr. Kathleen DesMaisons.

Consume a baked potato about 1 hour prior to bed. Be sure to put some olive oil on the potato, or perhaps a small amount of real butter. That’s it. Now, there’s a trade-off here. First, you may notice a small increase in body fat…but I bet you won’t, especially if you keep your carbs clean and moderate during the day. Also, this is the only time I break the “always consume protein at every meal and snack” rule, but this is for health purposes, and it can work wonders. Now, for my little tip: take a few grams of Evening Primrose Oil (just follow the directions on the bottle…I like Carlson Brand) with the spud. This does more than slow down the insulin spike – it can really help with those hot flashes. The herb Dong Quai is supposedly also good for hot flashes, but I’ve never personally had any experience with using it with my clients.

For other symptoms, try a cold or cool shower before sleep. Also, increase your calcium and magnesium intake. I like to see people take between 750mg and 1,500mg of magnesium per day for a variety of reasons. Simply multiply that number by 2 for your calcium intake. This may be the ‘best for last’. Almost everyone is magnesium deficient. I’m convinced of that! Just about everything in our lives and our environment drains magnesium. Watch what happens to your sugar cravings, too.

Lastly, there’s soy. Soy is a ‘hot topic’, no pun intended, in the menopause world. Many people are high on soy. It’s the isoflavones in soy that have the most benefit to menopausal women…at least according to some studies. However, soy is a double-edged sword. Read Jill Langham’s experience with soy in her free bonus report for more information.

If you do decide to take soy, and many doctors recommend it for various reasons, check out CardioSoy by Pax Beale’s Body For The Ages product line. It’s the best soy formulation I’ve seen. Also, if you do try soy, my recommendations are to take it only during the day and, if you’re on thyroid medication, no more than 30 grams per day.

Jon Benson
http://www.articlesbase.com/fitness-articles/are-natural-hormone-products-hype-or-helpful-66577.html

It is now, in general, accepted that individuals who take drugs may actually be self-medicating themselves. Rather than just being an addiction to the pleasure drugs give them, drugs are even more important to the individual as a mood-altering method of feeling better than they felt before. Many people who have become dependent on drugs were suffering from severe mood disorders. They could have felt melancholy, sad, or even depressed. Many had events earlier in their lives that might have made any person very unhappy. Some had lived in or at present are living in high stress-generating situations, another reason that might make someone seek relief with drugs. Some of these people felt so low, melancholy, and depressed that they were withdrawing from life. By taking drugs they could overcome their negative moods, become less depressed, and generate an active, exciting life, the opposite of what they were feeling from the negative influence of their past, or an ongoing life situation.

Cocaine generates dopamine in the brain, which lifts people from their depression and makes them excited and full of enthusiasm for life. Instead of sitting home depressed, they are out at parties and discos having fun. At work, instead of being hesitant and reticent, they are dynamic and forceful. However, frequently they become too self-centered and even abrasive under the drug’s influence, even hurting those relationships that are most important to their life. The dopamine feels good, too, from a pleasure point of view. But, it is highly addictive and builds up resistance in the body, requiring more and more of the drug for experiencing the same effect the longer you are taking it. Of course, it is very detrimental to the health of the body, so having to take more and more of it is very bad. But, if you stop you may fall back into the same melancholy and depression and pain you were experiencing from your negative past or present situation as when you first reached for the drug. So, many will do anything sometimes to avoid feeling like that again.

Ecstasy, another illegal drug in common use today, generates the brain neurotransmitter serotonin. Serotonin is in particular good for those under stress and for those who may not necessarily be depressed but who have a deeply negative outlook on life. It gives the user a sense of peace and well-being. But, like all illegal substances, it is habit forming and in this case, too, harmful to the health of the brain.
Some people might even desire both. They want to feel full of energy and confidence and step right into living a more full and active life while at the same time experiencing less stress and a stronger sense of overall well-being.

People who are seeking to recover from drug use therefore have a need to deal with the psychological and mental conditions that influenced them to seek relief with illegal substances to begin with. For this there are two routes toward better health that one can take: The first is psychological, that is, seeking therapy that can uncover, release, and resolve any past hurts from which the drug addict may have been seeking relief; another approach is by changing the body chemistry so it makes the mind, and thus the individual, feel better. Many doctors prescribe various pharmaceuticals to change people’s moods. This can be viewed as a medical intervention that does not restore health to the body and mind but only acts as a compensation for negative conditions, creating mostly symptomatic relief.

Fortunately, there is another choice for those seeking to escape a serious drug habit permanently: Omega-3 fatty acid supplements can boost the brain’s natural production of both dopamine and serotonin, making people more psychologically resourceful. It is essential for those in recovery to have their minds in the most resourceful state as possible and free themselves from the need for self-medicating with drugs. In addition, it has been found that depressed people have a decreased blood flow in the brain. Omega-3s increase the blood flow within the brain. By taking fish oil you will have improved blood flow within the brain, which provides better distribution of those nutrients that are critical to a well-functioning and positive-feeling brain, such as oxygen and glucose, the main fuel for the brain.
Ongoing research on the value of omega-3s has shown that it has many values for health. It can regulate and enhance mood, sharpen memory, and even aid concentration and learning. Remarkably, it is now believed they can be used to fight depression, including postpartum depression, and help those afflicted with bipolar disorder and attention deficit disorder. They can also reduce stress and any resulting anger and violent behavior.

In addition to the psychological benefits, some of the top researchers in the world have shown that omega-3s, in particular EPA and DHA, play a role in preventing heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and even cancer. They help maintain the elasticity of artery walls, prevent unhealthy forms of blood clotting, reduce blood pressure, and stabilize heart rhythm. Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to reverse atherosclerosis, ameliorate angina, and reduce heart attack, congestive heart failure, arrhythmias, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease.

It has now become widely recognized that fish oil is one of the healthiest supplements you can add to your diet. However, not just any fish oil will do. Only fish oil free of harmful pollutants such as mercury and industrial chemicals is completely safe for consumption. Some excellent store brands are by Nordic Naturals and Carlson Laboratories. If you prefer to buy online one of the finest is cerebrafil.com.

And, this is also one reason why supplementing with pharmaceutical-grade fish oil can be safer than just eating much more fish. Many fish, including tuna, halibut, swordfish, bluefish, king mackerel, and tilefish, are highly contaminated and need to be severely limited. Sadly, most of the salmon in the markets and served in restaurants is farm raised and because of their unnatural commercial diet have significantly lower levels of omega-3s.

Some people mistakenly think flaxseed is an appropriate way to get DHA and EPA because the body has the ability to change the shorter-chain omegas into long-chain omegas. The problem with this is that the process to do this is very long and difficult, so that in the end very little of the valuable DHA and EPA is produced at all. It is not advisable to take cod liver oil for the reasons regarding contamination above, and also because, to get enough omega-3s from cod liver oil you would have to take so much that you would be overdosing on vitamins A and D.

You should ensure an adequate intake of antioxidants when taking fish oil by taking 100 to 400 I.U. (international units) of vitamin E daily. Be sure to take D-alpha-tocopherol, not DL-alpha-tocopherol, as the D-alpha is natural and the DL-alpha is synthetic and therefore not recommended. Please read the label to make sure; many stores carry both varieties.
________________________________________

Jeffrey Rose
http://www.articlesbase.com/supplements-and-vitamins-articles/easing-recovery-with-omega3-fatty-acid-supplementation-52905.html

Male yeast prescription medications may be needed if a man has an infection that is chronic or severe. It is important to take prescription medications if needed to ensure that the yeast is completely cured. Heterosexual couples who have unprotected sex can pass yeast infections back and forth.

Men get yeast infections for the same reason women do. A man can get a yeast infection the following ways:

·Sexual transmission: Candida can be transmitted between two people by direct contact. A yeast infected woman who has unprotected sex with a man can infect her partner. She could then treat and cure her infection and then get re-infected the next time she has sex with him. If you or your partner has an active infection you should be extra careful to follow the safe sex guidelines until you are sure that both of you are infection free.

·Antibiotics: Though far less common than sexual transmission, the other main cause of a penile yeast infection in males is prolonged antibiotic use.

The only way to be sure that an infection is gone is to use male yeast prescription medications. There are two prescription drugs that are commonly used to treat male yeast infections. They are:

·Diflucan (fluconazole) This is a broad spectrum drug. It will kill Candida and some other fungi. Unfortunately some people are allergic to this drug.

·Nizoral (ketaconazole) This is an extremely strong drug that should only be prescribed in extreme cases of yeast.

Some men say over the counter medications help cure their yeast infections. Some men say that applying a little bit of Monistat directly to the penis helps. And if it doesn’t start to work in a day or two just add a few drops of vinegar.

Symptoms of a penile yeast infection include:
·The most common symptom is irritation and soreness of the head of the penis.
·Some men have a discharge.

The symptoms of male yeast infection are similar to those of genital herpes. Genital herpes is a contagious viral infection affecting primarily the genitals of men and women. It is characterized by recurrent clusters of vesicles and lesions at the genital areas. It is caused by the Herpes Simplex-2 virus (HSV-2), one of several strains of the Herpes Simplex Virus responsible for chickenpox, shingles, mononucleosis, and oral herpes (fever blisters or cold sores, HSV-1). While generally not dangerous, it is a nuisance and can be emotionally traumatic, as there is no cure. Visit http://www.yeastinfectiontreatment.org to learn more about yeast infection.

It has reached epidemic proportions in the U.S.; 500,000 are diagnosed each year. One in five American adults has herpes, but only one third of those inflicted are aware that they have the virus. Many people don’t relate their symptoms to herpes, since they have either very mild or no symptoms at all. Over 50 million cases are currently estimated to exist in either the active or dormant stage.

If this is the first time you have had male yeast infection symptoms, you should consult your doctor so that you can be properly diagnosed. If turns out that you have a yeast infection talk to your doctor about the male yeast prescription medications that are best for you.

Rich Fuller
http://www.articlesbase.com/medicine-articles/male-yeast-infection-prescription-medications-review-115488.html

Although male yeast infection isn’t all that common it can happen and in these cases the infection symptoms are generally the same as vaginal yeast infection.

There’ll be the same burning sensation when urinating, pain during sexual intercourse, itching of the infected area and in some cases a rash. This rash can either be along the shaft of the penis or on the tip of the penis. Male symptoms also include a burning sensation of the infected area, a slight swelling, and maybe even slight discharge.

If you suspect that you might have male yeast infection you should consult with your doctor. You could try to use the same over the counter medications which are available for vaginal yeast infections, but you might feel comfortable doing that.

There is nothing to say however that you can’t use any of the creams or solutions which are used in the treatment of vaginal yeast infections. In fact, in the case of someone having male yeast infection they can even turn to such natural remedies as yogurt to help rid themselves of the infection.

The only problem with male yeast infection symptoms is that unlike for vaginal yeast infections there is no one particular treatment that is designed to treat you. There is also for that matter no one particular test that can be done on a regular basis to decide whether you might have a yeast infection.

There’s also the fact you should take into account, that just because you suffer from male yeast infection, it doesn’t mean that you have an infection. You can get yourself tested to rule out other causes, and doctors can test you to see if you have a yeast infection.

If you suspect that you might have male yeast infection you should try as far as possible to avoid sexual intercourse as you can pass the infection along to your partner. On the other hand if you got your infection from your partner, then it’s still a good idea to abstain as you could pass the infection back and forth between you.

Also if you have yeast infection symptoms there are things that you can do by yourself at home to give you some relief until the medications start to work. The first order of the day is to wear loose fitting clothing.

That means that tight jeans are out. If you go swimming, find a way to change out of your bathing costume as soon as possible. Change your diet to exclude red meats, alcohol, and yeast containing or fermented products.

