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Which U.S. Authority Is Taking A Closer Look At Vitamins and Herbs?

A herbal based multi vitamin supplement is aimed to provide the human body with all the essential and non-essential nutrients it needs. The advantage is that you only have to take one or a few pills to ensure all the nutrients necessary for your body to function properly.

However, it also can help you prevent both mineral and vitamin deficiencies. Vitamins are used by a large number of people to increase the true of essential nutrients in their body and get all the benefits provided by these supplements.

If you are substituting a vitamin supplement and herbs for a balanced diet, then you have to be extra careful. Some supplements can be toxic when taken in excess. Although some herbs are wonderful to cook with you do not want to rely on them when you have a condition that merits a visit to the doctor.

What about garlic?

Take garlic for example. Garlic is a member of the onion relatives and no cook should be without it. Some people refer to garlic as the "natural antibiotic". These are the same people however, that take a handful of processed garlic pills when they feel a cold or some perceived or real infection coming on instead of seeing their doctor.

What else can garlic treat?

Now I do not see my doctor for every cold. But if I think I demand an antibiotic I'm going for the real McCoy. Besides, garlic has blood thinning capabilities and we get enough of the good stuff by cooking with it. Yet I know people who pop those garlic pills to ward off anything they think they are coming down with without any regard to the possible interaction of these garlic pills with another herbal based vitamin supplement and/or their prescription medicine.

Another thing to consider regarding garlic: Even if you are not taking blood thinning medication, you don't want to have consumed a lot of garlic before you have surgery because you lack your blood to clot. That doesn't mean you can't have your favorite spaghetti sauce before having surgery, but it could be harmful to take a lot of garlic supplements before surgery.

What you need to understand of herbal based supplement?

If you believe you need a herbal vitamin supplement daily you should check with your physician before consuming large amounts of any supplement as some of these can have toxic effects. Manufactures of such supplements, unlike manufacturers of drugs, do not have to prove that their products are safe before they are put on the market. The FDA regulates these dietary supplements as food and not as drugs and so after a product like this causes a problem or is unsafe then the FDA can take action.

Who is watching those pills?

The FDA is watching though. In December 2005, they sent out warning letters to nine companies that were promoting their dietary supplements could prevent, treat or cure bird flu. When the label reads like that, then the FDA has to look at it like a drug and not food. That is why on all or nearly all supplements labels you'll see the disclaimer that says something like, "These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and we're not saying they will cure you." That's a rough paraphrase but you get the idea.

In the end, we are the ones responsible for what we put into our bodies. Check with your doctor before you believe any outrageous supplement and herbs claims.

Besides knowing what are important information of consuming herbal based supplements, however alongside with this little information may not be enough for you to choose your supplements more carefully and to consume moderately.

Many people sometimes tend to forget the quanlity of popping these pills, without realizing the harmful effects of over-consumption of these herbal based supplements, level while various kinds of supplements can handle chronic diseases.

Therefore, without a proper understanding of using vitamin supplement and herbs to treat many chronic diseases, there will not be much disease free lifestyle to craving for.

Applying these effective tips as being highlighted here, together with an thorough understanding of supplements is important so that you enjoy your life once again.

Eddy Kong WW is the author of the 17 Minutes Vitamin Supplements Tips and Resource. Drop by at vitamin supplement and herbs stuff for more details.

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Is There Such A Thing Called Vitamin Supplement Side Effects & Its Impact

In this 21st century, more and more busy people due to their hectic work life, the food that they eat is not really healthy, therefore more and more people are turning to multi-vitamin supplements to act as an alternative role in their diet.

I know of someone who is taking a handful of vitamin C tablets at the first sign of a cold. I should probably tell her that she's wasting her money because vitamin C is a water soluble vitamin meaning that whatever our bodies don't use is eliminated through the kidneys.

You can't stock up on it! Because of this, ingesting a toxic amount of vitamin C is uncommon but it can happen if you take too large a dose all at once. Kidney stones can then befall.

Such cases are too many and it is a fact that vitamin supplement side effects can be quite serious. Some of the vitamins in the foods we eat and in the supplements we take are fat soluble.

What are the basic toxins found?

This means that whatever we don't need at any given time is stored in our bodies. Vitamin A is one such vitamin. In actuality, artic explorers once went blind and then died from vitamin A toxicity. It seems polar bear liver contains toxic levels of vitamin A and while this is an substantial vitamin for our eyes, too hugely of it can cause blindness and even death.

