Saturday, September 29, 2007

Where to Start When You Want to Lose Weight

Where to Start When You Want to Lose Weight
By John D Scott


When it comes to losing weight, trust me, you are not alone. It's estimated that over half of the American population is overweight and the majority of those people are in some way or another involved in some sort of diet or otherwise in the efforts to shed off those extra weight.

The most difficult thing to decide once you've finally decided to get started with weight loss is actually picking a weight loss program. With all the weight loss programs that now exist there are so many things people have to consider and have to watch out for as well. You really have to make sure that you find the weight loss program that is right for you and getting to that point is often very difficult.

Here's a little check list you might want to consider before you make a decision:

1. Check with you doctor before making any decision which regards your health.

There are many weight loss methods and programs that exist out there today that can be harmful to your health if you are not careful. For this reason, it is very important to speak to a health care provider before you take anything or do anything, just to be on the safe side.

2. Keep a diary.
It has been proven by nutritionists and health care providers alike that weight loss success rates are much higher when the person has a record of what they are consuming. Jotting down what you eat when you eat it and writing your feelings about it and the situation can help you look back and find patterns, good and bad habits, etc. and will help you be a huge help to yourself, almost like an outsider looking in. Your ability to analyze your behavior is an extremely helpful tool for weight loss.

3. Know your health risk factor.
It is very important to know where you lie as far as your health is concerned. If you are person just looking to shed off a few extra pounds you don't have to worry as much as someone who needs to drop the weight based on a health risk (usually a BMI of over 30 is something to be concerned about).

4. Research
There are many programs out there that promise weight loss but have a lot of risk factors you need to consider before using them. If you are interested in a particular method, research it well and then determine whether you are okay with the risks involved (if any) and whether it seems to be something that fits you personally.

5. Know what you're buying.
Once you decide to buy a product, make sure you know exactly what you are getting. Remember, there are a lot of people looking to get a quick buck by ripping people off and selling something that really doesn't work like they say it does.

Don't be afraid to ask questions like what does the program include? How many calories will I be allowed? Do I need to take extra supplements? Is anything forbidden? What will I mostly be eating? Will I have to exercise? Does the food plan change as the program moves along?

Being informed will keep you on top of your game and avoid you being ripped off or cheated by anybody looking for a quick buck. You should know that when a plan has zero physical activity, it probably isn't good for you. Also, when a plan requires too many additional supplements or too little calories are also causes for concern.

The article is posted and written by John Scott, the researcher and writer for compareop.com (Phentermine OPs Reports and Discussion board).
Tags:dieting, appetite suppressants, weight loss.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_D_Scott

The Hoodia Phenomenon

Everybody must have has heard about Hoodia. Its the new in thing for weight loss regimen. This one of a kind of desert plant has been used for centuries by a tribe in South Africa to ward off hunger during hunting trips. Because of its appetite suppressing effect it has been featured by popular TV programs such as The Today Show, BBC and your equally famous Ophrah. Its growing popularity has lead to a number of hoodia based products sprouting everywhere and so it has become difficult to choose the right kind of hoodia based product that you would want to use. Enter, www.hoodiabalance-review.com, a website that list the popular hoodia based products available in the market today and tabulates its unique feature to make it easier for consumer to decide which is the right hoodia product to choose. If you want to know more about Hoodia products kindly visit Hoodiabalance-review.com.

Monday, September 24, 2007

Sponsored Post: Acnezine

Acnezine Can Help You Fight Acne Scars.

Scars, the unwanted result of acne infection are much more common than medical experts once believed; most people will have acne scars that are mild. However, some will have scars that look extremely irritating even to others. The right approach is prevention and to treat acne right away as sometimes even mild acne can cause scarring, this can reduce the risk of permanent acne scars. Acnezine is the best possible way to treat acne scars.

For more info about the product, please click this, Acnezine The Natural Acne Solutions.

Friday, September 21, 2007

Weight Loss Herbs - How Safe Are They?

Phillip England


Obesity is a sickness that can strike anyone at any age. It is a sickness that has affected millions of Americans – both young and old – resulting in serious health complications. Obesity, if left untreated, can lead to health risks such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and even diabetes. Because of this threat, Americans are taking pains to find the best and effective weight loss program and product in the market. One of these products are weight loss herbs, which vary in effects. How safe are weight loss herbs?

