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Uses of Phosphorous in the Daily Diet: Phosphorus Health Benefits and Food Sources

Tuesday, November 8, 2011 · Posted in , , , , , , , ,

Phosphorus is one of the most essential mineral in the body and is ranked second to calcium. Estimates suggest that about 80% of all phosphorus is present in the form of calcium phosphate in the teeth and bones. Though the deficiency of phosphorous is relatively rare, the condition can often be associated with a host of problems.

Phosphorus Supplements: Phosphorus Dietary Supplement

Phosphorus is available as potassium phosphate or sodium phosphate. Potassium phosphate exists as monobasic, dibasic, and tribasic potassium phosphate; whilst, sodium phosphate exists as monobasic, dibasic, and tribasic sodium phosphate. Some preparations blend together 2 or more of the forms. Medical supervision is extremely crucial when managing phosphorus deficiency.

Most multi-vitamin and multi-mineral supplements do not have phosphorus, given that, such supplementation is usually unwarranted

Phosphorus Deficiency
can result in weak bones
Phosphorus Deficiency Symptoms and the Use for Phosphorus Supplementation

Deficiency of phosphorus is usually rare; though, it may be observed in individuals who take antacids which contain aluminum for the management of heartburns or in individuals who are chronic alcoholics

A deficiency of the mineral results in demineralization of the bones, making them weak. Phosphorus plays an important role in absorbing calcium and utilizing it. In case of inadequate phosphorus in the body, the bones become weak and brittle. Likewise, the teeth become weak and fragile too. There may be discomfort in various joints of the body.

Loss of appetite and exhaustion are important deficiency symptoms as well. Tingling numbness, tremors, anxiety, weight loss and restricted growth are associated features.

 Phosphorus Uses and Phosphorus Health Benefits

  • Phosphorus has an important role to play in the maintenance of healthy bones and teeth.
  • It also participates in several vital functions of the body, such as energy metabolism, synthesis of DNA and the absorption and utilization of calcium.
  • Phosphorus plays a role in facilitating optimal digestion.
  • Phosphorus helps in the normal functioning of the kidneys and ensures proper discharge of wastes.
  • Adequate levels of phosphorous are essential to maintain normal brain functions.
  • The mineral facilitates maximum utilization of protein in the body and thus ensures proper growth as well as cellular repair. It also helps utilize carbohydrates and fats.
  • Phosphorus helps maintain a good hormonal equilibrium.

Natural Food Sources of Phosphorus
Phosphorus is easily available in most foods, especially high protein foods. Here’s a list of the foods that are packed with the mineral phosphorus:

    Beef is a great source of
    Phosphorus
  • Yogurt
  • Milk
  • Lentils
  • Salmon
  • Beef
  • Turkey
  • Almonds
  • Peanuts
  • Egg
The RDA for phosphorus is the same as that of calcium. On an average, it is 1000 milligrams for adults.

Phosphorus Supplement Side Effects

  • You may develop an allergic reaction after taking a phosphate supplement. Notify your doctor immediately if you experience the following: difficulty in breathing, swelling of the face, itching, giddiness or hives.
  • Other side effects that have been noted are: nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite and constipation. Sudden weight loss is seen in some cases too.
  • Fatigue and mood swings are rare side effects that are associated with the supplement.
  • Another thing to remember is that the ratio of calcium to phosphorus is important. Imbalance in the levels of calcium and phosphorus are closely linked to osteoporosis. So, make sure you consult a health care professional before you start phosphorus supplementation. To maintain proper balance, the ratio of calcium to phosphorus should be 2:1. Foods that are loaded with phosphorus but have relatively smaller quantities of calcium are soft drinks, red meat and poultry. When phosphorus levels are too high, calcium is lost in the urine.
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Benefits of Arginine Amino Acid: Arginine Dosage and Arginine Rich Foods

Thursday, October 20, 2011 · Posted in , , , , , ,

Special amino acids are of specific interest with regard to growth and development, metabolism, and protection from environmental toxins and diseases; arginine is one such vital amino acid.