To be honest, I do not know of anyone apt to suffer vitamin supplement side effects from eating polar bear liver. It is important to note, however, that too much of a good thing is not necessarily a good thing.

It's important also to monitor through the foods we eat and if we do lay hold of vitamin supplements, through these also, how much of what vitamins we devour. Just as vitamin supplement side effects can be very dangerous, so can a vitamin deficiency. Moderate consumption is the right way to go.

What are the side-effects and its impact?

A vitamin C deficiency can cause scurvy, and a vitamin A deficiency can cause problems with night vision, a notable susceptibility to infections, skin problems and urinary tract problems. While a balanced diet will supply the right amount of all the vitamins and nutrients we need, when that is not possible or in some cases, when the body cannot absorb the vitamins, we need to be aware of how hugely supplement we need and act accordingly. Taking a handful of any dietary supplement is not a good concept.

How it occurs and how dangerous it can be?

Vitamin supplement side effects can also occur when taking a nominal amount when taking certain medications. Less than ten percent of the 40 million Americans who routinely procure vitamin supplements consult with their physicians.

Vitamin K, unlike vitamin A, is almost impossible to cause toxic effects by eating in its natural form. Yet, taking the manmade vitamin K supplement can cause toxicity.
Niacin, one of the B vitamins, can be extremely dangerous when taken in mega doses. It can cause liver damage, affect heart rhythms, cause dangerously low blood pressure, elevate blood sugar levels and cause diarrhea.

Vitamin supplement side effects are not something to be taken lightly. Consult your physician if you are concerned you are getting too little or too much of any of the necessary vitamins our bodies demand.

Besides knowing what are various side effects of vitamin supplements, and this little information should be enough for you to choose your supplements more carefully and to consume moderately. Before you are going to consume any type of vitamin health food, you need to first consult your physician.

However, many people sometimes tend to forget the quantity and started to pop pills, without realizing the harmful effects of over-consumption of the supplements, level though various kinds of supplements can treat chronic diseases.

Therefore, without a proper understanding of using various kinds of health supplements to treat various anxiety and anger management system, there will not be much panic attack free lifestyle to craving for.

Apply this effective tip together with an thorough understanding of vitamin supplements is important so that you enjoy your life once again.

Eddy Kong WW is the author of the 17 Minutes Vitamin Supplements Tips and Resource. Drop by at vitamin supplement side effects and its impacts for more details.

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The Surge In Functional Health Beverages

Improve your memory? Lift your mood? Relieve tension? A growing market of functional health beverages enhanced with herbs and other ingredients promise to improve your health. But do these drinks really offer health benefits? Judging by the reaction to these products the answer is a resounding, yes.

Americans want to be healthier and also discover the fountain of youth and longevity. The food industry is rushing to fulfill this new desire. The new buzzword is functional health beverages and foods. Functional beverages (also known as neutraceuticals) are beverages fortified with dietary supplements and herbal medicines. And they are becoming a multi billion dollar industry.

Experts predict Americans will buy more bottled water than coffee or beer. Artificial flavors are losing ground to drinks with all natural claims. Antioxidant tea products are now the rage. And at least one brand of coffee is adding herbs and minerals to its beans. Energy drinks are the fastest growing supermarket category with sports drinks right behind.

Japan was a pioneer in functional beverages and foods consuming nearly twice as many functional beverages as any other nationality. The Japanese have always made the direct connection between what you eat and drink and what you are, and they've long viewed their diets as being a primary source of health and medication.

Energy drinks have been established in Japan for decades and are also known as tonic drinks. Initially targeted at young consumers (and routinely used by this demographic as alcohol drink mixes), these drinks are now being aimed at people of all ages who need a healthy energy boost.

People now understand that almost everything we take in has some kind of effect. This is a new kind of knowledge. Consumers are more empowered because of this knowledge, and companies are responding to this new found personal edification.

Other market sectors are continuing to expand. Enriched juices and juice-based drinks fortified with vitamins and minerals are gaining in popularity, as are herbal-infused beverages. All this goes well for the functional beverages industry.

Functional health beverages are going more mainstream, because consumers have become much more holistic-minded, so companies are now meeting them in the middle. There is a consciousness out there now that very small amounts of something can have a very significant effect.

The functional beverages industry has attracted the attention of traditional beverage manufacturers focused on expanding their product ranges in the face of falling sales of old stand-bys such as carbonates. Pepsi's purchase of Gatorade and South Beach Beverages Sobe, Cadbury Schweppes purchase of the Snapple and Mistic brands and Coca-Cola's acquisition of Mad River Traders are a few examples.