Two types of herbs

Weight loss herbs fall into two types. One type of herb serves to “trick” your brain believing that it is full, so you will not be tempted to eat. Another type of herb functions to boost your metabolism, thereby resulting in faster weight loss. This latter type of herb is also called thermogenic herb.

How thermogenic herbs work

Thermogenic herbs are increasing in popularity today. These herbs function as stimulants, containing substances like caffeine, in order to speed up body functions like heart rate, digestion, and respiration. The effects of these herbs make you more energetic. Meanwhile, thermogenic herbs also act as diuretics or water reducers, thereby resulting in weight loss through body water decrease.

Dangerous herbs

At present, weight loss herbs have invaded the market. Many of these have not been tested by the US FDA; hence the effects are still unknown. Weight loss herbs do not undergo the same strict testing as other drugs do, which is why several “unsafe” and “untested” herbs are being sold in the market.

However, the US FDA is taking pains to study herbs sold in the market. As of now, their list of dangerous weight loss herbs include:

• Herbal Laxatives – this usually takes the form of diet tea, cascara, senna, buckthorn, aloe and rhubarb root. These herbs can result in cramping, diarrhea, and if overused, could cause your bowels to no longer function without laxative stimulation.

• Ephedra – this popular weight loss herb is also known as ma huang. In high doses, Ephedra can raise blood pressure, increase heart rate, and over stimulate the central nervous system. As of now, the FDA has reported over 800 incidences – and two deaths – of unhealthy side effects brought by ingesting Ephedra. Other side effects include heart palpitations, seizures, stroke, chest pain, and heart attack.

• Herbal fen-phen – Ephedra serves as the main ingredient in the version of the dangerous diet drug known as fen-phen. Herbal fen-phen has not been shown to even work in clinical trials, but it has been attributed with serious side effects from heartbeat irregularities to death from heart attack and stroke.

Healthy products

That is not to say, however, that all weight loss herbs are dangerous. A couple of herbs that have passed US-FDA standards include:

• Cayenne – this organic spice is not for making your food taste spicy. Research has shown that cayenne contains an ingredient called capsaicin that stimulates saliva, stimulates digestion and accelerates your metabolism at a safer level.

• Green Tea – green tea and weight loss have been shown to have correlation. Green tea serves as a natural stimulant that behaves much like coffee but with the added benefit of vitamin C and flavoniods (or antioxidants). Green tea is said to boost metabolism and increase fat oxidation.

• Seaweed – seaweed is a good source of trace minerals such as chromium and iodine, acting as a natural thyroid stimulant.

• Ginseng – also said to boost metabolism

Fiber for weight loss

Another option for weight loss is taking fiber. Fiber makes one feel full without worrying about the excess calories. Aside from that, fiber also helps promote regular bowel movement, releasing harmful toxins in the body. You can ingest fiber supplements or take fiber-rich foods such as fruits and vegetables.

What is the answer?

In the end, weight loss herbs can be an option for weight loss. But these herbs should be taken with a grain of salt. When buying herbs, make sure to check if they are FDA approved. If there is no way to check, research about the product: know its ingredients and its side effects. Once you have researched about it, be sure to buy only from reputable brands and markets so you are assured of high-quality herbs.

Taking herbs and supplements are not the best way to lose weight. In the end, proper diet and exercise are the only solutions to achieving a healthy body image.

Phillip England is a weight loss expert and Author of the popular report "The Ultimate Weight Loss Secret". To receive your free information on the secret that doctors, and health companies either don't know, or don't want you to know, please see http://www.theultimateweightlosssecret.com/secret

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Phillip_England

Tuesday, September 11, 2007

Vitamin Supplementation - 5 Must Know Facts

Joyce Nuzzo


For some, vitamin supplementation is a way of life; others feel that if they "eat healthy” there is no need to do anything further. There are, however, several important facts that everyone should be aware of when making the decision of whether to supplement their diet or not. Did you know?