Arginine has several
Health Benefits
Arginine Amino Acid: What is Arginine?

Arginine is an amino acid that has an important role to play in wound healing, detoxification, immune functioning and promotion of the secretion of several hormones. By and large, the body makes adequate amounts of arginine, even while the diet is lacking.

Arginine Rich Foods

Foods that are good sources of arginine include: peanuts, beans including lima beans and red beans, almonds, walnuts, cashews, chocolate, buckwheat, salmon, tuna, sardines, sesame seeds and flax seeds. Make sure you have at least one serving of nuts and seeds daily; it will supply the essential amino acid and encourage normal functioning of the body.

Benefits of Arginine: Arginine Uses

Some of the common health benefits associated with Arginine include,
  • Arginine prevents heart diseases: Arginine can help prevent as well as manage angina, hypertension, congestive cardiac failure and peripheral vascular insufficiency. Arginine increases the level of nitric oxide; nitric oxide relaxes the blood vessels and regulates blood flow and reduces blood clot formation and enhances fluidity of the blood.
  • Arginine treats interstitial cystitis: Interstitial cystitis is seen as increased urinary frequency, burning / pain while urinating and urgency to urinate. however, there is no evidence of infection. Arginine helps manage interstitial cystitis by increasing nitric oxide levels. This compound has an important part to play in bladder control too.
  • Arginine is of immense help in male infertility: Atginine can help improve fertility in males; however, the critical determinant is the level of sperm count. If the count is less than 20 million per milliliter, then, arginine supplements are less beneficial. Supplementation an enhance sperm count as well as sperm motility.
  • Arginine promotes the secretion of HGH or the human growth hormone: An extremely popular use of arginine is HGH stimulation from the pituitary gland. The level of HGH secretion tends to decrease with age, thus making you feel tired, increasing the tendency to put on weight and raising the susceptibility to a host of illnesses. Arginine can boost the secretion of HGH from the pituitary gland naturally, thereby, perking up energy levels appreciably, helping build muscle, burning superfluous fat, augmenting hair and skin quality and preventing lifestyle-related diseases.
  • Arginine encourages muscle building: Arginine helps build muscle by boosting the production and release of the human growth hormone from the pituitary. The growth hormone is responsible for stimulating muscle and skeletal growth. Body builders often take arginine supplements to increase the natural output of HGH. HGH improves lean muscle mass and enhances muscle tone. It burns unwanted fat and helps in body contouring.

Arginine Supplements

Our body synthesizes sufficient amounts of arginine; nevertheless, in some instances, the body may not be able to keep up with the increased requirements, and thus, supplementation may prove to be useful.

Arginine Dosage

The therapeutic dose, i.e. the dose that is considered safe is 400 to 6000 milligrams. The dose of arginine supplements varies depending on the disease condition, the person’s health status and administration of other medications. For example, to manage male infertility, experts advocate 4 grams of l-arginine daily for 3 months; for interstitial cystitis, about 1500 milligrams daily for a month is advised. Thus, it is very essential that you confer with your health care professional, before embarking up on arginine supplementation.

A diet high in Arginine
can cause herpes
Arginine and Herpes

The herpes virus utilizes arginine, consequently, diets that are high in arginine in those individuals who may be harboring the virus, could lead to reactivation. Thus, you need to balance your intake of arginine, by increasing the intake of amino acid lysine.

Arginine Side Effects and Warnings

By and large, l-arginine is well tolerated, when taken orally, intravenously, or topically applied. However, in some cases, side effects of arginine have been recorded which include diarrhea, nausea, bloating, skin rash, endocrine changes, GI discomfort, increased blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine, lower back pain, numbness, or systemic acidosis. 
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Essential Fatty Acids Deficiency: Functions and Foods for EFA

Tuesday, October 18, 2011 · Posted in , , , , , ,

Dietary fat plays several fundamental roles in the body. Fats are the most concentrated source of energy and provide 9 calories per gram. It is also required for the synthesis of structural components, such as cell membrane.  Since the body has an almost limitless ability to store fat, consuming a diet that is loaded with fats can result in obesity. It is imperative to remember that, just as the amount of fat is important, so is the type of fat that you consume.