Products affiliated with major sporting brands, such as Reebok and Umbro sports and performance drinks, also are infiltrating the market. More sophisticated products, such as fast-rehydration drinks, are becoming popular, especially in Japan, where stamina enhancing sports drinks with added ingredients to aid performance are becoming more popular.

Wellness and nutraceutical drink products are increasingly being targeted at specific segments of the population, for example, age, gender, lifestyle and particular health conditions. Examples include Sunny Delight for children and drinks for women. Targeting specific segments of the population has been the motivation for many new products such as, women-specific products, issue-oriented products, for example, prostate and breast cancer prevention.

At present, the sports drink market is the most mature and therefore presents little opportunity for growth, which has become apparent already in the US and Japanese markets. Across all functional health beverage product lines, energy drinks are the fastest-growing sector, a trend that shows no sign of slowing in the immediate future.

The nutraceutical-wellness drink sector is the least developed but possibly the most exciting category, with drinks containing ingredients such as probiotics, prebiotics, soy proteins and phytosterols. Over-the-top premium pricing policies have also restricted sales in some circumstances, although a recent US survey showed 40 per cent of consumers were willing to pay a premium for products containing added nutritional benefits.

The same study ranked these benefits and found energy enhancement, illness prevention, heart health, anticancer effects, relaxation, mood enhancement and sexual enhancement were the most desirable. With interest in these kinds of products higher than ever, the future looks bright for this category.

The 1990s fueled a health and lifestyle revolution that resulted in consumer demand for foods and beverages that provide both nourishment and good taste, at the right price. The beverage industry, with functional drinks, has successfully met those desires by selling a broad range of products juices, energy drinks, smoothies, soy-based beverages, enhanced isotonics, enhanced water, teas that fulfills a nutritional need.

Claims for many of these drinks have not been proven and the amount of added ingredients is neither standardized nor identified on the label. And their safety optimal doses, interactions and long-term consequences isn't known. Some skeptics believe the best approach for healthy living and feeling energetic is to eat healthfully, get regular physical activity and give yourself time to relax.

US consumers spent more than $25 billion dollars on wellness drinks in 2005, making up 12% of all soft drinks spending across the US and Europe. The market represents a major opportunity for drink marketers, as consumers become aware of the link between diet and lifestyle.

What is important about the Wellness Industry? How about the definition: wellness is anything that makes you feel healthier, stronger, see better, hear better, feel better, or fight symptoms of ageing. The Sickness Industry has a definition that is more in line with healthcare: anything concerned with being sick and treating symptoms of sickness.

The Sickness Industry has little to do with preventing illness, being stronger or healthier which increases the popularity of the functional health beverages and food products. People are tired of popping pills for everything that ails them and are taking a more holistic or as some say looking at alternative health treatments rather than the traditional medical care that most of us have grown accustomed to.

The Wellness industry is going through a boom. Before the end of this decade, it is estimated that the Wellness industry may surpass the dot.com revolution. This is an exciting time.

Whether its drinks or spreads, yogurts or desserts, functional foods and beverages are among the fastest-growing categories in the food industry. If this looks like the 80s all over again, this newly discovered health trend has got to be the strongest yet. Consumers approach to health is different this time; it is more aggressive, sophisticated, and here to stay.

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What You Need to Know About Dietary Supplements

People need dietary supplements for a variety of reasons. Bodybuilders, for example, would need supplements to aid muscle buildup and strengthening of muscles such as concentrated protein, glutamine, creatine and weight gain powders. Athletes take in supplements to optimize or enhance their performance.

People with illnesses often require dietary supplements such as concentrated iron for anemia. And those on a diet also take supplements to ensure they get the required amount of minerals, vitamins, amino acids, herbs, enzymes and other nutrients. Most however take supplements for optimum overall health. A lot of people also take them to relieve stress and to boost their energy.

What are dietary supplements and how are they different from medicines and over-the-counter drugs?

The Congress in the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act, which was enacted into law in 1994, defines dietary supplements or nutritional supplements as supplements to the diet. These supplements contain one or more ingredients or their constituents. These are taken orally in the form of liquid, capsule, pill or tablet and are labeled as dietary supplement in the packaging.

