Suplements and Vitamins

Cat’s Claw: You’ll Feel Purrfect

Thanks to the rise of Internet communication people have a lot more exposure to alternative medicine these days. As a result they are finally beginning to liberate themselves from their staid old doctors and take charge of their own well being. What’s been most exciting about this development has been the re-introduction of ancient herbal remedies that have proven their worth for thousands of years. Cat’s claw (Uncaria Tormentosa) is one such remedy: a potent vine pruned from bark in the remotest regions of the Andes Mountains.

Recent scientific studies have proven what the indigenous people of the Andes have known for generations: that cat’s claw is extremely effective for strengthening the immune system, reducing various forms of inflammation and cleansing/revitalizing the intestinal tract. As such it is the ideal remedy for any condition related to the three aforementioned phenomena, an excellent herbal supplement for maintaining rude health, and has potential benefits for patients of a host of other conditions such as cancer and HIV. Let’s take a look at some of that in greater detail.

Cat’s claw contains a number of rare alkaloids which cause it to strengthen the immune system when taken regularly. The principal alkaloid responsible for this benevolent effect is Isopteropodin which acts as a powerful anti-oxidant and eliminates harmful free radicals.

Cat’s claw’s anti-inflammatory properties are a result of the alkaloids glycoside, proanthocyanidin and beta sitosterol. Sufferers of rheumatism, arthritis, gout and just about any other inflammatory problem will benefit significantly and quickly from a course of treatment with cat’s claw.

Cat’s claw has long been taken for stomach and bowel problems. The vine’s cleansing properties make it an excellent course of treatment for intestinal problems such as irritable bowel syndrome, colitis and Crohn’s disease. Its unique curative properties mean it can be used to treat a host of ailments aside from the ones described above including the healing of wounds, gastric ulcers, chronic pain and viral and fungal infections.

If you’ve tried traditional remedies without success you owe it to yourself to take charge of your treatment and utilize remedies that have proven their effectiveness for countless generations. According to Doctor Alan Simpson: “Cat’s claw’s anti-inflammatory properties are a result of the alkaloids glycoside, proanthocyanidin and beta sitosterol. I’ve witnessed firsthand the incredible curative effects of this herb. It deeply saddens me that more people aren’t aware of alternative remedies. Hopefully Internet distribution will help people who are suffering to find the right remedy.”

Beat Colds And Flu With Oil Of Oregano

The most ordinary of all diseases are the common cold and the flu. Common cold is just a self-limiting illness but flu is the one that we need to get wary of. These ailments share common symptoms like congested sinuses, fever, sneezing, sore throat, headaches and lack of energy. In a few days our colds may clear up by just taking the usual treatments. But if we contract the flu, we need to take more stringent measures. Statistics shows that in the United States, 10 to 20% of the population goes down with the flu every flu season. Fifty thousand of them, mostly the elderly, die.

There is no need to worry because there is an alternative cure that is better than the mostly ineffective standard drugs and pills. We now have a highly potent alternative – oil of oregano. This is an essential oil that is derived from the leaves of the wild oregano plant. This plant grows in the hilltops of Portugal, Greece and Turkey where the right combination of soil minerals and overall weather gives the plant its high potency. For centuries this wild plant has been known to cure diseases ranging from skin, digestive and respiratory diseases.

Modern medicine have confirmed thru a number of studies and experiments in several US universities that oil of oregano can indeed kill bacteria, viruses and parasites. The active ingredients of this substance are carvacrol and thymol. They act together to kill known pathogens that are responsible for colds, flu, and other respiratory, skin and digestive disorders. For this purpose, you must use the oil coming from the wild oregano plant called Origanum vulgare and not the common oregano called Oreganum marjoram which is used to spice up food.

In order to avoid getting colds, you must strengthen your immune system. Oregano oil can help you boost your immune system by taking the oil at least two drops per day under your tongue. If you already have a cold you could increase this dosage twice a day. Flu symptoms are basically the same as that of the common cold. In case you suspect you have contracted the flu, take 6 drops of oil of oregano under your tongue each day until the flu subsides. To get well faster, put two or three drops in a cotton ball or tissue paper and inhale the oregano oil to relieve your head cold symptoms. If you feel the need for a prolonged treatment using oregano oil, seek the counsel of your doctor first.