What Are Essential Fatty Acids (EFA)?
The two official essential fatty acids are linoleic (omega 6 fatty acid) and alpha-linoleic (omega 3 fatty acid); nonetheless, there are other fats which are extremely important too. These two are vital complements for good health and ought to be incorporated in the daily diet.

Function of Essential Fatty Acid: Benefits of Essential Fatty Acids
Essential fatty acids perform some important functions in the body’s metabolic and physiological activities,
  • Cell membrane function: a cell membrane contains 2 layers, each made up of proteins, cholesterol, and fats. when one consumes fat that is mostly saturated fat, trans fat and animal fat, then the cell membrane has much less fluid than the membrane of a person who consumes optimal quantities of unsaturated fats. Without the right type of fats in the cell membrane, the cells fail to function normally, thus triggering a host of lifestyle linked disorders.
  • Conversion to prostaglandins: EFAs are transformed in prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are regulatory compounds that carry out various tasks and govern: your response to allergy, blood clotting, blood pressure, heart, kidney, and GI functioning, inflammation and pain, hormone manufacture, and nerve conduction.

Essential Fatty Acid Deficiency: Deficiency of EFA

The following are the commonly seen clinical manifestations of a deficiency of EFAs:


Walnuts are a good
source of Essential
Fatty Acids
Foods with Essential Fatty Acids: Sources of Essential Fatty Acids

The following foods provide generous doses of omega 3 fatty acids and omega 6 fatty acids; and thereby help in the optimal functioning of the body cells:

  • Cold water fish such as, Herring, Salmon, Mackerel, and Halibut
  • Flax seeds
  • Walnuts along with other dry fruits like Almonds, Cashewnuts, etc 
Essential Fatty Acids Supplements

EFA supplements are recommended in cases of dermatitis, eczema and excessive dryness of the skin, which is invariably triggered by an inadequate intake of essential fatty acids in the diet. Supplements also help manage hair fall and teat dull, lifeless hair. Experts advocate supplementation in cases of arthritis, severe constipation, atherosclerosis, insufficiently performing immune mechanism and Alzheimer’s disease.
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Five Super Foods that should be included in Routine Diet

Monday, October 17, 2011 · Posted in , , , , , , , , ,

The food you consume is fundamental to good health and freedom from diseases. Most people have fallen prey to the modern comforts of life, with poor physical activity and consumption of refined and processed foods that give only temporary gratification and no true nourishment. Incorporating the right foods in your daily diet is very crucial to good health.

Super Foods Diet: List of Super Foods
A diet that is rich in fresh fruits and vegetables helps keep you fit, healthy and promises to prevent virtually every chronic disease. Almost all fruits and vegetables give your body a generous dose of anti oxidants that battle free radical damage and thus ward off cancer. They pep up energy levels and make you feel invigorated and fresh all day long.

  • Broccoli
  • Strawberries
  • Lettuce
  • Dates
    • Broccoli is a super food
    and has anti cancer
     propeties
  • Sweet potato
Broccoli is a Super Green Food

Broccoli is an excellent anti cancer food. Glucosinolates found in the vegetable is responsible for cancer fighting. Furthermore, research states that broccoli sprouts contain 30 to 50 times more concentration of the protective agents than found in mature broccoli. Glucosinolates help detoxify the liver of all the noxious, lethal compounds and perk up liver functioning. It is considered to be effective in treatment of hepatitis. Experts say that to cut down the risk of cancer, one needs to consume about 2 pounds of the vegetable per week.

Strawberries are One of the Top Ten Super Foods

The amazing health benefits of strawberries are due to the presence of flavanoids. This flavanoid content of the berry makes it a wonderful defender against inflammation, cancer and cardiac diseases. Strawberries reduce inflammation by lessening the activity of COX that triggers swelling and pain. The fruit also exerts powerful anti-cancer benefits. In a clinical trail, strawberries topped the list of 8 fruits linked to lower cancer rates.