Dietary supplements come in different forms, thus the confusion with over-the-counter drugs. The market is flooded with different types and forms of supplements such as capsules, tablets, drinks, energy bars and powders. Most can be purchased even without a prescription. They are available in drug stores, supermarkets, grocery stores, natural food stores, merchandise retailers and in health stores. One can even buy supplements on line. In order to distinguish these supplements from over-the-counter drugs, always read the Supplement Facts label.

Unfortunately, most of these dietary supplements are not regulated. Unlike with drugs, the US Food and Drugs Administration does not check the safety and effectiveness of supplements before they are sold to the public. In fact, the FDA only has authority over supplements once they have already entered the market. Usually, actions are taken by the FDA once a complaint against a certain brand has been received.

Many dietary supplements are guilty of false claims. Testimonials and so-called proofs of the efficiency and effectiveness of supplements abound in print, broadcast and on line media.

Worse, some are even unsafe. And so, extra precaution must be taken when choosing which dietary supplement to take. Always check with the manufacturer for more information. With the tons of promotional materials that abound, always be wary of the information being presented.

Keen in mind that dietary supplements are not intended to cure or prevent illnesses. In addition, although some supplements have beneficial effects, a significant number of them have potential health risks. Some supplements contain active ingredients that can have negative effects on the body, specially when taken in large doses and with other supplements and medicines. Supplementslike calcium, for example, interact with heart medicines like Digoxin, vitamin K counteracts with blood thinners etc.. In addition, too much intake of certain vitamins and minerals such as oil-soluble vitamin E and A, can be toxic to the body.

Pregnant women, nursing moms, those undergoing surgery and people with chronic illnesses should take extra care in deciding whether to take dietary supplements or not.

And so, when choosing supplements, it is always best to consult with a health care provider to avoid serious side effects. Remember, safety first!

The very first step is to undergo a nutritional assessment or evaluation with a health care provider. This will find out what your nutritional needs are and what dietary supplement is best suited to your medical condition.

Dietary supplements are supplements and not are not meant to replace some of the food needed in a healthy daily diet. Thus, bear in mind that no supplement can ever replace a healthy diet.

Never assume that "natural" is always safe. Some natural ingredients, specially if taken in large doses, can interact with medicines and may even result to life-threatening situations.

In addition, there are certain considerations in purchasing dietary supplements such as the quality, availability, your nutritional needs and price.

On a final note, dietary supplements are meant to supplement the body's nutritional needs. It can never replace the overall health benefits of regular exercise and a healthy diet. And in choosing supplementary diets, safety should always be the main consideration.

Lee Dobbins writes for http://www.a2z-vitamin-and-herbs.com where you can learn more about dietary supplements and learn how vitamins can help keep you healthy.

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Why Not Go Natural?

Before the popularity of the acai berry gained notoriety we had only vitamins A, C and E consumed by drinking orange juice or taking vitamin supplements. But today, we are not talking about just small preventative measures taken, but a real blow to sickness and disease, which has taken the form of antioxidant rich functional health beverages that many consumers swear by in their quest for health and wellness.

Currently, the antioxidant gaining the most attention the Acai (pronounced ah-SAH-ee) berry which is known as a super antioxidant. The acai berry is a small dark blue fruit, similar in size to a blueberry or small grape but with less pulp, that grows in clusters of berries on acai palm trees. The acai fruit is popular among health food enthusiasts because it is high in many important vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins, Omega-3 fatty acids (such as Omega-3, Omega-6 and Omega-9), and anthocyanin/anthocyanidin phytonutrients which are members of the flavonoid class of antioxidants.

The dark purple berry, which tastes something like a blend of berries and chocolate, supposedly contains 10 to 30 times the flavonoids contained in red wine. Traditionally, Brazilians used the fruit to treat stomach disorders and skin conditions. The fruit is highly unstable when picked and rots easily, so it is rare to find the acai fruit whole when you are not in the region where they are grown. Outside the tropics the fruit is usually found in either juice or pulp form. This wonder food is purported to fight cancer, control cholesterol, increase energy, improve physical intimacy and helps weight loss. Some people even use acai as a facial astringent because the fruit has high anti-bacterial properties.

Cupuacu (coo pwAH soo) is referred to as The Taste of the Amazon. Cupuacu is a member of the chocolate family. The indigenous Indians have used the fruit as a primary food source for years. The Cupuacu fruit grows on the Cupuacu tree, which is a small to medium tree in the Rainforest that belongs to the Cocoa family. This fruit is known for its creamy exotic tasting pulp. The pulp is used throughout Brazil and Peru to make fresh juice, ice cream, jam and tarts. The fruit ripens in the rainy months from January to April and is considered a culinary delicacy in South American cities. The seeds contain a sweet-smelling, white butter, which can also be used to make excellent-quality white chocolate.