Try as far as possible to stay stress free as being under constant stress can put a strain on your immune system. And lastly if you feel that you have male yeast infection symptoms don’t be ashamed to seek help.

Graham Winmill
http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/male-yeast-infection-symptoms-112526.html

Audio Turntables

bunk beds

If your sexual partner has a yeast infection then there’s a good chance that you could also get the yeast infection from them. Although yeast infections are not regarded as a sexually transmitted disease, they can be passed back and forth through sexual intercourse. That’s why, although it’s not all that common, a male yeast infection can occur.

In these cases medical help should be sought first of all to determine whether indeed a male yeast infection is present. You then have the choice of getting prescription medications to treat the infection or you have the choice of using a natural treatment.

Although most of the natural cures are designed for the cure of a vaginal infection, and not a male infection quite a few, if not all of the remedies can be adapted to suit the male form.

There is also the choice these days of looking into over-the-counter cures for a male infection. Again here as well, most of the medication is aimed at vaginal infections but that doesn’t mean that it won’t work, especially if the medication comes in cream, or pill form.

These are easy to take and don’t involve the use of such things as vaginal suppositories or boluses which are slightly difficult to take as treatment for a male infection!

If in doubt however about these over-the-counter medications you can always ask your doctor whether any of them are right to cure male infection symptoms.

And if you don’t feel fully comfortable using any of these over-the-counter cures or natural remedies, you can always stick with good old fashioned prescription medications which also work just as well.

Again, although the medications are aimed mainly at women they are also good in the case of male infection, and if they come in pill or cream form, can be used in much the same manner.

One particular medication which bears some looking into is called Diflucan. It’s a prescription medication but you only need to take one tablet. This one dosage is all that’s needed to clear yeast infections, and it should work the same for a male infection as well. Again, if in doubt, ask your doctor about this particular medication.

Then again, a few common sense measures can also help to cure, and in some cases prevent male yeast infection from occurring at all.

These include but are not limited to, abstaining from sexual contact and intercourse until the infection has cleared up, and changing your diet to reflect a healthier lifestyle like staying away from refined foods, carbohydrates, sugars, alcohol, fermented foods, yeasty foods such as breads, and red meats.

It might sound tough at first but it can be done, and these measures along with whatever remedy you’re taking can help in the fight against male yeast infection.

Graham Winmill
http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/male-yeast-infection-112365.html

Yeast infection is not something that happens only to women. Although it is not something that is very common for men it does happen. Male yeast infection symptoms are usually the same as vaginal yeast infection symptoms.

Here are some of the Male yeast infection symptoms:

- Burning sensation when urinating

- Pain during sexual intercourse

- Rash (along the shaft or on the tip of the penis)

- Burning sensation of the infected area

- Slight swelling

- Even a light discharge is possible

The first thing you should do if you suspect you suffer from a yeast infection is to consult your doctor. Of course you could try the same (over-the-counter) medicine available for vaginal yeast infection if you are comfortable with it.

The solutions and creams provided with the vaginal yeast infection treatments are very helpful to help you get rid of your male yeast infection symptoms. In fact you can even use natural treatment like unsweetened yogurt to help you get rid of your male yeast infection symptoms.

The major problem with male yeast infection symptoms is that there is no ‘’one real treatment’’ available. There is no ‘’men only’’ treatments designed to help men get rid of this problem. On top of that there is no real test available to help you determine whether you might have a yeast infection or not.

You should be aware the even if you suffer from male yeast infection symptoms does not mean you necessarily suffer from yeast infection. Sometime yeast infections are the result of other condition so in doubt go see a doctor to see if you really have a yeast infection.

One important point to consider if you suffer from male yeast infection symptoms is that you should at all cost avoid sexual intercourse. There is a great chance that you will pass your infection to your partner. On the other hand if you got your infection from your partner it is still a good idea to avoid sexual intercourse until you both get ok otherwise you will pass the infection back and forth between you.

Of course there are solutions to help you relive yourself of the male yeast infection symptoms until the medication starts to work. The first thing you should consider is to avoid wearing thigh clothing. Always wear loose fitting clothing.

Of course you understand that means thigh jeans are out, thigh bathing costume are out too. Other things you might want to do is to avoid eating things like:

- Red meat

- Alcohol

- Yeast containing or fermented products.

Another important factor is to stay stress free as much as possible. We all know that stress can affect your immune system. But the most important part is that if you suspect you suffer from male yeast infection symptoms don’t be ashamed to seek help.

Frederic Madore
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/male-yeast-infection-symptoms-how-to-deal-with-it-123096.html

There are some different skin types and they require several Black Skin Care Products. It is important to know what kinds of products are out there today and how are they used.

Black skin has ready made sun protection factor (SPF) which is about four to five times stronger than the typical SPF for white skin. This reduces the aging effect of the sun. This means when it comes to black skin care product or an African American skin care product, you may be less likely to look for anti-aging products as early as a person possessing lighter skin.

It’s also a good idea to explore the Black Skin Care Products for general skin care early on. While the aging process is delayed, good early skin care is always a bonus. Well nourished skin is more resistant to the ravages of age.Black skin care products are specially formulated to address its specific texture and needs.

Black Skin Care Products are Effective and have powerful natural ingredients that supply your skin with antioxidants and vitamins. Their ingredients are tested showing scientific results in moisturizing skin and reversing aging signs. Good Black Skin Care Products do not have chemical ingredients like alcohol, mineral oils etc. These ingredients are known to deplete skin texture in prolonged use. Black Skin Care Products treat skin conditions such as acne, dry skin, skin inflammation and sensitive skin. They improve skin texture and also look into your skin condition and treat it.

One of the new developments in Black Skin Care Products is skin lightening. This is because a lightened skin tone can completely change a person’s appearance and some believe enhancing beauty of their facial features even more.

One should opt for those Black Skin Care Products that either lighten your skin through effective natural ingredients or maintains your complexion. Often the problem with skin lightening products is that they can irritate skin and also sometimes cause inflammation. You can avoid such problems by choosing a product with a high percentage of extrapone nutgrass, which is a specific component.

Black Skin Care Products bring out an enhanced look to your skin, while at the same time rejuvenating skin texture and making skin young looking.

If you regularly use such products you can see the real kind of black skin care results that you want – lightened skin tone as well as soft, shiny complexion, reversal of aging sins and nourished skin texture. For more assistance visit: – www.nubianblue.com.

Nubian Cruck
http://www.articlesbase.com/fashion-articles/maximize-your-skin-results-with-black-skin-care-products-683677.html

Black men and women find acne treatment for black skin rather difficult. Acne is a skin problem which is common and consists of blackheads, whiteheads and also some big boil-like nodules or cysts.

Teenagers are by far the most affected by the disease which also affects women in their thirties. In puberty acne occurs due to the changes in the hormone levels. With time and patience, acne will heal itself in most cases..

Acne affects the hair follicles and also the oil secreting glands in the skin. It usually occurs on the face, chest, arms and back. They have different types of spots, like whiteheads, pustules, blackheads and nodules.

Acne affects people of all skin colors. The causes of acne are the same for people of different skin colors, but the impact of acne is altered according to the pigmentation of the skin. People from Africa, native Australians, African-Americans and other islands are darker than their Northern European friends due to the increased amount of the dark pigment melanin in the skin.

Melanin protects the skin from sunlight and also keeps the black skinned people appearing younger than the white skinned people. With age, dark people show irregularly pigmented skin, which appear as dark patches on their skin. If an area of their skin gets inflamed, it can be irregularly pigmented.

Acne in black skin

Though the treatment for acne is the same among black and white people, there are some exceptions. Some treatments may result in temporarily lightening of dark skin. Very dark skin is not as well moisturized as white skin, so it is preferable to seek the advice of a dermatologist before using products that have a drying effect on the skin.

The part where the skin was inflamed due to acne among black people usually are in danger of excessive skin darkening. Severe inflammatory acne among black people may cause dark spots. However, a dermatologist may help in making the spots less apparent before they resolve. Chemical peeling of acne scars may result in temporary lightening or darkening of the dark skin in the acne affected areas.

There are no acne treatments formulated for the use of only dark-skinned people. Acne treatments are as harmless on black skin as they would be on dark skin.

Home Treatments

Fruits and vegetables are effective for the cure of acne. People with black skin can apply a paste of cucumber, lime, honey, oats, lemon, tea tree oil, tomatoes, orange, oats and turmeric. They can wash it off after 15-30 minutes for the eradication of excess oil and the killing of bacteria causing acne.

Robert Sheehan
http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/acne-treatment-for-black-skin-and-some-different-tips-108685.html

There are some different skin types and they require several African American Skin Care Products. It is important to know what kinds of products are out there today and how are they used.

Black skin has ready made sun protection factor (SPF) which is about four to five times stronger than the typical SPF for white skin. This reduces the aging effect of the sun. This means when it comes to black skin care product or an African American skin care product, you may be less likely to look for anti-aging products as early as a person possessing lighter skin.

It’s also a good idea to explore the African American Skin Care Products for general skin care early on. While the aging process is delayed, good early skin care is always a bonus. Well nourished skin is more resistant to the ravages of age. African American Skin Care Products are specially formulated to address its specific texture and needs.

African American Skin Care Products are Effective and have powerful natural ingredients that supply your skin with antioxidants and vitamins. Their ingredients are tested showing scientific results in moisturizing skin and reversing aging signs. Good African American Skin Care Products do not have chemical ingredients like alcohol, mineral oils etc. These ingredients are known to deplete skin texture in prolonged use. African American Skin Care Products treat skin conditions such as acne, dry skin, skin inflammation and sensitive skin. They improve skin texture and also look into your skin condition and treat it.

One of the new developments in African American Skin Care Products is skin lightening. This is because a lightened skin tone can completely change a person’s appearance and some believe enhancing beauty of their facial features even more.

One should opt for those African American Skin Care Products that either lighten your skin through effective natural ingredients or maintains your complexion. Often the problem with skin lightening products is that they can irritate skin and also sometimes cause inflammation. You can avoid such problems by choosing a product with a high percentage of extra pone nut grass, which is a specific component.

African American Skin Care Products bring out an enhanced look to your skin, while at the same time rejuvenating skin texture and making skin young looking.

If you regularly use such products you can see the real kind of black skin care results that you want – lightened skin tone as well as soft, shiny complexion, reversal of aging sins and nourished skin texture. For more assistance visit: – www.nubianblue.com.

Nubian Cruck
http://www.articlesbase.com/acne-articles/maximize-your-skin-care-results-with-african-american-skin-care-products-750673.html

Freckles, acne spotting, uneven complexion, age spots, or melasma can develop whether we are in our 20′s or 50′s. Whatever the problem is, these are not signs of healthy skin. Fortunately, there is a solution to these types of problems. You can use some natural skin lightening treatments to finally get that radiant look you’ve always wanted.

Treatment 1: Exfoliation

If you find that you have blotchy or dull skin, you might be carrying an accumulation of dead skin cells, sebum, dirt, and semi-solid matter in your skin’s pores. We naturally shed skin cells from time to time, however, skin cell turnover can stop working properly due to several factors including poor blood circulation and buildup of toxins in your body. Sebum can accumulate overnight when we’re sleeping and external pollutants can clog pores and cause inflammation.

Exfoliating once in awhile can get rid of dead skin cells, excess oils and dirt remaining on your skin, thus freeing your pores and allowing them to “breath”. Exfoliating can also promote healthy skin cell turnover and smoothen out blemishes, fine lines, wrinkles and acne scars. This gives you a much clearer complexion.

Treatment 2: Hydration

Dryness causes discoloration and scarring because the skin loses its elasticity and ability to heal properly. As a result, UV rays, heat, wind, and cold weather easily damage the skin. When damaged skin does not have enough moisture, it tends to form scars; scarring is actually the abnormal healing of the skin. Breakouts can result in acne scars that look like dark sunspots or freckles.