5 Top Tips for CoQ10 Supplements Users

CoQ10, short for Co-enzyme Q10, a wonder supplement, is basically a naturally found compound in the energy-generating center of the cell that is referred as ‘the mitochondria’. The compound, CoQ10, is chiefly involved in producing an important molecule – adenosine triphosphate (ATP). This ATP is the chief energy source of a cell and also coerces numerous biological processes like production of protein and muscle contraction. Moreover, CoQ10 also acts as an anti-oxidant. In simple words, CoQ10 is a nutrition that is essential for all.

It is believed that CoQ10 supplement helps to maintain the stamina during weight loss activities in addition to fighting AIDS and Cancer. Moreover, the supplement is also helpful for heart disease, diabetes, and gum diseases. Although this compound occurs naturally in the body but it is required to be taken as a supplement as it ebbs with aging.

However, there are certain tips that can help you with the dosage and intake of Coq10 supplements.

The top five tips which are most effective are:

I. Source of purchase

Make sure that your source of buying a CoQ10 supplement should be reputable. There are many companies that proffer the supplement in tablet form that is not very effective in addition to being difficult to be processed by the body. It is, therefore, advisable to consume these supplements with quality oil so that these can be easily absorbed.

II. Doctor’s opinion

Your doctor’s opinion is a must in deciding the usage of the supplement for your health. A health care practitioner is the only person who can help you decide the quantity of the supplement to be included into your diet. The quantity of to be taken depends completely on your specific health concerns.

III. Dosage

For children below 18 years of age, the use of CoQ10 is recommended only under the expert supervision of a professional doctor. However, the recommended dose for adults can vitiate 30-200 mg daily. Moreover, it is better to take it in the form of soft gels rather than capsules or other preparations. This is because of easy absorption feature of the gels.

IV. Natural CoQ10 supplements

The best thing is to take in these supplements in their natural form through various dietary sources. The main sources of CoQ10 supplements include oily fish (tuna and salmon), organ meats (liver), and whole grains. The best source of obtaining adequate amount of CoQ10 supplement is a balanced diet. However, the most benefited category from these supplements is that of individuals with particular health conditions or those under certain medications.

V. Be cautious

Above all, it is very important to be cautious with these supplements regarding their potential for side effects and reactions with medications. It is, therefore, important to take these supplements under the expert supervision of an experienced doctor. CoQ10, generally, has no serious side effects other than erratic stomach upset. However, it is better to avoid the use of these supplements during pregnancy and breastfeeding to be safe from any kind of side effects.

Today, CoQ10 is one of the most suggested sources of vitamins and supplements by a large number of doctors, nutritionists and naturopaths for a better health. The CoQ10 supplements can be obtained in different forms like soft gel capsules, hard shell capsules, oral spray and tablets. Besides, these are also added to various cosmetics.

Give Your Body What It’s Crying Out For: Probiotics!

Do you ever suffer from digestive problems like indigestion, gas, constipation or diarrhea? Probiotics may well be the answer you’re looking for. The body has an abundance of micro organisms, consisting of both beneficial and harmful bacteria. Amazingly, these microbes are estimated to make up to between 3 and 5 pounds of our body weight.

Normal flora is the name given to the microbes that certain parts of the body need in order to operate. The lining of the gut has a layer of normal flora to keep the gastrointestinal tract working properly. The immune system also depends on normal flora to function effectively, as does the hormonal system (especially in women) where microbes help to maintain an optimum balance of the different hormones.

In the digestive system, beneficial bacteria help with the digestion of proteins and fats. Also, some of the bacteria produce vitamins such as those in the B-complex family and vitamin K-1, which is essential for the liver. Other bacteria aids with the digestion of carbohydrates.

A healthy balance of flora in the intestines also helps prevent gas and bloating, as well as maintaining pH balance, helping keep acidity in check. As mentioned earlier, friendly microbes also play an important role in immune system function. They inhibit the ability of attacking microbes to get nutrients as well as producing acids that are hostile to bad bacteria.

Good bacteria also bolster the mucous lining in the intestines. This barrier plays an important role in preventing disease because it helps block the absorption of hazardous pathogens, allergens and toxins. It also helps your body learn to distinguish safe bugs from harmful ones.

The immune system’s micro organisms also aid disease prevention by increasing the number of T-cells (T-cells are ‘helper’ cells that maximise immune function), and by having an antibiotic and anti-fungal action.