This particular fruit, Cupuacu has not gained the national attention as the acia berry or yerbe mate. Its benefits has not been publicized nor is it contained in many health related beverages, supplements or foods. Cupuacu contains unique antioxidant phytonutrients called polyphenols. You may be familiar with polyphenols from other common medicinal plants, notably green tea and grape seeds. Cupuacu also contains at least nine other known antioxidants including Vitamin C and Vitamin A, making it a well-rounded antioxidant cocktail. The top three reasons to make Cupuacu part of your diet include: the increased ability to fight disease and cancer, more youthful and healthier looking skin and hair and it reportedly lowers cholesterol levels.

Indigenous people, as well as local communities along the Amazon, have cultivated Cupuacu as a primary food source for generations. In former times, Cupuacu seeds were traded along the Rio Negro and Upper Orinoco rivers where indigenous people drink Cupuacu juice after it has been blessed by a shaman to facilitate difficult births. The "beans" are utilized by the indigenous Tikuna people for abdominal pains.

Cupuacu also has a unique type of polyphenols called theograndins. Theograndins have potent antioxidant activity and provide cardiovascular protective and immune supportive benefits. Yet, everyday brings new findings of other advantages of theograndins that are unique to cupuacu. For example, in tests on some types of cancers, theograndins were uniquely effective at killing colon cancer cells. Research is underway to determine whether cupuacu or isolated theograndins have a place in modern cancer therapy.

Yerba mate (pronounced yer-bah mah-tay) is also one of the ingredients in this functional health beverage in addition to Aloe Vera Gel Pulp, CoEnzyme Q10, Cat's Claw Bark and over 100 other nutritional ingredients. Although yerba mate has not enjoyed the same level of media exposure as the acai berry has recently, it certainly commands respect and attention. Yerba mate is a tea like beverage popular in Argentina. The word mate derives from the word Mati that names the gourd that is used to drink the tea.

It is widely held that this tea contains mateine, a chemical cousin of caffeine that has subtly different properties. Though similar to caffeine in its ability to provide energy, it can have a milder and safer delivery to the body. Although, yerba mate is not known to interfere with sleep cycles, it does have a tendency to balance the cycles, inducing more REM sleep. Many people report that they require less sleep when using mate; usually such an experience is accompanied by a deeper, more relaxing sleep experience.

Yerba mate is replete with antioxidants that help the body fight free-radicals. Yerba mate may assist with the following: increased mental awareness and elevated mood, weight loss, increased ability to fight off disease and increased energy and vitality.

Additionally, yerba mate helps relieve allergies. It has been noted that yerba mate is helpful in opening respiratory passages to overcome allergy symptoms. It has been shown to reduce the severity of some allergies and hay fever. Yerba mate works by stimulating the adrenal glands to produce corticosteroids, which help suppress the inflammation and immune response due to allergies.

Does yerba mate exhibit anti-cancer properties like green tea? Aside from its significant antioxidant effects, research from the University of Illinois suggests yerba mate could in fact be a potent ally in cancer protection. Labs around the country are starting to test the Acai to find what possible medical use it has. There is no doubt that this amazing fruit has a promising future in the medical world. While more study needs to be done to prove the effectiveness of some of these claims, there is no doubt that adding any of one of these plants or fruits to your diet will improve your overall and future health!

The health beverage industry is a booming market. It is currently producing over 4 billion dollars in sales and is forecasted to grow to over 10 billion in the next few years. The growth is being fueled by one thing: consumer demand. It should be no surprise why so many companies are jumping on the functional health beverage band wagon.

Medical Disclaimer
"Information on this site is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to act as a substitute for medical advice provided by a qualified health care provider, nor is any information on this intended to diagnose, treat, care or prevent any diseases. Statements have not been evaluated by the food and drug administration."

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How Using The Internet Makes Finding The Right Vitamin Supplements Easier

For most of us the internet has opened up a whole new world. We can get everything we need with just a few key strokes. The internet has made it possible for Americans to shop without having to get into the car and drive to whatever store has what we are looking for. Information that was once hard to get, and time consuming to find, is now just a couple of clicks away. This includes information regarding our health.

We can find out about the latest findings on different treatments, medications and dietary supplements. If something is ailing us, we are able to type in our symptoms and find out what we could possibly have and what our best course of action might be. This could be viewed as self diagnosis, which is not recommended by healthcare professionals. So be careful to consult you physician if you feel that your condition is a serious illness.