Lettuce is a super food for
Weight loss
Super Food for Weight Loss: Lettuce

Lettuce has extremely low calorie content – 15 calories per 100 grams of lettuce. It also has abundant water volume and is one of the most famous weight loss foods. It supplies the body with Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin K and chromium. Incorporating plenty of lettuce in to your diet will help you shed superfluous and unwanted weight rapidly and naturally and also provide you with a burst of energy.

Super Food to Fight Constipation: Dates

Dates are packed with a special soluble dietary fiber called beta-D-glucan. Beta –D-glucan adds bulk to the stools, decreases the transit time of the feces in the gut and aids in speedy elimination. Dates promise to fight the most stubborn cases of constipation.
The wonder food also reduces the absorption of cholesterol by the body and slows the absorption of sugar in the intestine, thereby maintaining normal levels of blood sugar.
Dates are the best ‘energy food’; they supply the body with loads of energy and boost stamina and endurance levels appreciably. They also facilitate weight loss and weight management.

Anti Aging Super Food: Sweet Potato For Anti Aging

Sweet potato has been touted as an anti aging food. The root is an excellent source of carotenes, and provides loads of vitamin C. It exerts powerful antioxidant benefits and helps fight off free radical damage effectively, thus staving off the onslaught of aging. It is also classified as an anti diabetic food; it stabilized serum glucose levels and improves the response to insulin and helps in the management of diabetes.
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Importance of Vitamin K: Vitamin K Deficiency and Food Sources

Friday, October 7, 2011 · Posted in , , ,

Vitamin K is an extremely important vitamin, that tends to get somewhat neglected. Vitamin K obtained from plants is termed vitamin K1, whilst that obtained from the bacteria in the intestine is called vitamin K2, and vitamin K3 is an artificial derivative. The 3 vitamin K, function similarly when it comes to blood clotting, however, vitamin K1 is relatively superior for other bodily functions.

Vitamin K Structure
What Is Vitamin K For?: Importance of Vitamin K

  • The chief function of vitamin K is blood clotting. Vitamin K controls normal blood clotting by manufacturing prothrombin and facilitating the transport of calcium.
  • It also plays a vital part in bone health. It converts the bone protein osteocalcin from its inactive form, in to its active form. The osteocalcin molecule combines with calcium and keeps it in place within the bone, thus, helping in mineralization of the bone and preventing osteoporosis.
  • Vitamin K helps decrease the risk of bleeding in liver diseases, mal absorption, or after prolonged usage of anti biotics and / or aspirin.
Vitamin K Deficiency

Deficiency of vitamin K is very rare, and usually develops when the vitamin can not be absorbed from the GI tract. It may also occur after long-drawn-out treatment with anti biotics. The deficiency is invariably a result of poor absorption, rather than, an inadequacy in the diet. Long term usage of anti biotics tends to destroy some of the bacteria in the gut that assist in the manufacture of the vitamin; and consequently, the level drops. Newborns are at a risk of developing the deficiency. This is due to the fact that their gut contains no vitamin K synthesizing bacteria. Deficiency in adults is somewhat uncommon. it occurs when one has a disease that prevents the absorption of fat; celiac disease, cystic fibrosis, hepatitis and cholestasis.

A deficiency of vitamin K leads to impaired mineralization of the bone. Low levels of the vitamin are seen in individuals who have fractures due to osteoporosis. The vitamin found in abundance in a vegetarian diet is a protective factor against the development of osteoporosis. Other symptoms of deficiency are: easy bruising, bleeding from the nose, GI bleeding, profuse menstrual bleeding and blood in urine.


Kale is a good
Source of Vitamin K
Sources of Vitamin K: Vitamin K Foods

Rich sources of vitamin K are dark green leafy vegetables, green tea, broccoli, kale, spinach, lettuce and cabbage. Asparagus, watercress, oats, whole wheat and peas are good sources too.
The RDA for vitamin K is 1 microgram per 1 kilogram or 2.2 pounds of body weight.