There are also a class of microbes that operate in the body’s hormonal system; they work to metabolise and recycle estrogen, thyroid hormones and others. These crucial micro-organisms help to maintain optimal hormonal balance and they can limit the effects of menopause and perimenopause.

All in all, beneficial bacteria are an amazing component of the human body. In addition to the benefits mentioned above, they can also neutralise toxicity caused by drugs and other harmful substances, and have even demonstrated anti-cancer effects.

If you’re looking for ONE thing that will have a big impact on every aspect of your health, make a smart choice and add a quality probiotic to your health regimen. Remember that there are quite a few different types and strengths available: be sure to experiment and find one that works well for you.

Effective Supplements for Boosting the Immune System

In our environment there are a huge variety of pathogens – viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoa – and multicellular parasites. The penetration in the human body of these organisms can cause disease, and/or, if propagated uncontrolled, even death. The ability of the body to resist to various pathogenic microbes depends on the immune system. The immune system is an amazing mechanism that protects us from various pathogenic microbes and their negative effect on our body and health. There are two types of immune system:

Phagocytes and Inherent Immune System – An important group of white blood cells are phagocytes: monocytes, macrophages, and polymorphonuclear neutrophils. They are capable of binding microorganisms, and then engulf and destroy them. Phagocytes form the first line of defense against infection.
Lymphocyte and Acquired Immune System – Another important group of white blood cells is lymphocytes. They have a leading role in all the reactions of acquired immunity, since they specifically recognize a particular pathogen, wherever it may be, inside or outside of cells, tissues, fluid or blood.

There are many ways of how to boost the immune system, including conventional medicine and non traditional methods. For a healthy individual, who does not have any serious diseases, it is not recommended to use traditional immunology treatments on a regular basis. As the immune system can get use to these immune boost intakes and will not be able to perform well on its own.

Some of the well known non-traditional immune systems boosters are as follows:

Garlic Garlic – a good indicator of the fact that the plant can be both a source of food and medicine. Garlic contains volatile oils and bactericidal substances, so often used as a disinfectant. Garlic is rich in vitamin C, carbohydrates, polysaccharides, insulin, phytosterols, vitamins A, B, D, PP, and minerals (iodine, calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium), trace elements, and organic acids. Garlic is widely used in medicine as an antiviral agent.
Cordyceps is a natural remedy that boosts the immune system and helps to maintain the normal function of the body. Cordyceps comes in two forms: powder and extract. A considerable amount of research has been done in the effect of Cordyceps on the immune system. It was scientifically proven that Cordyceps stimulates the activity and production of T-lymphocytes (natural killer cells) and other immunocompetent cells. Cordyceps increases the number of leukocytes, regulates secretion of hormones, stimulates the proliferation of spleen, and regulates the biochemical processes in the body. Cordyceps has a strong stimulating effect on the cardiovascular system, including regulation of red blood cells and platelets production. Cordyceps also activates the metabolism and synthesis of red blood cells. Cordyceps is often recommended for increasing energy while recovering from an operation or a serious illness.
Echinacea The healing power of Echinacea is in its root. Echinacea enhances immunologic activity, promotes the development of interferon, prevents the penetration of microorganisms in the human body and accelerates their destruction. To stimulate the immune system, it is recommended to take Echinacea by courses: 2-3 weeks, then a few weeks – a break. Most effective impact is felt in the first 10 days of administration.

It is important to remember that a well balanced diet, exercise, and sufficient amounts of quality sleep are extremely important for our health but immune system support should also be a part of the regimen.

Source – CanadianPharmacyNORX.

Fish Oil Comparison: This Omega, Not That Omega

There’s plenty of info in the media about whether or not you should take fish oil. Finding the right one may be an academic exercise. Then again, an academic exercise never hurt anyone.

Often, the best info to consider when selecting a product is not about the product, about yourself. I know that I have a hard time keeping eight hundred supplements straight–after all, no one’s paying me to.

If you remember why you want to take fish oil, then finding the right one is easy. Remember that every supplement is not good for everyone, and there are a lot of important differences, including what kinds of omega fat are actually included in the supplement.

Keep it simple by sticking to omega-3. If you do your own reading right now, you’ll find that you don’t need omega-6 and omega-9. There’s plenty of the first one in your body already, and the second one is completely useless. Skeptical? Check it out for yourself.

Next, once you find a supplement that only contains omega-3, be sure to qualify it by asking the best question I know, “Where the heck did this come from?” The real geographical origin of the product will go a long way towards telling you about the quality of the product. Not only standards in a particular nation of origin, but also the pollution in the water and the air may be serious concerns for you and your loved ones.