It is hard to get everything our bodies need from what we consume, even if we try to maintain a well balanced diet. And with our fast paced lives, we do fall short on this quite a bit. So by adding daily vitamin supplements we are able to give our bodies the right components to stay in good health.

Unfortunately, there is quite a bit of information out there and quite a few false claims. Without the help of different websites set up by organizations and government agencies trying to go though all of this information could be an overwhelming task. The internet has made it easier for us to get information regarding our health. This includes facts about the one thing that most of us need to maintain a healthy lifestyle, vitamin supplements.

With all that information out there, it is easier than ever to choose the right dietary supplements. By surfing the web we are able to get information on vitamins, and decide which one would get us the results that we so desire. It also takes away pushy sales people who are just trying to promote their product or their latest promotion. By doing your own research and looking around online you are more likely to find truthful information and not some sales pitch. Plus a larger variety of supplements are available to the consumer, where as stores carry particular brands based on preferred vendors.

Now that the internet has become so widely used by almost everyone in America, you can make a more educated decision when choosing vitamin supplements for better health. Once you have obtained the information you are looking for, consult your doctor to verify this information. Then with just a few clicks of your mouse, you can the purchase your vitamins from the comfort of your own home. All that is left to do is sit back and wait for the mailman.

Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Beach, Florida. Find more about this as well as nutritional supplements at http://www.zefarilhealth.com

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Why You Need a Vitamin Suppliment

Most of us are aware that taking a vitamin supplement could be good for our health. But if you've ever checked out the supplement counter at your local health shop, you might think it's all just too hard to figure out. There's a huge range of choices, and it's hard to fight that little voice you've heard that says if you eat three balanced meals a day, you're already getting all the vitamins and minerals you require. The problem is, most of us don't eat a healthy diet. We spend long hours at work, have family commitments, other things we have to do, maybe throw in some time for fun - and it seems like planning and preparing a healthy meal just doesn't happen.

The truth is, a good nutritional intake is always a better option than taking supplements. Fresh foods are full of vitamins and minerals, and they're easily absorbed into the body. Eating plenty of calcium, proteins, fats, fiber, and carbohydrates, sourced from a variety of healthy foods, is definitely the best option. But as most of us already know we're falling short in that department, or perhaps we specifically want to address a health concern, taking vitamin supplements can be a good choice to make.

Many foods are enhanced with extra vitamins and minerals today. The packaging of breads, pastas and cereals generally contains nutritional information, including the recommended daily allowance of the various vitamins and minerals contained in the food, and what percentage of that is contained in a standard serving. As an example, let's take calcium. Women in particular need to make sure they get their recommended daily allowance of calcium, partially for good health now, but also to avoid osteoporosis in later life. It's recommended women consume between 1200-1500mcg of calcium each day. This should come from a variety of sources, including cheese, milk, yogurt, ice cream (yum!) and if required, supplements. Most supplements only contain around 30-50% of the daily calcium requirement, so you do still need to source it from other foods.

Another interesting example is Vitamin D. When you're out in the sun, you absorb Vitamin D though your skin. That's pretty simple, but the problem is that most of us don't spend enough time outdoors every day. It can be difficult if you live a long way north, where days can be very short, or in a hot climate where damage from the sun's rays is a major concern. That's when a Vitamin D supplement can be beneficial.

It's not as simple as just grabbing a bunch of supplements off the shelf and hoping that will do the trick. You need to understand what vitamins and minerals your body needs, and determine whether or not you're likely to be getting sufficient amounts from your current diet. Read up on what effect certain vitamin deficiencies can have on your health, and methods for identifying a possible deficiency. Lots of information is available on the Internet, but it's also good to visit your local health shop, or consult a nutritionist or naturopath. Take the time to improve your intake of vitamins and minerals, and you'll be glad you did.

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The Hoodia Gordonii Patch: How Effective Is It?

Yo have heard of the hoodia gordonii patch and it seems like a better choice for weight loss.

Just stick the hoodia patch on your skin and then forget about it. No need to take hoodia pills with water at a certain time, no need to drink hoodia liquid or prepare hoodia tea. But can it actually live up to its hype?

Manufacturers of the hoodia gordonii patch maintain that their product contains the hoodia plant's active ingredient in a convenient stick-on, non-messy product. But what exactly makes this product better or if not, why would it not work?