Always moisturize after cleansing and exfoliating. Doing so will provide your skin with a protective barrier against external hazards. Try using vegetable shortening (soybean oil derivative) to naturally moisturize and lighten your skin tone. Natural moisturizers like this are able to absorb easily into the skin and so are effective.

Sometimes, you can’t help but be out in the sun when you’re outdoors. So to further prevent dry skin, use sunscreens that contain UVA or UVB protection. The harmful rays of the sun cause photoaging and hyperpigmentation.

Treatment 3: Nourishment

Oftentimes, discoloration and dullness occurs because of an underlying problem. If you have a poor diet for example, then there’s nothing to sustain healthy, glowing skin. Eat more fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants to fight against free radicals that damage healthy skin cells.

If you want optimum natural skin lightening, find a natural and mild product that cleanses, moisturizes and nourishes the skin. Look for products that contain natural antioxidants such as squalene oil and vitamins A, C, and E and the natural antioxidant and skin lightener arbutin, which doesn’t have the side effects of other skin lighteners. Another natural whitener, Z Whitener, enhances the effects of arbutin. Another ingredient, lumiskin regulates melanin, a component in the skin that makes skin darker. Other ingredients to look for include evening primrose oil and allantoin, which eliminate toxins, moisturize, combat infections and act as anti-inflammatory agents that prevent reddening and scarring.

No matter what age we are we may experience some sort of discoloration or dullness on the skin. Natural skin lightening is all about maintaining radiant, healthy, and younger-looking skin without the irritation or harshness. It is important to look for natural ingredients that work well with your skin.

Cavyl Stewart
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/3-practical-treatments-for-natural-skin-lightening-290789.html

Sun tanning is no longer a popular choice for getting the tan. For a good number of artificial tanning products have come on the block. These products offer tanning without facing the ordeal of lying under the sun for an extended period. The number of people seeking suntan has gone down as these artificial tanning options have made it easier to attain a tan color that offers the same natural glow that you get in suntan.

These products are in various forms and each one of them possess a different line of action to assign you the rich bronze color.

Among all these products, tanning beds are most effective and safe means to get tanned. Tanning bed does the same that the ultraviolet sun rays perform in case of sun tanning. These tanning beds consist of lamps that emit ultraviolet radiations. Your body gets controlled exposure to UVA in tanning beds that help you get quick tan color. Later on with the help of tanning bed lotions the color gained is given permanency. Tanning beds happen to be of two types. One for commercial purpose and the other one for an individuals need.

Tanning solutions are chemicals that are extremely helpful in giving you a tan color. It either works in consonance with tanning bed or in tanning salons these solutions are used as tanning spray to give you temporary tan color. These solutions come in different types to suit different types of skin and to serve differing tanning purposes. Tanning sprayer solutions are different from ones that are used for tanning beds.

Tanning creams and gels have also come on the block and offer you tan without any risk to your skin. Creams are specifically meant to be applied on face. Most of the tanning creams are in fact face tanners. These creams produce least harmful contents to ensure the safety of facial skin.

Bronzer is another tanning product that is usually used to offer tanning for very short period. It is available as powder as well as gel.

Tanning pills are a recent development. These pills claim to offer permanent tan color without any side effect. However, their efficacy is yet to be proved.

Ashish Jain
http://www.articlesbase.com/advice-articles/artificial-tanning-products-for-effective-tan-that-stays-long-91848.html

Summer is the season where you put away sweaters and change into your bikinis. It is also the time to get tanned. However before you head on to the beach to sunbathe don’t forget that there is danger in exposing your skin to extreme UV rays. And by this I mean not only risking getting cancer but also causing your skin to age early and get sunburned. So just how are you going to get that tan without the aid of the sun? First of all, it is a fact that tan is obtained once the skin absorbs UV rays. The skin in turn reacts by producing a substance called melanin. This same substance helps to darken the outer layer of the skin. Although, it is true that a tan signifies a healthy skin but for some individuals who just obtain their tan from sunbathing or any other artificial tanning methods such as tanning beds, sun lamps and others, a tanned skin would usually imply damaged skin.

Going back to our question: how can you obtain a tanned skin without the fear of damaging your skin?

California Tan has a wide array of products to choose from. Plus the best thing about these products is that they make use of sunless technology meaning no harmful UV rays or even UVA and UVB rays applied. California Tan is all about safe tanning.

One of the well-known tanning products offered by California Tan is its line of tanning lotion.

California Tan Lotion: Moisturized and Tanned at the same time A healthy skin is important in order to get a beautiful tan. This is because tanning products tend to stick better on moisturized skin rather than on dry skin. And one of the easiest and proven ways of obtaining a moisturized skin is by applying lotion on your skin. Once the skin is moisturized then that is the only time that tanning products may be applied.

However would it be better if you could have your skin moisturize and tanned at the same time? Fortunately, there is such type of lotion and it is offered by California Tan. The tanning lotion provides sunless tanning so you won’t have to fear getting your skin damaged by the sun. How does it work? The tanning lotion will temporarily dye the top layer of your skin providing it with a tanned look.

California Tan tanning lotion is capable of giving a week long tan but if the lotion is reapplied the tanning effect will last even longer. The California Tan lotion is much better than suntans, which permanently damage the skin and usually starts fading after couple of days.

California Tan lotion has moisturizing ingredients so you will not fear having dry and flaky skin. The lotion also protects your skin’s moisture level by helping the pores to open, magnifying light absorption, which helps you to obtain deeper and more lasting tan.

Applying Tanning Lotion the Proper Way The correct application of Tanning lotion can help to make it last longer. Here are some tips on how to apply tanning lotion:

1) Purchase California Tan lotion that comes in either cream or spray, which are perfect for an even application.

2) Test the lotion on a small area of your skin to see if any allergic reactions will occur.

3) Make use of a loofah to scrub off the dead skin before applying the tanning lotion on your skin.

4) Apply tanning lotion thoroughly on your skin but give extra attention to the back of your elbows, knees, ankles and tan lines.

5) Wipe off the excess tanning lotion in order to avoid an uneven tan.

6) Always wash your hands with soap and water after applying lotion.

7) Refrain from getting your skin wet for at least 15 minutes.

Jake J Saab
http://www.articlesbase.com/destinations-articles/get-the-right-color-with-california-tan-lotion-658535.html

Folks can’t live without fashion now a days. Anything that corresponds to the ongoing fashion style and trend happens to be most sought after. That’s why the current fashion fever of tanning is high in demand. In America and elsewhere tanning has established itself as a permanent industry. This unending fashion statement has paved the way for numerous alternatives to sun tan. For example, tanning lotions, tanning pills and tanning beds have come up as various tanning equipments. And one highly quick way of acquiring tan is spray tanning.

A good number of spray tanning booths are spread all over America. They offer you tan color at reasonable price. And above all, spray tanning is found to be safer than all other alternatives to sun tan. In fact dermatologists prefer recommending spray tanning over tanning beds.

Lotions used in these spray tanning booths are usually made up of SPF formula and hardly gives way to any side effect on skin. You can check a tanning booth for care and precaution that it takes while offering spray tanning before undergoing the process. Once you get comfortable with spray tan you can regularly visit the booth for keeping a tan color. Usually spray tan lasts for around six to eight days.

Post spray tanning, you need to use some moisturizer on your skin. A good moisturizer helps you sustain the tan color and makes your skin glow, just like sun tan.

Some of the booths use bronzer while the others prefer DHT after the lotion is sprinkled on the body. Bronzer results in immediate glowing skin while DHT takes some hours to give a look of sun tan. However dihydroxyacetone is a preferred tanner by most of the spas and tanning salons.

Before going for this tanning procedure you must consult dermatologist to ascertain nature of your skin as people with certain types of skin are not recommended for spray on tan. For examples folks with dry skin are not recommended to visit spray tanning booths.

You can seek spray on tan in even twenty five dollars. Usually the cost of getting this artificial tan color ranges between twenty five to one twenty five dollars.

You should refrain yourself from taking shower before you go to spray tanning booth and post tanning you should keep a check over your mobility for a few while.

Lastly, don’t forget examining your skin for any side effect or reaction after tanning and if you find so, immediately visit your dermatologist.

Ashish Jain
http://www.articlesbase.com/advice-articles/spray-tanning-a-preferred-alternative-to-sun-tan-84079.html

With more and more of us understanding the serious consequences
of suntanning, we are looking for alternatives. One of the most
interesting and improved alternatives is to get a spray tan.

Do any of you remember the first self tanners that hit the
shelves many years ago – wella you became instant orange. Well
we’ve come along way babe! The hottest thing to hit the beauty
seen is “spray tanning.” You really need to check out what’s
available these days!

Spray tan in a can is the latest in sunless tanning technology.
Forget lotions or pump sprays that leave uneven tones. Although
lotions have come along way from the carrot orange days, some
can still leave you with orange under tones. Aerosol tanning
sprays can leave you with a perfect looking, no hassle, even
tan. Spray tan in a can is the safest, easiest way to get a
perfect sunless tan at home! No more harmful UV rays or trips to
the tanning bed.

You will want to find a reputable shop. Ask around, word of
mouth is always a good way to find out what salon does the best
spray tanning. Once you’ve chosen a salon book your appointment.
If your planning to have a spray tan for a special event, say
like your wedding, then I would suggest a trial run about a
month prior. If you like the results you can book again, if you
don’t then I suggest trying another salon.

On the day of your appointment shower and exfoliate. Use a
loofah and shower gel and body scrub to remove all your dry/dead
skin. This will ensure an even application.

At the salon they will give you instructions, often these
instructions are in the form of the video. The whole procedure
and what you need to do will be explained to you.. Some
important things to remember: 1. hold your breath when the spray
is going off (for about 14 seconds and its very challenging)

2. follow the instructions “exactly” as to where to apply the
lotion to block the spray on your feet and hands. You need to
block the spray from your hands and feet because these areas
have excess wrinkles and creases, so if they are sprayed you
will get a tell-tale white veiny looking areas in the creases.

3. when the spray stops you need to turn around

4. when you leave the spray booth you will be given towels to
wipe down and remove any excess spray. Make sure you wipe not
blot.

The color from your spray tan will last anywhere from 7-10 days.
The treatments are still a bit on the pricey side at around
$40.00 a treatment, so this isn’t something you get done on a
regular basis, more like a treat or for a special occasion. Some
companies sell packages that give you a reduced rate.

It is important to apply plenty of moisturizer on a regular
basis to the extent the life of your Spray on Sun Tan. If you
have very dry skin use a deep moisturizer. Blend any moisturizer
into the skin and do not wipe it off as this will remove some of
your spray tan. Baths, spas and swimming in chlorinated pools
will reduce the life of your tan.

Tips for spray tanning… 1. All the spray tanning in the world
will do you no good if it attaches itself to dead skin that is
about to come off your body so be sure to Exfoliate! Use a
loofah sponge in the bath the night before you spray tan session
to remove these dead skin cells.

2. Choose your clothes carefully. Pick clothes that cover all
the parts of your body you won’t be tanning. Select tight
fitting clothes so that the tan spray cannot go under your
sleeves. Choose dark colored clothes, since spray tanners will
stain clothing.

3. Follow the instructions! Provided by the Salon. Self-tanning
booths typically have a handout, so read up, and make sure you
know what to do!

4. For 30-60 seconds after a self-tanning booth application you
need to Stand still. This will ensure that your tan dries
evenly. Although it does take longer than 30 seconds for your
spray tan to dry completely, the first minute or more is when
you run a real risk of rubbing off the self-tanner before it has
a chance to work.