1. Most vitamin pills/capsules pass through the digestive tract only partially digested.
2. Food alone does not provide all of the daily nutrition our bodies need.
3. Vitamin deficiencies are associated with many chronic diseases.
4. Vitamin supplementation plays a role in the prevention of many diseases—heart disease, prostate cancer, osteoporosis.
5. People over 50 are most at risk to suffer from vitamin deficiencies that result in chronic disease.

It’s fact! The Journal of the American Medical Association, the Journal of the American College of Nutrition, Nutrition Research, Medical Science Monitor, American Journal of Epidemiology, and The Council for Responsible Nutrition Recommended Intakes of Vitamins and Essential Minerals, just to mention a few, have reported and published research supporting these findings.

Getting the Vitamins You Need

The USDA regularly monitors and evaluates the American diet. Its statistics have shown that the average adult’s diet does not provide all the essential vitamins and minerals needed to maintain health. To assure that optimum levels of nutrients are achieved, supplementation is recommended to fill these nutritional gaps. Particularly when one reflects on how fast food, skipped meals, and the lack of exercise impact our lives.

We have only one body and we have to take responsibility for its maintenance. Just as we regularly maintain our automobiles by changing the oil every 3000 miles or putting gas in its tank, we must provide the vitamins and minerals our bodies need to maintain health and “run” smoothly. When our bodies are functioning optimally, we are energized, our skin, hair, and nails mirror our health, we suffer less from colds, flus, and other maladies. Good nutrition supports and enhances the immune system, just like vaccines ward off disease by stimulating an antibody response that helps to lessen or prevent illness.

Bioavailability

Research studies have been conducted to study whether there are any significant differences between liquid and pill forms of vitamin supplementation (Journal of Medicinal Food, Vol 2, No.3, 1998, p 207). The findings of these studies concluded that liquid supplements had definite benefits over tablet or capsule forms. As a liquid, nutrients are more bioavailable; in other words, they are more easily digested and absorbed in the intestinal tract. Pills must first dissolve before they become available to your body. It’s like swallowing an apple whole versus biting and chewing bites of the apple before swallowing. Chewing breaks down the apple into smaller pieces so it can be more easily digested or processed by your body.

Supplements taken as a liquid have the added benefit of being gentler on the stomach. Have you ever noticed that after taking a multivitamin your stomach felt upset? Some individuals have difficulty swallowing pills. For older adults and children, this can affect whether a daily supplement is taken. A liquid supplement eliminates these negatives. But more importantly, taking a liquid supplement ensures that the nutrients needed to maintain normal health, growth, and repair are actually being utilized, and are not just a number on a label.

Can Vitamins Prevent Disease?

Over 40 years of clinical research point to dietary supplementation as having a role in long term good health. While no one will claim that taking vitamins guarantees good health, indications are that people who eat healthy, who supplement their food intake to ensure adequate intake of both vitamins and minerals, and who follow a healthy life style enjoy a longer active life—they live younger and die older.

Numerous blind studies have compared people over the age of 50 who were given placebos with those who were given supplementation. These individuals were evaluated for the incidence of heart disease and stroke, Alzheimer’s and cognitive disorders, periodontal disease, and wound healing. The studies consistently showed a significant decrease in the occurrence of illness in people who were supplementing their diet (some conditions with more than a 50% decrease in occurrence). The studies also evaluated the blood of individuals with disease occurrence versus those who were disease free. In ALL cases, those with disease had a deficiency of at least one nutrient, while those who were disease free had no deficiencies (see Nutrition Research, January 2002).

In conclusion, while no one is ready to claim that vitamin supplementation will guarantee a long and healthy life; indications are that there is a favorable correlation.

Selecting the Right Nutritional Supplement

There are many options from which one can choose. You know this just from taking a walk down the vitamin aisle in your local grocery or drug store. But how do you know which one is right for you? You can take the time to compare labels, but the easiest or most obvious solution is just to select a multivitamin product. Vitamins are all the same. Right? Most manufacturers claim that their particular supplement provides 100% of an adult’s daily requirements. But wait, given what you have learned earlier in this article, you know that pills are not easily absorbed in the digestive tract. So if you choose a pill form of supplementation, just how much of the 100% of your daily requirements are you really getting? Actual absorption will vary from individual to individual, but liquid supplements are proven to be more bioavailable, so it is logical that this is where one should start. Look for a complete (liquid form) supplement that provides 100% or more of your daily requirements of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These are the ingredients you need to keep those 63 trillion cells in your body healthy and strong.