Vitamin K Supplements
Vitamin K supplements are recommended in cases of deficiency, with apparent bone health and lessen risk of fractures, especially, in post menopausal women who have the possibility of developing osteoporosis. Further it is considered essential in the management of lower back pain and other arthritis disorders.
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Health Benefits of Vitamin B12: Vitamin B12 Sources and Deficiency Symptoms

Monday, October 3, 2011 · Posted in , , , , , , ,

Vitamin B12, also called cobalamin was identified as the nutritional factor in the liver, in 1948; and was said to prevent pernicious anemia. Vitamin B12, along with folic acid plays a pivotal part in many of the body’s processes, including synthesis of DNA.

Vitamin B12 Benefits

Vitamin B12 is necessary in very small quantities. The RDA for the vitamin is 2 micrograms.
  • Vitamin B12 is essential for the normal functioning of the nervous system. Adequate intake of the vitamin ca help stave off degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s Diseases and Parkinson's Disease.
  • The vitamin is also essential to prevent anemia.
Eggs are a great source
of Vitamin B12
  • The nutrient plays an important role in the working of most of the biological processes.
Sources of Vitamin B12: Vitamin B12 Foods
Vitamin B12 is found in significant quantities only in animal foods. The richest sources of the vitamin are: liver, eggs, fish, kidney, meat, chicken, oysters and cheese. Tempeh (fermented soy) and cow's milk are excellent sources for vegans (strict vegetarians), depending up on the medium on which it is grown. Nutritional brewer’s yeast also provides vitamin B12.

Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Vitamin B12 Deficiency Causes
Vitamin B12 deficiency is very commonly seen in vegans, pregnant women and in the elderly. It is imperative to identify the symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency and rectify it immediately. What’s more, vitamin B12 reactivates folic acid, consequently, a deficiency of vitamin B12 results in folic acid deficiency as well; more so, if the folic acid levels are marginal.

Vitamin B 12 Deficiency Symptoms
Vitamin B12 deficiency is seen as:
  • The deficiency results in impaired nerve functioning, demonstrated as ‘pins and needles’ sensation or tingling numbness and a burning feeling in the feet.
  • The mental functioning gets impaired as well. Common symptoms include: depression, confusion, delirium and development of Alzheimer’s.
  • Anemia is another very common manifestation; it is seen as: giddiness, headache, fatigue and breathlessness.
  • The tongue becomes red and smooth. Vitamin B12 defiency is associated with apathus ulcers in the mouth.
Milk is an important
source of Vitamin B12
for Vegens
  • Diarrhea may also be a presenting feature.
Vitamin B12 Supplements
Vitamin B12 supplements are recommended for vegans. Tempeh and brewer’s yeast does provide some amount of the vitamin; however, studies say that the vitamin B12 in these foods is not is the form that meets the body’s requirements. The vitamin may be taken in the form of tablets, pills or injections. Vitamin B12 injections are used for the management of depression and anxiety among individuals.

Vitamin B 12 Overdose: Vitamin B 12 Toxicity
If you think you could be suffering from a deficiency of the vitamin, you may embark on vitamin B12 supplementation a regular basis. Before embarking on an extreme plan, first get yourself investigated. The most frightening aspect of vitamin B12 overdose is that it is linked to various types of cancers. Vitamin B12 encourages cell division and it does not differentiate between healthy cells and unhealthy cells. An excess of the vitamin gives the extra energy that is required by the cancer cells. Also, no research has been able to ascertain a safe upper limit for vitamin B12 intake.
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Treat Arthritis Naturally: Supplements and Natural Cures for Osteoarthritis

Wednesday, September 28, 2011 · Posted in , , , , , ,

Arthritis is a very common age related disease; and osteoarthritis (OA) affects millions across the globe. However, eating correctly and taking certain supplements can help slow down the progression of the disease, relieve pain and stiffness and stave of excessive cartilage degeneration.