5. After your spray tan application you will need to Blot your
skin with a towel to catch any drips. 6. Because your feet
normally get less sun than the rest of you, your feet are paler
and may get dark faster, so it is important to Protect your
feet. If you are spraying yourself, go lightly on the feet. If
you are using a salon use the paper booties that are provided to
protect your feet. You can later apply a self tanner to your
feet to give them the appropriate amount of color.

If you’ve got a special event coming up, perhaps a wedding,
prom, or a re-union, spray tanning might be something you’ll
want to try. When done correctly it results in a very natural
looking tan adding summer color to your pale winter skin.

Sher Matsen
http://www.articlesbase.com/women’s-issues-articles/the-alternative-to-sun-tanning-is-a-spray-tan-2932.html

Stomach bloating is a common complaint suffered by millions of people of both sexes and all ages. But why do we get it?

What causes bloating in some people more than in others and what can we do to get rid of it?

Well generally speaking, bloating is that uncomfortable overstuffed feeling that most of us have experienced at one time or another. Usually after overindulging at the dinner table or maybe after a bout of excessive drinking. However for some people bloating is an every day occurrence that can make meal times a constant battle.

There are several factors that contribute to stomach bloating and most of them are food or drink related.  If you are a sufferer you need to find out what is your ‘bloat trigger’ in order to help you deal with the problem and treat it properly. The four most common culprits are:

• Fluid Rentention
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• Stress
• Food intolerance

Fluid Retention

For many women, bloating may be hormone related and the result of a build up of fluid especially in the week prior to menstruation. When an imbalance occurs in the body, excess fluid can build up in spaces between cells. Quite often a bloated abdomen may be accompanied by puffy eyes and swollen ankles.

A quick way to test for yourself if you suspect you may be suffering from fluid retention is to press your thumb onto your lower leg for a couple of seconds. When you release the pressure gently feel to see if the skin has sprung back or if you have been left with an indentation. If you can feel a dent this may be a sign of fluid retention.If you suspect you are suffering from fluid retention you should consult your doctor.

Many over the counter remedies for milder occasional cases are available. Diuretics (water tablets) can provide temporary relief but are not always the best solution as these can lead to dehydration and dizziness. A better solution is to cut down on salt and alcohol intake and increase potassium levels. Good natural sources of potassium include fruit (especially bananas), vegetables, pulses, nuts and seeds, milk, fish, shellfish, beef and poultry. If you are in the habit of adding salt to meals try switching to low sodium alternatives such as LoSalt which is high in natural potassium and contains 66% less sodium than regular salts.

Irritable bowel syndrome

This is a common cause abdominal bloating.  Treating ibs and digestive problems can be difficult and treatments should be discussed with your GP. However many home remedies and over the counter treatments are available and well worth trying.If you suffer from ibs you will more than likely also have additional symptoms such as:

1: constipation

2: abdominal pain

3: diarrhoea

Some of the more common remedies you may be prescribed include anti-spasmodic tablets such as Spasmonal, Colofac and Buscopan. As the title suggests these work by acting directly on the smooth muscle in the gut, causing it to relax. This relieves painful muscle spasms of the gut, without affecting it’s normal motility.

Over the counter remedies such as peppermint oil capsules and peppermint tea are also useful for soothing the symptoms. Charcoal products which are available from most health food shops are a popular choice for bloating and excess wind in the lower abdomen. Other popular products such as Gas X containing Simethicone, can be extremely helpful in dispersing excess gas and are available in a variety of forms including strips,softgels and chewable tablets.

Beano is a natural food enzyme dietary supplement that can help prevent gas before it starts. It’s available in either tablet or liquid form and works on neutralising the gases caused by a variety of foods including beans, vegetables and whole grains.

Probiotic drinks and yoghurts may also be helpful by encouraging good bacteria and helping to maintain a healthy gut. It’s worth incorporating these into your daily diet to assist digestion and keep ‘everything moving’. Activia is currently one of the market leaders and is available from all leading stores and supermarkets. The recommendation is to consume one or two pots per day for at least a fortnight. After this time the manufacturers are confident you will feel better with a noticable reduction in bloating.

Stress

This too can be a factor in abdominal bloating. The link between the digestive system and emotions is well documented. Many people suffer from a ‘nervous tummy’ and most of us are familiar with that stomach lurching feeling or that urgent need to rush to the toilet when we are anxious or under pressure.

Gulping food down too quickly can also create bloating by allowing too much air to be swallowed. Remember how you have to ‘burp’ a baby when he guzzles down the contents of his bottle?

Chewing gum and drinking fizzy drinks can all cause the same problem. Taking time to eat slowly and chewing food properly can be helpful. Try eating smaller portions and putting the fork down between mouthfuls. You should also avoid drinking through straws.

Relaxation techniques or hypnosis may be the best long term solutions to help to deal with bloating caused by stress. When we are under severe stress the brain releases hormones that put an enormous burden on our digestive systems. But different people may react in completely different ways and while some may be unable to eat a single morsel others won’t be able to stop themselves raiding the fridge and gorging on comfort foods. It’s no wonder that stress has been implicated in digestive disorders including cramps, diarrhoea, heartburn and bloating.

Probably the most common cause of stomach bloating is food intolerance.Not to be confused with Food Allergy which is a more serious condition where the immune system responds disproportionately to a certain normally harmless food, provoking in some cases, a severe and occasionally life threatening reaction.

Food intolerance on the other hand is the inability of the body to properly break down and digest certain foods and ingredients.

One common cause of food intolerance is lactose found in cow’s milk. This occurs in some people who have a shortage of the enzyme lactase. Lactase is needed to break down milk sugar and allow it to be absorbed into the bloodstream. The symptoms of lactose intolerance can be mild or severe and include nausea, cramps, diarrhoea and bloating. A range of tests are available through your doctor to detect lactose intolerance.

Anyone found to be intolerant to lactose will need to modify their diet and reduce their intake of milk and other dairy products. Nowadays, lactose reduced milk and other products are available at most supermarkets. For those whose symptoms are more severe, lactase enzyme may be prescribed in liquid or tablet form to aid digestion.

Certain other types of food are well known to cause excess gas, for example: onions; broccoli; cabbage and beans etc.There are also a number of ‘hidden’ foods and food additives can also contribute to bloating and the best way of isolating those responsible is to follow a careful elimination diet for 3 – 7 days.

Elizabeth Hartley
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/stomach-bloating-the-causes-and-the-cures-724910.html

Stomach bloating is a common complaint suffered by millions of people of both sexes and all ages. But why do we get it?

What causes bloating in some people more than in others and what can we do to get rid of it?

Well generally speaking, bloating is that uncomfortable overstuffed feeling that most of us have experienced at one time or another. Usually after overindulging at the dinner table or maybe after a bout of excessive drinking. However for some people bloating is an every day occurrence that can make meal times a constant battle.

There are several factors that contribute to stomach bloating and most of them are food or drink related.  If you are a sufferer you need to find out what is your ‘bloat trigger’ in order to help you deal with the problem and treat it properly. The four most common culprits are:

• Fluid Rentention
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• Stress
• Food intolerance

Fluid Retention

For many women, bloating may be hormone related and the result of a build up of fluid especially in the week prior to menstruation. When an imbalance occurs in the body, excess fluid can build up in spaces between cells. Quite often a bloated abdomen may be accompanied by puffy eyes and swollen ankles.

A quick way to test for yourself if you suspect you may be suffering from fluid retention is to press your thumb onto your lower leg for a couple of seconds. When you release the pressure gently feel to see if the skin has sprung back or if you have been left with an indentation. If you can feel a dent this may be a sign of fluid retention.If you suspect you are suffering from fluid retention you should consult your doctor.

Many over the counter remedies for milder occasional cases are available. Diuretics (water tablets) can provide temporary relief but are not always the best solution as these can lead to dehydration and dizziness. A better solution is to cut down on salt and alcohol intake and increase potassium levels. Good natural sources of potassium include fruit (especially bananas), vegetables, pulses, nuts and seeds, milk, fish, shellfish, beef and poultry. If you are in the habit of adding salt to meals try switching to low sodium alternatives such as LoSalt which is high in natural potassium and contains 66% less sodium than regular salts.

Irritable bowel syndrome

This is a common cause abdominal bloating.  Treating ibs and digestive problems can be difficult and treatments should be discussed with your GP. However many home remedies and over the counter treatments are available and well worth trying.If you suffer from ibs you will more than likely also have additional symptoms such as:

1: constipation

2: abdominal pain

3: diarrhoea

Some of the more common remedies you may be prescribed include anti-spasmodic tablets such as Spasmonal, Colofac and Buscopan. As the title suggests these work by acting directly on the smooth muscle in the gut, causing it to relax. This relieves painful muscle spasms of the gut, without affecting it’s normal motility.

Over the counter remedies such as peppermint oil capsules and peppermint tea are also useful for soothing the symptoms. Charcoal products which are available from most health food shops are a popular choice for bloating and excess wind in the lower abdomen. Other popular products such as Gas X containing Simethicone, can be extremely helpful in dispersing excess gas and are available in a variety of forms including strips,softgels and chewable tablets.

Beano is a natural food enzyme dietary supplement that can help prevent gas before it starts. It’s available in either tablet or liquid form and works on neutralising the gases caused by a variety of foods including beans, vegetables and whole grains.

Probiotic drinks and yoghurts may also be helpful by encouraging good bacteria and helping to maintain a healthy gut. It’s worth incorporating these into your daily diet to assist digestion and keep ‘everything moving’. Activia is currently one of the market leaders and is available from all leading stores and supermarkets. The recommendation is to consume one or two pots per day for at least a fortnight. After this time the manufacturers are confident you will feel better with a noticable reduction in bloating.

Stress

This too can be a factor in abdominal bloating. The link between the digestive system and emotions is well documented. Many people suffer from a ‘nervous tummy’ and most of us are familiar with that stomach lurching feeling or that urgent need to rush to the toilet when we are anxious or under pressure.

Gulping food down too quickly can also create bloating by allowing too much air to be swallowed. Remember how you have to ‘burp’ a baby when he guzzles down the contents of his bottle?

Chewing gum and drinking fizzy drinks can all cause the same problem. Taking time to eat slowly and chewing food properly can be helpful. Try eating smaller portions and putting the fork down between mouthfuls. You should also avoid drinking through straws.

Relaxation techniques or hypnosis may be the best long term solutions to help to deal with bloating caused by stress. When we are under severe stress the brain releases hormones that put an enormous burden on our digestive systems. But different people may react in completely different ways and while some may be unable to eat a single morsel others won’t be able to stop themselves raiding the fridge and gorging on comfort foods. It’s no wonder that stress has been implicated in digestive disorders including cramps, diarrhoea, heartburn and bloating.

Probably the most common cause of stomach bloating is food intolerance.Not to be confused with Food Allergy which is a more serious condition where the immune system responds disproportionately to a certain normally harmless food, provoking in some cases, a severe and occasionally life threatening reaction.

Food intolerance on the other hand is the inability of the body to properly break down and digest certain foods and ingredients.

One common cause of food intolerance is lactose found in cow’s milk. This occurs in some people who have a shortage of the enzyme lactase. Lactase is needed to break down milk sugar and allow it to be absorbed into the bloodstream. The symptoms of lactose intolerance can be mild or severe and include nausea, cramps, diarrhoea and bloating. A range of tests are available through your doctor to detect lactose intolerance.

Anyone found to be intolerant to lactose will need to modify their diet and reduce their intake of milk and other dairy products. Nowadays, lactose reduced milk and other products are available at most supermarkets. For those whose symptoms are more severe, lactase enzyme may be prescribed in liquid or tablet form to aid digestion.

Certain other types of food are well known to cause excess gas, for example: onions; broccoli; cabbage and beans etc.There are also a number of ‘hidden’ foods and food additives can also contribute to bloating and the best way of isolating those responsible is to follow a careful elimination diet for 3 – 7 days.