What it is supposed to do.
The patch is a time-release product and the skin is supposed to absorb its ingredients and carry it to the bloodstream. The chemicals in the patch will then stop you from craving food. It works in the same way as some doctor-prescribed contraceptive and nicotine patches.

Know the source.
The hoodia gordonii is a succulent plant that has been used by the San Bushmen of the Kalahari Desert as food to sustain them on long hunting trips. The Bushmen have been using it to help suppress the feeling of hunger and thirst so they can go on prolonged journeys without needing or stopping for food.

This practice was first noted by a Dutch anthropologist in the 1930s. In the 1960s, the South African national laboratory, the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), were able to study the hoodia when they included it as part of an indigenous food study of the region.

The South African scientists then spent 30 years to isolate the active ingredient in hoodia, which they named p57. After obtaining a patent in 1995, they licensed the rights to develop to a British company named Phytopharm who recognized the promise of hoodia and provided funding for further study. At one time, Pfizer was part of the research but they have since backed out.

The active ingredient in the hoodia is a steroidal glycoside which acts on the hypothalamus, which is the satiety center of the brain. The brain is then unable to send a signal to the body that it is hungry or thirsty. This feeling of being full will prevent a person from eating and consuming calories. So the less a person eats, the more weight he loses.

A news correspondent for 60 Minutes, Lesley Stahl, visited South Africa to gain first-hand experience of the hoodia. A Bushman was hired to find the plant and after Stahl cut a stem and ate it, she reported no negative side effects whatsoever. She also did not feel hungry or thirsty at around the time when she should have. She even declared that it seemed to work.

This media coverage and other appearances in the news and on websites gave the hoodia gordonii some considerable exposure.

Is the active ingredient readily available?
The hoodia plant grows in the wild in the Kalahari. It is a sturdy plant that is designed to survive in a region where there is little water. Phytopharm has set up plantations in South Africa to grow it under controlled conditions. The company is confident of success in breeding this plant and is planning on expanding by using more land for propagation.

Scientists have also attempted to produce the active ingredient through synthetic means. While it has been successful, the process is by no means expensive and the amount of product produced is too small for large-scale mass market consumption.

The hoodia plant is not available in abundant quantity, which is why the product cost is still high.

So what is the skinny on the hoodia gordonii patch?

Hoodia gordonii products are relatively new and very little has been published about it. Although there have been no clinical test studies conducted on its effectiveness as of yet, the re-ordering of hoodia diet patches are high, which should tell us something. Hoodia diet patches should not be used by pregnant women, lactating mothers, children and people with pre-existing conditions like heart ailments, kidney problems and diabetes.

What worked for the Bushmen of the Kalahari may not work as effectively with the average American considering that there is a huge difference in diet and lifestyle.

It is also good to know that Phytopharm, who has been studying the plant for several years, plan to market it through diet supplements and meal substitutes. Yes, hoodia works that well.

Furthermore, hoodia weight loss patches should be administered with the proper supervision of a doctor, as are contraceptive and nicotine patches. As with starting with any diet or fitness program you should always confer with your health care practitioner to make sure that you do not have any underlying health risks.

Choose hoodia patches that offer a full money back guarantee or allow you to try the product free for at least 7 days to see if it works for you.
As with any weight loss patch or product, using the hoodia gordonii patch requires a certain amount of common sense and a willingness to engage in healthy lifestyle choices.

As a user of hoodia products, Patricia wanted to learn more about Hoodia Diet Patches.
To see which patch she prefers please visit: http://www.dietpatchexperts.com/

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Think Twice Before Taking Lipitor

Atorvastatin, marketed under the trade name Lipitor, is used for lowering cholesterol. Atorvastatin inhibits the enzyme located in hepatic tissue that produces mevalonate, a small molecule used in the synthesis of cholesterol. This lowers the amount of cholesterol produced which in turn lowers the total amount of LDL (low density) cholesterol. In 2005, Lipitor sales totaled $12.2 billion, making it the largest selling drug in the world at the time.

Atorvastatin is indicated as an adjunct to diet for the treatment of hypercholesterolaemia. In a clinical trial, after 2 years, a relative risk reduction of 16% in the primary end point rate (death, heart attack, unstable angina, coronary revascularization, or stroke) was seen in patients receiving intensive treatment with the drug. The benefit of intensive treatment was apparent, in some instances, within 30 days.