As with any health product, it is advisable to consult your physician.

Joyce Nuzzo, a medical laboratory healthcare professional, has over 35 years experience in t he medical publishing arena as both publisher and author. She has a special interest in nutrition, maintaining a healthy life style, and living young longer. For more information about liquid health supplements, contact http://www.jnenterprises.info

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joyce_Nuzzo

Saturday, September 8, 2007

VolumePills

"VolumePills" is a male enhancement supplement designed to boost male fertility. This product is good for couples who are trying to procreate as this might increase the chances of having a baby. If you want know more about this product you can click here, and if you want try it now please click here or the image banner below.

Wednesday, September 5, 2007

Food Sources - Vitamin D And Calcium - Everything You Need To Know

John Gibb


Many food sources contain both vitamin D and calcium which is an excellent combination since vitamin D is required for proper absorption of calcium. Our body is capable of producing its own vitamin D by getting sun rays and converting them into something useful.

However, most of us work indoors and don’t go out for healthy activities involving basking in the sun or playing some sport outdoors. Because of this reason the calcium we obtain from food does not get absorbed by the blood stream and is lost through urine. We need to add food sources of vitamin D and calcium to our everyday diet to ensure maximum calcium absorption.

The best food sources of vitamin D and calcium are fish and seafood. Sardines and salmon contain adequate amounts of both calcium and vitamin D and they should be consumed at least once a week especially by calcium deficient people and women above the age of 40.

Similarly, shrimps, oysters and sea vegetables are good sources of calcium as well as vitamin D and some other nutrients. Canned seafood and other sources can also be added to everyday diet to ensure a healthy, full-of-nutrients meal.

Recommended calcium intake for people belonging to the age group pf 19 – 50 is 1000 mg/day. Teenagers should consume up to 1300 mg/day, and postmenopausal women need at least 1500 mg of calcium per day. 200 IU of vitamin D is normally enough to fulfill a day’s needs for an average, healthy person.

Milk is also one of the food sources of vitamin D and calcium. Fortified orange juice, canned tuna, mackerel, and egg yolk contain adequate quantities of vitamin D. Similarly, elderly people can use soy beverages and soy milk to fulfill their daily calcium and vitamin D requirements. Boiled bone soup is a good source of calcium and should be added to everyday diet.

Calcium supplements available on the market contain calcium, magnesium, vitamin D and many other useful minerals and vitamins. They can also be used as a source of both vitamin D and calcium. Liquid supplements are equally effective and they are ideal for children and elderly people.

Coral calcium is a variant on calcium carbonate used in making effective calcium supplements. It has a high absorption rate, and therefore it is best absorbed in the presence of stomach acid and vitamin D. It also assists in proper digestion of food and treatment of conditions associated with calcium deficiency like brittle nails, muscle cramps, joint pains and constant fatigue.

For optimal bone and joint health, we have been using a special natural calcium formula and for good reason, this formula is known as Bone Protect. We have personally been using this formula for over 3 years with excellent health results.

You can learn more about our product of choice and why we use this product above all other calcium formulas at optimal bone health

John Gibb is the manager of a series health websites. His latest addition discusses the calcium formula himself and the editors consume. For more information on calcium, coral calcium, and bone health as a whole, be sure to check out http://www.optimal-bone-health.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Gibb

Tuesday, September 4, 2007

This Key Ingredient In Wine May Have You Living A Lot Longer!

Mark Rosenberg, M.D.


Now, I know you've heard about the heart healthy benefits of red wine. Research shows that people who drink a glass of red wine with dinner most days can lower their risk of heart disease by as much as 62%.

But the healthy benefits of red wine don't stop at the heart.

Red wine contains a compound called resveratrol. Resveratrol is found in the seeds and skins of the red grapes used to make wine. It is a polyphenol and has been widely heralded for its antioxidant properties. But, it turns out there is a lot more to resveratrol than that.

Different studies show that resveratrol reduces inflammation, it protects brain cells and neuron pathways from damage, and it may help prevent cancers from forming. In addition, preliminary research also shows that resveratrol has an interesting affect on living cells. In healthy cells, resveratrol can help them to live longer and in unhealthy cells it can help trigger their natural death process.