Elizabeth Hartley
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/stomach-bloating-the-causes-and-the-cures-724910.html

There are many joint pain relief and or joint health supplements on the market. The main ingredient in most of these supplements is Glucosamine. Glucosamine is a compound that the latest research has shown to be very beneficial to promoting joint healing. This is a very important distinction that should be recognized, when looking at joint pain products. Most over the counter joint pain products are primarily concerned with pain reduction and only pain reduction. Glucosamine promote healing in damaged joints, thus relieving pain in both acute and chronic arthritic conditions.

I would like to share my first clinical experience with a Glucosamine supplement that really opened my eyes and my mind to the possible health benefits of Glucosamine. I had a patient who owned a karate school, he was a black belt. He would perform various karate techniques at competitions and events. For years one of the techniques he demonstrated was breaking boards with karate kicks. On one visits to my office he complained of foot pain around the big toe. His x-ray revealed no fractures, but he was diagnosis with halicus degenerous, a condition where the main joint of the big toe is deteriorating. His condition was severe, with over 50% of the joint obliterated. When we were discussing his options he asked me about taking Glucosamine. At this point I really was not very familiar with Glucosamine. This was almost twenty years ago, and I had not seen or read anything about it, so I told him I would look into it. There was not very much research, or documentation, but what was available indicated that it was safe and might help. I spoke with the patient about the info I read, and he decided to try it. I only saw that patient a few times over the next year. On a follow-up visit, almost one year after the initial visit, he indicated that the toe was no longer a problem, so I asked if we could take a new x-ray of it. Well, let me tell you that I was more that a little surprise to see what appeared to be an x-ray of a completely normal toe. That kind of healing generally does not take place.

This was just one of many positive experiences I have witnessed over the years. So to answer the question, yes absolutely taking a Glucosamine supplement will help reduce your joint pain.

Dr. Robert Buckley
http://www.articlesbase.com/supplements-and-vitamins-articles/does-taking-glucosamine-help-with-joint-pain-125161.html

Okay, so if you’re done with scratching your head over the mind-boggling varieties of dog food available in the market and wondering just which one of those tins with umpteen benefits and supplementary vitamins, minerals and fiber doses is the one for your pooch – let’s move on to something that has proven goodness! Yes, we are talking big-time strong bones – with glucosamine, which you may have seen advertised on certain brands of dog foods as an ingredient; do consider including it in your dog’s regular diet if you want to have a long-life companion that is healthy, strong and raring to go for that evening walk at anytime!

This can be possible with the scientific break-through provided by glucosamine being beneficial for humans with a joint health issue: a known dietary supplement, it has proven to be advantageous for maintaining good joint cartilage health and improving the lubrication of various joints, by acting as a building block element. This improves joint movements and since it has already worked for humans, it wasn’t long before the goodness of glucosamine was tested for dogs as well; the results were good and proved beneficial for canine health being ensured at peak performance levels even as dogs grew older.

Simply put, the benefits of Glucosamine are best felt for improving the smooth functioning of joints and strengthening bones as it moistens and lubricates a dog’s joints so diseases like arthritis, to which large breeds are predisposed to developing and joint/hip problems can be avoided.

In the natural form, glucosamine can be found in shellfish while the other source is fermented corn; the latter is suitable for veggie loving dogs. It is now being increasingly recommended to dog owners to strongly consider including glucosamine in their dog’s daily diet as it is not only a health-building element, but also safe from side-effects of any kinds –even when taken with other medications and supplements.

Most of the high quality dog foods of today have realized the benefits of glucosamine and added them to their line of products with animal nutritionists have endorsed this on TV shows, magazines and even in doctor’s clinics having felt the need to encourage dog owners to also realize the goodness of glucosamine for their pets. Even in supplement form, Glucosamine can benefit your dog: as tasty treats are a-plenty for snack-time instead of trying to improve dog-health with pills, so it is a better bet to Go with Glucosamine!

On a precautionary note, if the dog food you currently buy for your pet already contains glucosamine, you may wan to first consult with your vet to decide whether additional supplements are needed – before you change your dog’s diet.

Abhishek Agarwal
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/your-dogs-diet-build-strong-bones-with-glucosamine-753458.html

As you stand in the store pondering the plethora of varieties of dog food for your dog’s diet, your mind can truly become overwhelmed. The numerous ingredients in dog food simply complicate things even further.

Who really knows what all of those ingredients really mean? You see glucosamine on some of the dog food labels. That sounds a bit familiar. Haven’t you heard of glucosamine in the news? What exactly is glucosamine and why should it be in your dog’s diet?

Glucosamine has proven to be beneficial to joint health in humans. Research has also shown that glucosamine in a dog’s diet can be beneficial to your pet’s health too.

Glucosamine is a dietary supplement that maintains good joint cartilage. It is one of the key building blocks to produce joint lubricants. The joint lubricant helps to keep the joints moving and functioning with ease. When included in your dog’s diet, it will ensure your pet’s joints work at their peak performance levels for years to come.

How does glucosamine work to help your dog’s joints?

The added hydration and lubrication it provides to the joints will help to prevent arthritis in your dog. Owners of large breed dogs that are predisposed to having joint and hip problems should especially consider adding glucosamine to their dog’s diet.

Shellfish is a good source of glucosamine. It is also available through a unique process of fermenting corn. This method creates a vegetable based glucosamine. One of the qualities of glucosamine is that it does not interact with other medications your dog might be taking.

Today, many high-quality dog foods have added glucosamine to their dog food following reports by dog nutrition researchers of its benefits to dog joint health. Glucosamine will be listed on the dog food label if it exists in that particular product. If it is not mentioned, supplements can be given.

Glucosamine supplements come in numerous forms. You can even give your dog a treat specially designed to supplement your dog’s diet. The tasty treat eliminates the trouble of dosing your dog with pills.

Of course, it is always best to talk to your veterinarian about any changes to your dog’s diet. He or she can give you advice about what supplements should be added and in what quantity. Ask your vet about the advantages of glucosamine and whether they supplements are necessary.

Protect your dog’s joints by monitoring the amount of glucosamine in your dog’s diet.

Francis N. Tressler
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/dogs-training-series-glucosamine-in-your-dogs-diet-693075.html

Nothing makes you feel old quite like the onset of arthritis. Painful joints that prevent you playing your favorite sport, taking long walks, or even simply getting out and about, can have a dramatic effect on your life. Taking a regular dose of liquid glucosamine can reduce the pain and swelling linked to arthritis, helping you to remain active and feel youthful and energetic.

Osteoarthritis is an inflammation of your joints which is caused by a reduction in the amount of cartilage that naturally supports and protects them. Arthritis suffers tend to limit their movement to reduce the amount of pain they feel, but this can actually make their condition worse and cause muscle atrophy. For this reason, arthritis treatment focuses on pain control to keep us active and keep our muscles working.

Although one of the benefits of glucosamine is a reduction in the pain of arthritis, it also has properties that can slow the development of the disease. It is a natural derivative of cartilage and is necessary to build healthy joints. There is some evidence that taking a glucosamine supplement orally can help to rebuild cartilage to cushion your joints more effectively.

Taking glucosamine as a liquid vitamin has many advantages. It is easier to swallow than a vitamin pill, tastes batter, and will be absorbed more easily because your body will not need to break down the solid particles of a tablet. Easier absorption means that the effects of the glucosamine will be felt more quickly, bringing more rapid relief from joint pain. Fewer doses are required to achieve the same effect, and liquid vitamin supplements can work out considerably cheaper than their tablet counterparts.

Glucosamine is available in many liquid vitamin supplements such as ‘Drinkables Joint Care’ and ‘Flexicose’. In these liquid supplements glucosamine can be combined with other substances that can contribute to healthy, pain free joints including Chondroitin Sulfate and Omega 3 fatty acids.

Although glucosamine liquid supplements are now widely used, there is little regulation on the advised dose or the purity of the glucosamine in the liquid. As a guide, you should make sure any one dose of liquid glucosamine supplement contains 1500mg of glucosamine. This should be Glucosamine Hydrochloride, rather than Glucosamine Sulfate to get the highest concentration of beneficial glucosamine. If you are unsure which supplement you should choose, you may want to get a recommendation from your doctor.

Having arthritis doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice the active way of life you are used to. Taking a regular dose of liquid glucosamine can ensure that arthritis has a very limited impact on your life and you can stay as active as ever. There is even a suitable liquid glucosamine supplement for dogs if you find Rover can’t keep up with the new active you!

Rebecca Prescott
http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/benefit-of-glucosamine-liquid-vitamins-for-arthritis-127174.html

If you take paracetemol or an anti-inflammatory drug when you suffer from pain, you’re not alone. A 2005 study, reported in the American Journal of Therapy, showed paracetemol was the most acceptable form of analgesic drug for two-thirds of patients with osteoarthritis pain.

Another study on behalf of the International Arthritis Action Group, found 47 percent of Australians in pain do not use medication because they’re worried about side effects, or feel they don’t know enough about the risks and benefits of treatment. Some do try medication but if it doesn’t work they’re reluctant to discuss an alternative with their GP or specialist. Often they give up searching for help and assume they have to live with soreness and pain. Not so.

Paracetemol may be effective for a first line of defence, but for long term relief it may be worth considering these 7 natural food and supplement options.

OMEGA 3 FISH OIL.

Fish oils are derived from deep sea fish such as salmon, mackerel, sardines, anchovies and tuna. They provide a rich source of the omega 3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. According to Dr Ronald Klatz, president of American Academy of Anti-aging Medicine, omega 3s are excellent anti inflammatories, which may be beneficial in the pain relief of rheumatoid and osteoarthritis.

Omega 3 fatty acids may also be taken in capsule form and can be beneficial when combined with glucosamine sulfate. One helps to build and support cartilage, the other works to ease inflammation.

COOKED VEGETABLES AND OLIVE OIL.

A diet loaded with cooked vegetables and olive oil, may help reduce the pain, swelling and discomfort of rheumatoid arthritis, according to a study from Harvard School of Public Health and reported in American School of Clinical Nutrition.

Your body makes bad prostoglandins that cause swelling and pain and good prostoglandins that prevent swelling and pain. Aspirin and other arthritis pain medicines contain drugs that block the bad prostoglandins.

Cooked vegetables and olive oils contain polyunsaturated and monounsaturated oils that are used by your body to make the good prostoglandins that block pain and swelling. They are also loaded with antioxidants.

ASHWAGHANDA ROOT.

This herb is used extensively in Ayurveda, the traditional medicine of India. It stimulates immunity and as an antioxidant, reduces cell damaging free radicals.
Its anti inflammatory properties have been shown to be helpful for the pain of arthritis.

LEMON BALM.

An important antioxidant containing a high concentration of phenols, chemicals that fight cell damaging toxins. It can help decrease the pain of inflammatory conditions such as arthritis.

EVENING PRIMROSE OIL.

The active ingredient in this plant is gamma linoleic acid [GLA] an omega 6 fatty acid. Supplementing with evening primrose oil may help in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis pain. Taken by many women to relieve period pain, it could also cut the chances of women with breast cancer having a relapse, according to an American study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

SULPHUR RICH FOODS.

Sulphur is vital for the repair and rebuilding of bones, cartilage and connective tissue. Sulphur rich foods include cabbage, onion, broccoli, garlic, leak and eggs.
Sulphur can be taken in supplement form as MSM {Methyl sulfonyl methane} and is often included in formulas that include glucosamine and chondroitin. According to Dr Ronald M. Lawrence, of the UCLA School of Medicine and Founding Member of the American Association for the Study of Pain, people with joint issues often lack the proper amount of sulphur to let the body heal itself.

WILLOW BARK.