If you have high cholesterol, chances are your physician has already talked to you about Lipitor. Doctors like to prescribe it because it works quickly and easily. However, you need to understand the risk consequences associated with taking these sorts of drugs, because there is a potential for dangerous and sometimes permanent side effects. Some patients have suffered severe health consequences and were not adequately forewarned by their doctors.

Some of the more well known side effects associated with drugs known as statins (statins is the scientific classification for drugs such as Lipitor) include liver damage, sexual dysfunction, and peripheral neuropathy. But there have been other studies that have revealed other subtle problems that develop within the patient, which can have huge ramifications for the health of that patient later in life.

In a study performed by Finnish doctors, doctors assessed the effects of the statin drug Zocor on 120 men ages 35 to 64. All of the men had high cholesterol levels, ranging from 232 to 309. One group of men was told to maintain their current diet, while the other group was required to reduce their daily intake of saturated fat to less than 10 percent of total daily calories, and to keep their daily cholesterol consumption below 250 mg.

Then, each of the 2 groups was divided into 2 subgroups. One subgroup would take 20 mg of Zocor per day, while the other group received a placebo. This was continued for 12 weeks, at which point each subgroup switched so that the subgroup that had been receiving the placebo would receive the Zocor for the next 12 weeks, and vice versa. At the beginning of the clinical trial, and after the first 12 weeks, as well as at the end of the second 12 weeks, the cholesterol, blood pressure, insulin, and weight of each patient were measured.

The Zocor clearly worked, because it decreased cholesterol levels by 20.8 percent, while diet alone only decreased cholesterol by 7.6 percent. However, there was an astonishing finding. It was discovered that the drug increased fasting serum insulin levels by 13 percent, and decreased serum concentrations of important antioxidant vitamins by as much as 22 percent. This was a huge revelation.

Decreased insulin sensitivity can lead to a whole host of problems down the road, such as blindness, diabetes, and kidney disease. And antioxidants protect us from a whole host of problems, such as organic brain disease, cancer, and atherosclerosis. So, even though these cholesterol drugs perform a valuable function (lowering cholesterol), they can cause a whole range of other problems and diseases that can make a patient severely ill later in life.

So, you should think long and hard before using cholesterol-lowering drugs. The aforementioned side effects may not be equally severe in all people who take the medication. However, you might be better off working closely with your doctor to develop a program of diet and exercise before using drugs like Zocor or Lipitor to lower your cholesterol.

Jim Pretin is the owner of http://www.forms4free.com, a service that helps programmers make an HTML form

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Your Personal Day Care

Day care, whether it falls under commercial or home day care, should always be thoroughly checked out before the little one is enrolled, the baby sitter hired or any form of agreement signed. This ensures the parent's own peace of mind as well as the safety of the child.

Day care services are provided by nurseries, churches, craches, and professional / retired child minders working from their homes and even by some business establishments for the benefit of working parents.

After a preliminary phone interview with the centre or sitter, it is obviously essential to meet the care givers in person so you can make a better judgment about their abilities. In the case of day care centers, a personal visit will enable you to see the facilities and environment your child will be moving in without having to depend on second hand information.

The term day care applies to the long term, regular and, often, daily care of a child, during the parent's absence at specific times of the day. Like during the time when they're at work.

While a licensed day care centre would automatically provide quality care on a daily basis, home day care providers can sometimes be extremely irregular. This inconveniences parents and also upsets the schedule of the child, who has got used to the way his day should progress.

Home day care providers would ideally be responsible, competent individuals with prior experience in the field. The child would be comfortable around them, and the sitters would be able to provide the names of at least two referees who were satisfied with their services. Be sure to call up the referees and check.

With day care centers, the task becomes a bit easier as there are always other parents with whom one can talk. However, though the service may be regular, it is always better to inquire a little deeper into the care aspect of the arrangement.

Always ask the number of children assigned to one minder. The fewer children per minder, the more attention they will get. Also ask if the minders have worked at the centre for long and whether they will be the long term minder of their group.

Ask about the standards of discipline and the center's policies on sickness. Inquire about staff training and check out the safety aspects of both building and playground to your satisfaction. All these things are vital to the well being of your child. If you can ask for a copy of the centers policies with regard to how the institution is run, all the better.

Even after your child has been entered in a reliable day care of your choosing, it is advisable to make periodical visits, attend parent teacher meetings and above all to always know how your child feels about the centre. Keeping in touch with other parents is also a good way to track the progress of your child and any possible problems that might arise at the day care centre.

If you want to get more information about health, wellness and fitness please visit my blog at http://wellness-fitness-health.blogspot.com

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