What Is Osteoarthritis?

OA is a degenerative joint disorder wherein, the joint gradually loses its cartilage. The cartilage is a smooth, shock absorbing substance that prevents the joint surfaces from rubbing against one another. OA commonly affects the knees, hips, spine and fingers and is manifested as: pain and discomfort in the affected joint, stiffness and reduced mobility. In most cases Osteoarthritis also associated with localized edema and swelling. Lower back pain is commonly associated with osteoarthritis especially among elderly individuals.

OA commonly affects
the knee joint
Degenerative Arthritis: What Causes It?

  • Aging is an import contributing factor. Osteoarthritis occurs due to years of wear and tear of the joints.
  • Along side, genetic factors also come in to play.
  • Obesity and excessive weight tend to accelerate the progression of the disease and worsen it.
  • Impairment of the body’s ability to repair cartilage also plays a part.
  • Trauma or injury to the joint and overuse of the joint are other significant causes.
  • Congenital defect in the joint structure could also trigger OA.
  • Osteoarthritis is closely associated with menopause and frequently observed in post menopausal women

Osteoarthritis Treatment

Permanent cure for OA does not exist, however, you can alleviate the pain and discomfort appreciably. Also, alterative therapies promise to reduce stiffness in the affected joint, strengthen the muscles supporting the joints and improve the range of movement. OA treatment calls for a multi-disciplinary approach. Dietary supplements, physical therapy and exercises and food prescriptions will provide immense help.

Glucosamine helps in
building cartilage
Osteoarthritis Cures: Supplements for Osteoarthritis

  • Glucosamine: glucosamine is a cartilage building agent that has been proved to be excellent in relieving arthritic pain. Glucosamine can slow down joint damage considerably. Glucosamine supplements can be used for a long period of time. Glucosamine sulphate is the preferred form. 500 mg of the supplement is recommended twice daily for a month. After a month asses the condition and consult your physician about the dosage.
  • Calcium and vitamin D: calcium and vitamin D are essential to prevent de-mineralization of the bones, which will further aggravate the condition. They can slow down or even halt the progress of osteoarthritis. Calcium and vitamin D manage stiffness and pain appreciably, and are known as vital joint-building nutrients.
  • Biotin: Biotin is also considered beneficial in the management of Osteoarthritis. Reports suggest that biotin promotes the growth of cartilage tissue. This can be beneficial in the management of severe degenerative disorder. 
  • Vitamin B supplements: vitamin B supplementation is a must. Vitamin B complex help handle tingling and numbness that is occasionally seen with OA. It also manages the discomfort effectively.
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Psyllium Fiber as Colon Cleanse: Controls Cholesterol, Promotes Weight Loss and Relives Constipation

Thursday, August 18, 2011 · Posted in , , , , ,

Sedentary lifestyles, desk-bound jobs, consumption of too much refined and denatured food, irregular and wrong eating habits and no exercise; all contribute to constipation. Chronic, untreated constipation can become the cause of a host of illnesses and diseases ranging from hemorrhoids, fissures, ulcers, colitis, gall stones, appendicitis, obesity and cancer. Regular bowel movement is very vital for the normal functioning of the body.




Psyllium Husk Seeds have
several health benefits
What is Psyllium?

Psyllium seeds are obtained from the Plantago psyllium plant. Diverse species of the plant are used in medicine. Generally, the seeds of Plantago psyllium and Plantago ovata are used to manage a host of disorders.

Psyllium Seeds, Psyllium Fiber and Psyllium Husks

Psyllium seeds are reddish-brown to black. The seeds and their husks are packed with dietary fiber; and have been prescribed to treat obstinate constipation and a wide range of other digestive ailments. Blended with water, the psyllium husks form a viscous mass that soaks up water from the bowel and produces large, soft stools.