White willow bark is a natural aspirin. According to naturopath Ron Gellatley, it reduces swelling and pain without any side effects. Try drinking away stiffness and pain with a cup of hot willow bark tea. To brew the tea, add one teaspoon of dried willow bark to a cup of boiled water. Steep for 5 minutes, then strain before drinking.

Graeme Lanham
http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/is-there-a-cure-for-arthritis-pain-91186.html

Fish Oil for Rheumatoid Arthritis .The Secret Weapon

Do you have  red puffy sore joints ? I’m feeling for you ..
A have a secret weapon I use for rheumatoid arthritis and it works a treat. Its fish oil and it gives great relief.

What is rheumatoid arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis is a painful chronic disorder that causes the cartilage and other tissue around the bone to become inflamed and damaged causing extreme discomfort to the sufferer .In rheumatoid arthritis the immune system attacks the bodies own joints and tissue this is called the autoimmune reaction joint pain and stiffness make the sufferer uncomfortable and inhibits them to do things they enjoy.

So can fish oil for rheumatoid arthritis help? 

Studies have been shown that people who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis and take fish oil supplements daily have found that general stiffness in their joints was a lot less and the redness and puffiness was less severe. .This result was after taking fish oil supplement or oil over a period of a few months.

So what fish oil should I use? Here is a simple 5 step checklist before buying a fish oil for rheumatoid arthritis 

Look for a fish oil supplement rich in omega-3 and a higher level of DHA

Look for a fish oil that has the suppliers certificate of analysis (COA.) on the label or on there website .Make sure the oxidation levels are low.

Is the fish oil been purified/molecularly distilled? The Molecular distillation will allow the oils to be set apart from the bad contaminants. Leaving the rich, healthy golden omega 3 oils that can then be encapsulated into soft gels for easy swallowing.

What is the species of fish used for this oil? You want to make sure the handling of the fish after being harvested is done correctly and also the right care has been taken in the oil storage to ensure you receive a quality oil product.

It only takes a few minutes to look online and see if the fish oil you buy have all this information on there website or on the fish oil label, if not then find a fish oil supplement that does.

Find out where the fish used for this oil has been caught .Is the oceans they have been harvested from polluted or pristine?

It really pays to do a little research in fish oil for rheumatoid arthritis .You want the best oil high in DHA and omega -3 and a fresh quality product that will give the best results .

Pia Pandora
http://www.articlesbase.com/supplements-and-vitamins-articles/fish-oil-for-rheumatoid-arthritis-the-secret-weapon-897680.html

Nothing makes you feel old quite like the onset of arthritis. Painful joints that prevent you playing your favorite sport, taking long walks, or even simply getting out and about, can have a dramatic effect on your life. Taking a regular dose of liquid glucosamine can reduce the pain and swelling linked to arthritis, helping you to remain active and feel youthful and energetic.

Osteoarthritis is an inflammation of your joints which is caused by a reduction in the amount of cartilage that naturally supports and protects them. Arthritis suffers tend to limit their movement to reduce the amount of pain they feel, but this can actually make their condition worse and cause muscle atrophy. For this reason, arthritis treatment focuses on pain control to keep us active and keep our muscles working.

Although one of the benefits of glucosamine is a reduction in the pain of arthritis, it also has properties that can slow the development of the disease. It is a natural derivative of cartilage and is necessary to build healthy joints. There is some evidence that taking a glucosamine supplement orally can help to rebuild cartilage to cushion your joints more effectively.

Taking glucosamine as a liquid vitamin has many advantages. It is easier to swallow than a vitamin pill, tastes batter, and will be absorbed more easily because your body will not need to break down the solid particles of a tablet. Easier absorption means that the effects of the glucosamine will be felt more quickly, bringing more rapid relief from joint pain. Fewer doses are required to achieve the same effect, and liquid vitamin supplements can work out considerably cheaper than their tablet counterparts.

Glucosamine is available in many liquid vitamin supplements such as ‘Drinkables Joint Care’ and ‘Flexicose’. In these liquid supplements glucosamine can be combined with other substances that can contribute to healthy, pain free joints including Chondroitin Sulfate and Omega 3 fatty acids.

Although glucosamine liquid supplements are now widely used, there is little regulation on the advised dose or the purity of the glucosamine in the liquid. As a guide, you should make sure any one dose of liquid glucosamine supplement contains 1500mg of glucosamine. This should be Glucosamine Hydrochloride, rather than Glucosamine Sulfate to get the highest concentration of beneficial glucosamine. If you are unsure which supplement you should choose, you may want to get a recommendation from your doctor.

Having arthritis doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice the active way of life you are used to. Taking a regular dose of liquid glucosamine can ensure that arthritis has a very limited impact on your life and you can stay as active as ever. There is even a suitable liquid glucosamine supplement for dogs if you find Rover can’t keep up with the new active you!

Rebecca Prescott
http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/benefit-of-glucosamine-liquid-vitamins-for-arthritis-127174.html

The use of condition-specific supplements more than doubled between 1999 and 2005. There are two possible reasons for this increase:

?Consumers could be switching from single-nutrient supplements to treat and prevent health issues to combination and condition-specific formulas
?Americans are more confident of their ability to take care of their own health

Consumers may be switching from single-nutrient supplements to condition-specific formulas because it is an easier and less costly route toward one-stop shopping for health.

Dietary supplements are a way for Americans to self manage and treat specific health issues.

The prevention of specific health issues and medical conditions has become the number one reason why 57% of consumers took a vitamin-mineral supplement for the first time over the past 5 years.

I personally had a rise in triglycerides for the first time. Instead of a prescription drug my doctor elected to try a dietary supplement, Niacin, in the hopes of reducing the triglyceride level. At my last exam, apparently this supplement worked for me. My triglyceride level was lowered after 6 months of taking the dietary supplement of Niacin. It has been more cost effective than a prescription drug.

Young people are specifically interested in improving physical performance as a motivator for starting vitamin and mineral supplements. The number one reason for adults aged 18 to 29 years to go on a vitamin-mineral regimen or make a dietary change is to enhance performance. Weight control is the second reason.

There continues to be steady growth of the belief in vitamin-mineral supplements as an effective means of treating and preventing health problems and conditions.

There is also a growing concern about vitamin-mineral supplements interacting with prescription medications. Some people are dissatisfied about the quantity of pills taken and other people have difficulty swallowing pills.

Condition-Specific Supplements

Condition-specific supplements are the fastest growing sector of the supplement business. The use of vitamins E and C have dropped since the year 2000. Multivitamin sales continue to grow at a modest rate. Consumers still take vitamin-mineral supplements because they believe their diets lack vitamins and minerals. Calcium and Vitamin C are the most frequently taken vitamin supplements.

For those people who used a condition-specific supplement in 2005, joint pain was the most frequently mentioned condition, after that was for heart health, osteoporosis and arthritis. Also on the rise are vitamin and mineral supplements for osteoporosis and memory concentration.

In 2005, nearly half (44%) of all US supplements sold were for a specific health condition, such as arthritis, joint pain, heart health, osteoporosis, weight loss.

There were 14 conditions that account for 84% of the condition-specific supplement sales in 2005. The top two conditions consumers took condition-specific supplements for was sports/energy/weight/loss and general health. Other conditions include:

?Sports/energy/weight loss
?General health
?Joint health
?Cold/flu-immune
?Anticancer
?Heart health
?Bone health
?Gastrointestinal health
?Diabetes
?Menopause
?Brain mental
?Mood
?Sexual health
?Insomnia

The trend toward taking supplements for condition-specific reasons is expected to continue to grow. Baby Boomers now aged 42 to 60 years and the 72 million Generation Y members who will be the audiences for supplement marketers. Those who are not currently using a supplement say they are most likely to do so to prevent/treat arthritis.

As baby boomers begin to experience age-associated conditions for the first time, they are most likely to opt for supplements directed at particular conditions such as arthritis, cholesterol, wrinkles, eye health, and hypertension.

Source: Nutrition Today, Volume 42, Number 2, March/April 2007

Disclaimer: *This article is not meant to diagnose, treat or cure any kind of a health problem. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Always consult with your health care provider about any kind of a health problem and especially before beginning any kind of an exercise routine.

This article is FREE to publish with the resource box. Article written 4-2007.

Connie Limon
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/why-do-people-take-dietary-supplements-and-who-is-the-audience-for-supplement-marketers-139496.html

The good news is that pregnancy after 40 isn’t as difficult as it used to be.  A getting pregnant calendar should be your first step: make sure you carefully mark the days of your cycle in order to maximize your chances.  Knowing your ovulation date is the single most important factor when it comes to conceiving a child, so make sure you and your partner are aware of when these days are.

The best pregnancy food to eat includes anything that will help you stay energized.  Balance proteins such as meats, fish, eggs and poultry against healthy carbohydrates like fruit, nuts, and whole grains or cereals.  Drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated, and try to increase your physical activity so that you’re getting at least 30 minutes of exercise each day.  Getting pregnant after 40 requires your body to be in the best possible shape, both for you and your future baby.

The best pregnancy vitamins include supplements that your body may no longer be getting enough of.  As a woman advances in age her metabolism decreases, and the breaking down of food and nutrients isn’t as efficient as it used to be.  Trying to conceive a baby while your body is deficient of essential minerals can be an uphill battle, which is why the following recommended prenatal vitamin regimen should be considered:

* Folic Acid – This supplement is a must have.  It’s the number one pre-pregnancy vitamin prescribed to women of any age, and it’s an important part of early fetal development.  You should make sure Folic Acid is at the top of your list.

* Iron – Getting enough iron can be a problem as you get older.  For women who are anemic, iron is especially important.  Make sure you’re getting your daily recommended allowance.

* Calcium – As you probably already know, calcium breakdown can be a common female problem as age increases.  Ovulation and getting pregnant requires that you get more than enough of this vital element.

* DHA – Many top prenatal vitamins include docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).  This is an omega-3 fatty acid normally found in fish that is important for brain and heart development and health.  Because women trying to become pregnant often limit their intake of fish due to concerns about mercury, they sometimes miss out on getting enough DHA in their diet.  Make up for it here.

* Alpha Lipoic Acid – Essential to producing energy at a cellular level, C0Q10 and alpha lipoic acid are fairly expensive and not commonly found in most prenatal supplements… but these nutrients can have incredibly powerful effects on your body’s function.  If you can work these into your budget, they’re certainly worth it.

* Zinc – Want to really boost fertility?  Zinc has been shown to do just that, in numerous studies.  It can be taken while trying to get pregnant in order to stimulate fertility and you should continue to take it while pregnant to help in the development in your baby’s tissues.

* Vitamin B6 – Not only do the B-complex vitamins help give you an energy boost, but this particular supplement has been proven to decrease symptoms of morning sickness.  By increasing chances of getting pregnant with this mineral, you’re also helping out with how you’ll feel once you’ve already conceived.

No matter how old you are, it’s never a bad idea to be on the best pregnancy vitamin plan possible.  It’s also important to realize that there are foods that you should avoid while trying to get pregnant, and over the counter medications and herbal remedies that could be counterproductive to having a baby.  On the flip side of the coin, there are many that can actually help in Getting pregnant after 40.

Aurelia
http://www.articlesbase.com/pregnancy-articles/top-prenatal-vitamins-to-help-in-getting-pregnant-after-40-869362.html

For any up and coming mother especially those who will be having a baby for the first time, she would want to ensure that her baby be in the best health and condition. Many pregnant women have to undergo regular check up and are being prescribed with vitamins to ensure that the baby gets the needed nutrition and be free from any diseases or infections. It is important also that a mother eats healthy food and avoids things like drinking alcohol and smoking.

There have been a lot of issues regarding prenatal vitamins and we need clarifications on certain of these issues so that we will be aware on whether this is true or merely a misleading notion.