In animal studies, resveratrol seems to affect certain changes in the body that are associated with aging. In doing so, it may actually slow down the aging process. 3 In one study, resveratrol slowed down both memory loss and muscle atrophy.4 Researchers believe that resveratrol will lead to a breakthrough in anti-aging medicines sometime in the near future.

You Can Take Advantage of Resveratrol Starting Today

You don't have to wait to start taking advantage of the benefits of resveratrol. You can begin eating more foods that contain resveratrol, starting immediately.

Red wine is the best-known source of this amazing compound. You can increase your resveratrol intake just by adding a glass of red wine to your dinner each day. With this strategy, you'll also get to take advantage of the heart healthy benefits of red wine.

You can also enjoy the benefits of resveratrol by eating more red grapes and by snacking on peanuts or blueberries and by drinking more grape juice. Choose a purple grape juice over a white one, and make sure you pick juice that is 100 percent juice and not packed with artificial sweeteners.

The understanding of the benefits of resveratrol is growing rapidly, and one thing is clear… this powerful compound does good things for your body, so try to add a little more to your diet.

Mark Rosenberg, M.D.
Institute For Healthy Aging

www.vitalmaxvitamins.com
http://www.prostanol.com
http://www.vitalmaxvitamins.com/blog

1 Mukamal KJ, et al. "Alcohol consumption and risk for coronary heart disease in men with healthy lifestyles." Arch Intern Med 2007; 167(9): 970

2 Holme AL, et al. "Resveratrol in cell fate decisions." J Bioenerg Biomember 2007; 39(1): 59-63

3 Yao Y, et al. "[Research on resveratrol's mechanism of immunity in anti-aging]" Zhong Yao Cai 2006; 29(5): 464-67

4 D.R.Valenzano, et al. "Resveratrol prolongs lifespan and retards the onset of age-related markers in a short- lived vertebrate," Current Biology 2006; 16: 1-5

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_Rosenberg,_M.D.

HoodiaRush

Trying to loose weight? Then I guess you must have heard about Hoodia Gordonni. Here's a weight loss supplement that is based on Hoodia , it is aptly named HoodiaRush. It contains the most potent and purest Hoodia from South Africa. If you want to know more about the product you can visit www.hoodiarush-review.com or if you are ready to buy HoodiaRush, you can go here.

Sunday, September 2, 2007

Lifestyle Fitness - Let's Talk about Supplements

Codant Wright

Giving your body the nutrients that it needs to make it through the day is essential to your well being. But, even if you think that you can do this through the foods that you eat, you are probably still missing out.

Today's foods often do not contain enough of the nutrients that your body needs to be in your best physical shape. While a diet that's full of nutrient rich food should not be replaced, it sometimes needs additional supplementation to take it to the best level it can be at.

But, what do you take? First off, find a good quality multivitamin and take that as directed. Multivitamins are a good starting point because they provide a decent dose of supplements that just about everyone needs. Multivitamins give you what your food doesn't and they are affordable solutions to your needs.

In addition to this, find out what type of supplements you can take for your individual needs and problems.

For example, if you have a need to lose weight, look for supplements that can offer weight loss benefits.

If you have heart problems, problems with gaining weight or other conditions, you can probably find a supplement or several that can address those problems for you.

How do you know how much to take? That's a trickier question. There are two routes to take. First off, realize that doctors don't always use supplementation in their practices and they may not be educated in prescribing this type of help to you.

First, start by finding a health food store or a vitamin supplier. Quality is very important if you want to see benefits from supplementation. Therefore, make sure that you have a reliable source. These individuals can also help provide you with the information you need regarding improving your conditions.

Another source for information is the web. Finding a reputable website that offers help for supplementation will help you to increase your overall well being through tackling individualized problems. Again, quality is essential to success here. Don't assume that any information that you find is reliable. Get another opinion!

Supplements can help to improve your body's function because you are giving your body exactly what it needs to do the work right. It's like always giving your car premium gas and oil to do its job even better!

Codant Wright is an author writing on Fitness and Exercise. Visit my website and get my Free Brand New 5 Part Fitness Ecourse at http://www.best-fitness.info

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Codant_Wright