Relieve Constipation with Psyllium

Psyllium adds bulk to the stools and thus aids in its speedy evacuation. Psyllium reduces the transit time of the feces in the bowels, thus staving off a whole range of GI tract disorders, even cancer. The seeds normalize bowel function and effectively, manage chronic constipation, diarrhea, hemorrhoids, Irritable Bowel Syndrome , and diverticulosis.

However, make sure that you drink plenty of water, 2 to 2 and ½ liters per day. If you do not drink plenty of fluid, you may develop an intestinal block, which may be counter-productive, as it can cause severe and painful constipation.

Psyllium Reduces Cholesterol

Psyllium can decrease bad cholesterol or LDL cholesterol significantly. Psyllium diminishes the level of cholesterol by combining with cholesterol rich bile in the GI tract and eliminating it, accordingly reducing its level in the bloodstream.




Psyllium is beneficial in
management of rectal cancer
Colon Cleansing and Psyllium

Psyllium is exceedingly popular in colon cleanse programs. The supplement helps throw out all toxic matter from the body effectively. It sweeps the walls of the colon clean and purges out all lethal toxins. Psyllium assists in expelling old accumulated matter; crusts adhered to the colon walls, noxious wastes and putrefied sludge, thereby sluicing the bowels as well as the blood stream. Psyllium is an amazing detox agent. It is also beneficial in the management of colorectal cancer.

Psyllium Promotes Weight Loss

This excellent source of fiber plays a pivotal role in weight loss and weight management. Psyllium absorbs water and fills the stomach, thus creating a sense of fullness. It naturally suppresses appetite and brings about quick satiety. The seeds also delay the emptying of food from the stomach, hence, extending the time you feel full. Additionally, the seeds stabilize blood sugar levels and consequently control food cravings.

Psyllium Side Effects

Pysllium may cause transient bloating and may increase flatulence resulting in gassy stomach. To prevent this, incorporate small doses of the fiber in to the diet on a daily basis. In case you do not drink lots of water when taking the supplement, the constipation could even aggravate. Allergic reactions are rare; they may manifest as rash, itching or breathing difficulty. Do consult a doctor before staring the supplementation.
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Biotin for Health: Food Sources and Biotin Benefits and Ideal Dosage

Thursday, August 11, 2011 · Posted in , , , , ,

Biotin is a part of the vitamin B complex; but, surprisingly, it doesn’t get too much attention. Biotin plays a vital role in the breakdown of fats, carbohydrates and proteins. Biotin supplements assist in the treatment of a range of illnesses.




Structure of the
Biotin Molecule
What is Biotin?: Biotin for Health

The word biotin is derived from the word ‘bios’, which means life. This vitamin is present in practically all the foods. Additionally, it is also synthesized by the intestinal bacteria, provided that the digestive tract is healthy.

Biotin has a crucial part to play in the process of metabolism and it helps the body use glucose to generate energy. It is also necessary for the production of various enzymes.

Biotin Deficiency and Its Ill Effects

A severe deficiency of biotin is relatively rare. Our daily diet usually provides us with ample biotin. However, those who use antibiotics for log intervals or those who are on to anti-seizure medications, may develop a deficiency of the vitamin.

An insufficiency of the vitamin is seen as unhealthy nails and hair, brittle nails, hair loss, hair thinning and dry, lifeless hair.

Biotin Benefits

  • Biotin promotes healthy hair and nails. It stimulates hair growth, checks hair thinning and hair loss and makes them luxuriant. It improves weak and brittle nails.

  • Biotin helps your body to process fats, carbohydrates and proteins.




    • Biotin for Healthy
    Hair
  • The vitamin also enhances blood sugar control in diabetics. Biotin increases the body’s response to insulin, so that blood sugar levels stay low and do not fluctuate. It also protects against nerve damage that very commonly occurs in diabetics. It is also advocated in cases of candida albicans, where it slows the multiplication of the fungus.

Biotin for Hair: Benefits of Biotin Supplements

Biotin is very effective to mange hair loss that is linked to biotin deficiency. In fact, nutritionists and trichologists prescribe biotin supplements to make up for any deficiencies, particularly in individuals who are on to strong antibiotics or anti-epileptics. The vitamin repairs dry, scaly scalp and stimulates hair growth.