It is true that it is important for pregnant women to take in prenatal vitamins or supplements for they cannot be sure if the food they will be taken in will provide for all the necessary vitamins and minerals that she will need for her and her upcoming baby. This time she is not only eating for herself but she is eating for two people. While she may exert extra effort to eat only what are healthy, chances are she wouldn’t be able to get everything that she will need that is why there is a need for supplements that will help fill this gap. But we have to remember that supplements are not there to substitute poor nutrition. This has to go with eating healthy in order for the body to be able to make full use of the vitamins and minerals available for the body to absorb and use.

While there may be numerous prenatal vitamins that could be bought over the counter at pharmacies which would really work for most women, it is still ideal to consult your doctor on which one would best suit your needs. There are certain things that you need to ensure like the amount of Vitamin A that could be toxic if taken in excessive amounts and could cause possible birth defects. You also need to ensure an adequate amount of folic acid which is very vital for your baby’s development. The ingredients in a prenatal vitamin are important and if your body would be absorbing them.

Some pregnant women especially the sensitive ones may find themselves bothered by the taste and sometimes smell of these vitamins. You could ask your doctor about switching brands if possible or if not you could just make a little amount of sacrifice for your little angel.

Mary Lorainne
http://www.articlesbase.com/internet-articles/the-real-deal-on-prenatal-vitamins-111698.html

If you are planning to conceive or are already on the family way, taking prenatal vitamins is a must. Prenatal vitamins provide important minerals and nutrients that help support a healthy pregnancy.

There are several prenatal vitamins being sold in the market today – some can be bought over-the-counter and there are those that are specifically prescribed by your healthcare provider. Is there a difference between the two? In this article, we will show the basic difference between prescription and over-the-counter prenatal vitamins and why prescription does matter.

The biggest difference between over-the-counter drugs and prescription prenatal vitamins is the amount of folic acid they contain. Many prescription prenatal vitamins contain 1.0 mg folic acid (1000 mcg) while many over-the-counter prenatal vitamins contain less or approximately 800 mcg of folic acid. Folic acid is especially important during the first three months of pregnancy because it helps your body produce healthy blood cells. It also helps prevent brain and spinal — or neural tube — defects.

What are neural tube defects, you may ask. Neural tube defects typically occur during the first few weeks of pregnancy, which means expectant moms need to get enough folic acid every day. According to the Institute of Medicine, the recommended daily allowance or RDA of folic acid during pregnancy is 0.6 mg with an upper intake of 1.0 mg per day.

In an informal comparison of four over-the-counter prenatal vitamins and nine prescription supplements reveals that the over-the-counter vitamins, though considerably higher in almost all the micronutrient levels, were usually lower in iron and folic acid. In this case alone, one can argue that prescription supplements really do outweigh over-the-counter prenatal vitamins.

Aside from being rich in folic acid, another advantage of prescription-based prenatal vitamins is the fact that it contains stool softeners. These ingredients (an example of which is docusate sodium) help prevent or relieve constipation. Most prenatal vitamins likewise contain higher doses of iron which helps women with iron-deficiency anemia cope with the disease during their respective pregnancies. There is also a growing trend among manufacturers of prescription prenatal vitamins to include omega-3 fatty acids, particularly docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).

It is also worth noting that there are some over-the-counter prenatal supplements that contain extra ingredients such as herbs. These so-called extra materials are not usually found in prescription prenatal vitamins. However, many healthcare providers frown upon these kinds of supplements as many herbs have not been proven safe for pregnant women.

Another compelling argument for choosing prescription prenatal supplements as opposed to over-the-counter vitamins is the seal of approval from the FDA.When a vitamin, supplement, or drug is sold by prescription, it must meet FDA standards. This requirement is not in place for over the counter prenatal vitamins.

As in most things about pregnancy, it is best to consult with your healthcare provider which kind of prenatal supplements you need to take. This is a decision that is yours to make alone. Professional opinion, particularly that of your OB Gyne, is a must.

Also, there are various resources you can look into before purchasing prenatal vitamins or supplements. For example, you can read magazines, browse the Internet, and ask someone close to you or just about anyone who has gone through expectancy period. Nothing is more reawrding than carrying a new life in your womb.

###

fishface50
http://www.articlesbase.com/supplements-and-vitamins-articles/prenatal-vitamins-versus-overthecounter-drugs-which-works-better-699113.html

Many women are either confused about what to look for in fertility vitamins or they don’t see the need to take vitamins at all. Let me take some time to explain why vitamin supplements are necessary in order to increase your fertility as well as why prenatal vitamins are necessary prior to and during pregnancy for you and your unborn child. Most women don’t get the vitamins and minerals needed from the food they eat from day to day. We would have to eat a whole lot of fruits, vegetables, meats, and grains in order to get the balance of vitamins and minerals that our bodies need to thrive and be our healthiest.

Women’s vitamins are especially important when a woman is trying to conceive and during pregnancy. These are specifically called prenatal vitamins.

Prenatal vitamins supply a rich assortment of vitamins and minerals to help a woman conceive and bring forth a healthy baby. These vitamins and minerals are necessary to help keep our hormones balanced and our nervous system running smoothly as well as keeping all our organs functioning optimally.

Let me stress – We all need to take a multivitamin and multi mineral supplement to make up for what is lacking in the food we eat. Even the best diet in the world will not give you all the nutrients you need for your best chance at getting pregnant and bringing forth an optimally healthy child.

So what do you look for? What are the qualities of the best fertility vitamins and prenatal vitamin supplements?

Well, I’m no expert. But I can tell you what I took that helped me to be more fertile and energetic and have a trouble-free pregnancy. I looked into several prenatal vitamins before choosing what I believe to be the best multi vitamin supplement that’s all natural and made from organically-grown plant compounds (see below). The other prenatal vitamins were synthetically made with artificial coloring.

I also ate lots of fruits and vegetables and drank a lot of purified water. (See my Preconception page for more on this.) Make sure your multivitamin has at least 400 mcg of folic acid (I took 800 mcg daily) in order to prevent neural tube defects in your unborn baby. This neural tube develops within the first month of life, so it’s important to get enough folic acid before you get pregnant.

* Remember that even the best multi vitamin supplement won’t replace eating a healthy diet with lots of fruits, vegetables, dairy products, grains, meats, and drinking lots of purified water. Both a healthy diet and a great multi vitamin supplement are needed to increase your fertility and ensure that you have a healthy pregnancy.

Sally Moran
http://www.articlesbase.com/pregnancy-articles/fertility-vitamins-and-prenatal-vitamins-373015.html

Body building supplements are generally defined as substances taken by athletes and body builders to help them develop a more toned and more defined physique. Individuals who take body building supplements are more likely involved in weight trainings, advance and intense workouts and sports.

These substances are also used to improve sports performance in particular. In addition, they also help an athlete to recover easily from injuries. Supplements make them stronger, agile and improved over all performance. Here are some examples of body building supplements.

1.Glutamine is one of the most common amino acids found in every human muscle. Supplement manufacturers say that the natural glutamine levels are depleted every time an individual do intense workout trainings and therefore may cause some deficiencies in the body. Many body builders who take supplements glutamine can restore and replenish the depleted stores of amino acids in the muscles.

2.Casein is considered as the supplement that contains the richest glutamine content. It also has a casomorphin that helps release amino acid content for a long term period. Soy protein is recognized to be naturally complete. However it causes some side effects in the estrogenic activity of body builders and athletes.

3.Amino acids are the building blocks of protein. Your body may break the consumed protein into amino acids that go to your stomach and intestines. There are three considered branched chain of amino acids. These are valine, leucine and isoleucine.

4.Prohormones help in enhancing the hormones. They are taken by bodybuilders to enhance the natural hormone testosterone of the muscles. There are some occurrences of side effects that are not common in most instances. Until now, most prohormone supplements are not yet thoroughly studied. The health hazard effects are not fully identified especially if the supplement is used long term.

5.Creatine is considered as an organic acid that helps in supplying energy to the muscle cells for excess use of energy. Most of these supplements are taken by most body weight lifters. Scientific studies have already proven that creatine provides extra power, strength, and energy and can improve muscle mass in a short period. In addition, it also improves memory recognition and helps the brain to function actively.

6.There are also those thermogenic supplements that increase the metabolism of the body. It keeps users active, agile and strong at all times. It maintains a physically fit body because of the increased rate of your body metabolism, which helps in burning the body fats. Supplements that are popularly known as thermogenics include aspirin, ephedrine and caffeine.

7.Nitric Oxide Stimulators play a major role in providing relaxation to the smooth muscle tissue that composes the blood vessels of your tissue. They provide muscle redefinition every time you undergo intense workouts.

The concerning issue with regards to bodybuilding supplements is that none of these supplements are classified as a dietary supplement. These supplements have not reached the standardization of the FDA.

When thinking of taking these supplements, remember that there are no regulations yet in place that can assure the user of the safety and purity of these bodybuilding supplements.

Dave Poon
http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/how-safe-are-the-body-building-supplements-for-athletes-53031.html

In todays society everyone is worried about the possible side effects of the various supplements on the market. However, there is no reason to be worried about side effects of whey supplements as long as you are buying the real thing. Thats because whey is completely natural and derived from milk. So, unless you have a whey allergy it is highly unlikely you will experience any undesirable effects from whey supplements. But, there are effects of whey supplements and these are considered positive ones.

Whey supplements are made up of pure whey protein and some other ingredients that will not cause you any harm. The composition is a little fat, a little carbohydrate, and mostly amino acid packed protein. When you take whey protein you can anticipate two body changing experiences, one being losing weight and the other being building lean muscle mass.

We all know that building muscle mass without losing weight only makes us bulk up even more. And, the overlaying fat must be lost in order to show off the nicely toned muscles underneath. Well, whey supplements are wonderful at helping individuals burn fat. Whey supplements were not designed with weight loss as one of the anticipated effects, but it turns out that is the case. The reason why is because the protein that whey is made up of is one of the best of all proteins. It helps individuals stay full longer, which means they eat fewer calories over the course of the day. Also, when taken before a meal people dontt eat as much but they dont feel hungry. So, when taking whey protein you should anticipate losing some weight.

The next benefit is that you will also build a lot of lean muscle mass if you are working out. Building muscle mass on your own is possible, but it is faster and healthier if you incorporate whey protein in your diet. The reason why is because whey supplements help repair muscles after a workout replenishing the many amino acids used up during the workout. It also promotes new muscle growth. Because of this whey supplements are outstanding for body builders and anyone who wants to make the most of their weight lifting. The greatest benefit of all is that whey protein can help people lose weight while building their lean muscle mass, which is a two for one benefit.

Pharmaceutical companies have been trying to come up with a weight loss drug that is just like magic. Once you take it you just magically lose the pounds with little effort. To date nothing of the sort has come on the market. But, whey protein is completely natural and it does a wonderful job of helping you eat less while building more muscle. So, if there is a miracle weight loss remedy it just might be whey protein. Fortunately, it is all natural, affordable, and easily digested by everyone.

Mark Goeder-tarant
http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/the-effects-of-whey-supplements-134687.html

Sport nutrition supplements help promote muscle growth in bodybuilders. Nutritional bodybuilding supplements also enhance performance and workout routines that include physical exercises. Weightlifting programs or weight training with free weights or machines will benefit from the addition of body building supplements.

Whether you are body building, weight lifting or working out with body toning exercises, always read and review the nutritional information on supplements before adding them to your workout routine. There are many different kinds of nutritional supplements which can be used for bodybuilding, weightlifting or even the general exercise enthusiast.

Many body building supplements also work well for weightlifting programs and even certain diet programs. On the other hand, you may find some sports supplements and nutritional products work better for the specific style of workout routine you are following.

For body building enthusiasts working towards muscle growth, there are some excellent weight gainer whey protein supplements available to help meet your goal. Because these bodybuilding products help add weight and muscle, they may not be best suited for workout routines designed only to tone muscle.