Furthermore, the market is flooded with a host of biotin hair products, biotin hair supplements and biotin shampoos.

Biotin Dosage for Health: Food Sources of Biotin
For healthy hair and nails, experts recommend a dose of 1000 mcg of biotin per day. In case o diabetics, it is prudent that you talk to your physician about the most appropriate dose to maintain normal serum glucose levels as well as to prevent diabetic neuropathy.
Liver, soy and its products, nuts, oatmeal, rice, barley, cauliflower, legumes and whole wheat are excellent sources of biotin. Overdose of Biotin is associated with slight diarrhea and gastrointestinal distress.
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Manage Depression and Anxiety with Ginkgo Biloba Supplements: Health Benefits of Ginkgo

Tuesday, August 2, 2011 · Posted in , , , , , , ,

In a study published in Journal of American Medical Association, 202 patients with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease were evaluated. The study showed that patients who had take 120 mg of Gingko Biloba extract a day had improved mental and social functions compared to those given the placebo. Though the effects of this study were modest and for limited duration, the findings provided a promising new insight into management of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Ginkgo is an herbal remedy which was an integral part of Chinese medicine and is available in different forms including tablets, capsules, liquid and powdered forms. This memory booster herb has several other health benefits.

Ginkgo can help treat
Depression
Mental Health Benefits of Ginkgo: Improves Memory and Manages Depression and Anxiety
The primary action of Ginkgo is on the circulatory system and the central nervous system. Ginkgo improves the blood circulation to the brain and also has several anti-oxidants that prevent free radical damage of the body cells. Research studies indicate that Ginkgo plays a crucial role in enhancing supply of oxygen and nutrients to the nerves and thereby has a potent action on the nervous system. Some of the key mental health benefits of Ginkgo herb include,
  • Though there is inadequate scientific information available on the same, Gingko plays a crucial role in managing age related memory loss. Studies have however been conducted on individuals who already suffer from diminished blood flow to the brain and have not been conducted on healthy volunteers.
  • Diminished blood flow is considered to be primarily linked with Alzheimer’s disease and age related memory loss. Ginkgo improves blood circulation to the brain and thereby increases oxygen and nutrient supply to the brain. Studies are tying to explore the possible role that Ginkgo plays in prevention of clots and atherosclerosis
  • In addition, this potential action of Ginkgo makes it a crucial herb in management of depression, anxiety, confusion, headaches and tinnitus.

Gingko Tree
Other Health Benefits of Ginkgo:  Prevents Cramps
With primary action of improving blood flow to the different parts of the body, Ginkgo is beneficial in the management of a wide range of health problems,
  • It is effective in the management of macular degeneration and retinal degeneration of the eye- both the condition responsible for blindness. It also plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy eyesight
  • It reduces pain and cramping caused due to narrowing of arteries of the legs and helps in management of painful cramps and claudications
  • It is also beneficial in the management of Raynaud’s disease and chilblains and frost bites
  • It hastens recovery from stroke or head injury and also helps in management of nerve damage and neuropathies  associated with diabetes and multiple sclerosis
Precautions while using Ginkgo: Guidelines for Use
Ensure that you purchase Ginkgo supplements which contain a minimum of 24% flavone glycosides and 6% terpene lactones. Avoid using Ginkgo leaves directly as it may contain potent chemicals which might trigger allergic reactions.
When used as a memory booster, Ginkgo supplement in the tune of 1000 mg per day is adequate however when used for management of conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, dementia or depression the recommended dosage is 2000 mg twice a day.
Certain side effects associated with over consumption of the herb include irritability and restlessness, nausea and vomiting along with diarrhea. Most of these symptoms are transient and resolve spontaneously. Ginkgo should be taken with food and the herb is a slow acting herb so ideally weight for 12 weeks before you can report the benefits of the same.
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