Body Building Supplements

Building muscle mass while sculpting your body for the perfect look can be a long and difficult process.

You can improve workout results with sports nutrition products like whey protein isolate, nor androstenediol, guggulsterones, amino acids, DHEA and meal replacement bars. Bodybuilders and weightlifters alike reach their goals as well as their limits while depending on quality bodybuilding supplements.

Weightlifting Supplements

Weightlifters are always pushing themselves to the limit or lifting weights to the point of ‘failure’. To ‘burn’ through these sets and increase muscle growth, weightlifters employ nutritional supplements. You can safely combine supplements, such as a whey protein isolate, Nitric Oxide and Testosterone Boosters, whether you are just beginning or wanting to reach your peak performance. Weight training programs at all levels benefit when bodybuilding supplements are used in weightlifting workouts.

Nitric Oxide

Nitric Oxide is a free form gas that is produced in the body and is used by the body to communicate with other cells in the body. To produce this gas, enzymes in the body break down the amino acid Arginine.

Nitric Oxide is a molecule consisting of one atom of nitrogen and one atom of oxygen. The production of Nitric Oxide occurs when the amino acid L-arginine is converted into L-citruline through an enzyme group known as Nitric Oxide Synthase (NOS).

Everyone REQUIRES nitric oxide to carry out key physiological processes within the body. From a bodybuilder’s perspective, nitric oxide supplementation may prove useful in increasing growth due to increases in blood flow to certain areas of the body. Further, men suffering from erectile dysfunction may also find supplementing with nitric oxide helpful.

Signs of deficiency include the inability to achieve and sustain erections, physical weakness and extreme fatigue. Most “nitric oxide” supplements contain the amino acid Arginine-alpha-keto-glutarate.

With any amino acid containing product, overdose is a possibility. Dosing with too much arginine can lead to diarrhea, weakness and nausea. Clear dosing guidelines have not been established, so it is best to do what is known as “tolerance mapping”. Take a small dosage for one week, note the benefits and the side effects, and increase the dosage until the benefits are maximized and the side effects minimized. Over time the two will converge and you will hit the optimal dose. This process is similar to “receptor mapping”

for bodybuilders who use insulin.

Protien Powders

Many protein powders are fortified with amino acids, including arginine. With this in mind, pay particular attention to how much arginine you are ingesting from all supplements taken.

Protein powders are formulated to be the perfect meal in a quick and easy shake. It is easy to take them with you to work or school or anywhere that you need to get your protein or satisfy your hunger in a healthy way.

Need to eat one gram of protein per pound of body weight? Or maybe you are trying to eat six small meals each day? Sounds easier than it really is, huh? Protein powders like the ones listed below may be exactly what you are looking for.

How do you pick a protein out of the hundreds that we have for you to choose from? Basically, you are looking for a powder that has the right amount of protein, carbs, fat and the correct protein type for your goal.

If you are trying to lose fat, you will most likely want a low carb, low calorie protein. The extra protein will help you keep your current muscle mass. If you are trying to gain muscle, you would want a high protein, high calorie powder that is relatively low in sugar and fat. If you are simply trying to find a quick meal replacement, a protein powder with medium carbs and medium calories would most likely be for you.

The three most popular types of protein are whey, casein and soy.

Whey

Out of the many protein sources out there, whey protein is the ultimate. It comes from milk. During the process of turning milk into cheese, whey protein is separated out. Protein can be found in a variety of foods -mainly meats, such as fish, beef, and chicken.

Dairy products as well as eggs, cottage cheese, soy and vegetable protein also contain good amounts of protein.

Nevertheless, none of these sources compares in quality or ease of use like whey protein. Whey protein has the highest value in providing branched-chain amino acids, which result in building and retaining muscle tissue.

Whey protein (the highest quality and best form of protein) is incredible stuff. It provides the body with the necessary building blocks to produce amino acids that are used for building muscle tissue. Whoa! Nearly every bodybuilder knows the importance of protein supplementation. Studies have been conducted that compare whey protein to other sources. They have found that whey protein contains the perfect combination of overall amino acid makeup… and in just the right concentrations for optimal performance in the body. Both hormonal and cellular responses seem to be greatly enhanced with supplementation of whey protein, too! Not to mention the benefits whey protein has on the body’s immune system according to documented scientific research. Whey protein also plays a role as an antioxidant and helps support a health immune system. Most importantly, consistent whey protein intake coupled with exercise will result in consistent muscle building.

Training athletes often consume 25 grams of whey protein per day. Bodybuilders who want serious gains (and are burning serious calories), generally consume 150 grams per day. Extremely high doses of whey protein is not recommended, as this will cause the body’s liver to be overloaded and you won’t get the same benefits as with a consistent lower amount taken three to five times per day.

BCAA:

Amino acids are the building blocks of protein. Amino Acid supplements are an effective and useful blend of essential amino acids for the human body.

Amino acids come from protein rich sources such as meat, fish, dairy products, and vegetables such as legumes, peas, and grains. There are many types of amino acid supplements on the market. Some products claim to have a large quantity of amino acids, but come primarily from a weak protein source (such as milk). Unfortunately, people may have allergies associated with the protein source. Our supplement formula is comprised of the highest quality crystalline protein source.

One and one-half grams of powder three times a day should be sufficient to provide the body with an adequate supply of available amino acids to assist in digesting food and bulking up. There are no side effects with proper supplementation.

Testosterone Boosters:

Raising your testosterone helps you to gain muscle, enhance your mood, support healthy libido, and more! Some prohormones do a great job of raising test levels, but some people prefer not to use them.

Arginine

Arginine is a semi-essential amino acid. It is a building block of protein that performs a myriad of physiological functions. It is a known precursor of the gas nitric oxide [N02].

Arginine is an amino acid that the body cannot make naturally. Therefore it is important to consume foods that are rich in arginine.1

Arginine is found in high concentrations in nuts and seeds like peanuts and almonds. It can also be found in chocolate and raisins.

Individuals with existing heart or psychiatric conditions should consult with their physician prior to supplementing with Arginine. With any amino acid containing product, overdose is a possibility. Dosing with too much arginine can lead to diarrhea, weakness and nausea. Clear dosing guidelines have not yet been established, so it is best to do what is known as “tolerance mapping” – Take a small dosage for one week, note the benefits and the side effects, and increase the dosage until the benefits are maximized and the side effects minimized. Over time the two will converge and you will hit the optimal dose. This process is similar to “receptor mapping” for bodybuilders who use insulin and steroids.

Many protein powders on the market are fortified with amino acids, including arginine. With this in mind, pay particular attention to how much arginine you are ingesting from sources. If you do not feel comfortable following the above described procedure, it is always best to follow the directions as prescribed on the products label.

Chris DiCicco
http://www.articlesbase.com/supplements-and-vitamins-articles/the-best-bodybuilding-supplements-to-take-134714.html

What are Amino Acids?

Amino acids are organic compounds composed of one or more amino groups, and one or more acidic carboxyl groups, and are the basic building blocks of protein. There have been more than 100 amino acids found in living organisms. Only 20 amino acids are commonly found in animals, the others exist in other biological systems, primarily plants.

Amino Acids are used for growth, maintenance, and repair of cells in the body. Of the 20 amino acids found in animals, 12 of them can be synthesized by the body as needed, and these are referred to as nonessential amino acids. The remaining 8 amino acids, cannot be synthesized by the body, and therefore must be acquired from food or supplement, and these are referred to as essential amino acids.

The 20 amino acids are;

Essential: Isoleucine, Leucine, Lysine, Methionine, Phenylalanine, Threonine, Tryptophan, and Valine.

Nonessential: Alanine, Arginine, Asparagine, Aspartate, Cysteine, Glutamate, Glutamine, Glycine, Histidine, Proline, Serine, and Tyrosine.

Why Supplement Amino Acids?

Arginine

Arginine is a nonessential amino acid, and it is responsible for the normal function of the pituitary glands. Arginine is used to compose the compound nitric oxide, which has many beneficial effects. Nitric oxide reduces blood vessel stiffness and increases blood flow, improving blood vessel function. Arginine supplementation is effective for lowering cholesterol, regulating blood pressure, erectile dysfunction, enhancing sexual feeling in both men and women, improving long term memory, and fighting infections.

BCAA’s

Branched chain amino acids or BCAA’s are the essential aminos leucine, isoleucine, and valine. BCAA’s are considered to be among the most beneficial and effective supplements in any sports nutrition program. They are needed for the maintenance of muscle tissue and appear to preserve muscle glycogen stores, and help prevent muscle protein breakdown during exercise. BCAA supplements may be used to prevent muscle loss at high altitudes, prolong endurance performance, and to provide the needed amino acids not provided by a vegetarian diet.

Carnitine

Carnitine is made in the body from essential amino acids, Lysine and Methionine, and is needed to release energy from fat. Carnitine is commonly used to promote growth and development, fat-burning, increasing energy, and improved resistance to muscle fatigue. Individuals, who supplement Carnitine while engaging in strenuous exercise routines, are less likely to experience muscle soreness.

Creatine

Creatine is made up of three amino acids – Arginine, Glycine and Methionine. Our liver combines these three amino acids to make creatine. 95% of the creatine in our bodies is stored in the muscles. Creatine provides instant additional energy to the muscles. Unlike the energy provided by carbohydrates or fats, which take some time to convert to useable energy, the energy for creatine can be converted almost instantaneously. Creatine also increases muscle volume, by pulling water into the muscle cells, and decreases muscle burn during exercise. Creatine also increases protein synthesis, meaning greater muscle gain.

GABA

GABA or gamma-amino butyric acid is a synthetic compound designed to lower fat levels and increase lean muscle tissues by stimulating the brain to secrete more human growth hormone. Studies have shown GABA to be effective stimulating the secretion of HGH, and has been clinically proven to help the pituitary gland secret HGH.

Glutamine

Glutamine is a nonessential amino acid. The body relies on glutamine as cellular fuel for the immune system. After intense work outs, glutamine levels in the body are reduced by as much as 50%. Glutamine supplementation can minimize the breakdown of muscle tissue and improve protein metabolism. Studies have shown that with as little as 2 grams of free-form L-glutamine supplement, growth-hormone levels can increase up to a 400%.

Lysine

Lysine is an essential amino acid. Lysine is important for proper growth and the production of carnitine, a nutrient responsible for converting fatty acids into energy and helping to lower cholesterol. Lysine helps the body absorb and conserve calcium and maintaining the correct nitrogen balance in the body and maintaining lean body mass. Lysine is useful for patients recovering from injuries and recovery after operations, and to help maintain healthy blood vessels. It also assists in fighting herpes and cold sores.

NAC

NAC or n-acetyl cysteine is an altered form of the amino acid cysteine. NAC may assist to break down mucus and used in the treatment of bronchitis – for this reason it is used as an inhalant in hospitals in the treatment of bronchitis. It assists the body in synthesizing glutathione and helps to protect the body from acetaminophen (the ingredient in Tylenol).

SAM-e

SAM-E is a derivative of the amino acid Methionine, and is used in the treatment of many conditions including depression, liver disease, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, schizophrenia, and migraine headaches. SAM-E is also commonly referred to as S-Adensyl Methionine, L-Methionine, Adomet, and Ademethionine. The liver produces as much as 8 grams of SAM-e a day. Liver disease, osteoarthritis, and extensive use of prescription, and over the counter medications, can inhibit the body’s production of SAM-e.

Tyrosine

Tyrosine is a nonessential amino acid. Tyrosine is needed to make epinephrine, norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine, all of which work to regulate mood. Deficiencies in tyrosine, therefore, have been associated with depression. Taken ahead of time, tyrosine may suppress typical bodily reactions and feelings from stressful situations like surgery, emotional upset, and sleep deprivation.

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