Then of course you need to balance the price. Nobody is immune to the influence of a budget, and there is no reason to spend thirty bucks on a bottle of capsules just because Dr. Sears says you have to in order to lose weight. Fish oil will not make you lose weight. It may give you a healthier cardiovascular system which is more likely to benefit from exercise, but burning calories is the only way to lose weight.

It’s amazing how simple things can be if you keep your busy mind in check.

So, stick to omega-3, and stick to fish oil sources because plant sources are high in omega-6. Many plant source companies claim that they give you the “proper balance,” but that’s like saying that all you need to eat is cheeseburgers because they have bread, meat, and vegetables. See? Simple.

Now use a healthy critical attitude and compare fish oils you’ve seen in the marketplace or online. Stick to the best tool: common sense.

Bee Pollen Capsules

There are many different health benefits that have been attributed to bee pollen in its purest form. These may range from the treatment of sexual dysfunction to helping treat cold and flu symptoms. One of the reasons that bee pollen capsules are considered to be so healthy for such a wide range of different ailments is due to their nutritional breakdown. Pollen is one of the world’s most perfect foods, containing all of the following elements:

• Minerals such as potassium, iron and calcium
• A wide range of vitamins, such as A, C, D, E, and B complex
• 5000 different types of enzymes
• 22 essential amino acids

Pollinated bee capsules are also extremely helpful for those who are trying to lose weight. Not only do they aid in the promotion of basic nutrition, but they can increase energy and stamina levels in all ages. It’s helpful to take a look at how pollen can help as a regular nutritional supplement for dieters.

How Bee Pollen Helps with Weight Loss

Raises metabolism – The process of metabolism in the body is the simple breakdown of complex substances into simpler ones. If your metabolism is too slow, which can happen naturally with age, it takes longer to break down food, leading to a buildup of fat cells. Pollen from bees can help flush these fat cells out of the body and burn calories more efficiently.

Helps curb food cravings – It’s been reported that bee pollen has a very real impact on curbing hunger, so that you can eat less and still be full. If overeating is a problem, it’s a better idea to take these types of supplements rather than a weight loss pill that only makes you jittery, because pollen from bees are full of nutrients to help your body feel its best.

Detoxifies system – For some people, pollinated bee capsules can give a mild laxative effect which helps to flush out the system and remove any excess water weight. This can also remove stubborn waste material that may be weighing you down.

However, these are only a few ways in which pollen from bees can help with weight loss. Another major reason why they are so effective for those who have had little success with other types of weight loss supplements is that they help increase energy levels. With the wide range of different benefits that they provide, they may be suitable for all different types of nutritional needs.

Niacin – A Great Natural Healing Remedy for Lowering Cholesterol!

Niacin is an inexpensive, widely available natural healing remedy that is scientifically proven to reduce high cholesterol. It comes in three forms:

1. Nicotinic acid (vitamin B3) — the best and most studied form for the reduction of cholesterol. Can cause flushing (see below).

2. Nicotinamide, and 3. Inositol Hexaniacinate — these 2 forms are not as well studied regarding cholesterol lowering, but may be effective if you only need low to moderate adjustment in your cholesterol balance. Does not cause flushing.

It is not known precisely how niacin lowers cholesterol, but it is believed it reduces the amount of cholesterol manufactured by the liver. Not only does it reduce LDL (low density lipoprotein) and VLDL (very low density lipoprotein) – these are the so-called “bad” forms of cholesterol – but it increases the good forms of cholesterol! Double win!

One of the primary side effects when using the nicotinic acid form of niacin is flushing. Flushing can be very uncomfortable for some people – it causes a hot flash of sorts, making one’s face, chest, and other areas of the body feel hot and itchy. This is a temporary and non-harmful effect, but it can be unpleasant. Flushing can be reduced in two ways.

1) ramp up dosage slowly. Begin with a low dose for a few days, add a bit more for the next few days, and so on, until your therapeutic dosage level has been reached;

2) take a regular aspirin (325mg) 30-45 minutes before the niacin. In my research, I found a baby aspirin (80mg) was not a high enough dose to effectively reduce flushing in most people.

The other two forms of niacin are called “flush-free” formulations as they do not cause the same flushing reaction as nicotinic acid. However, the jury is still out regarding the effectiveness of these kinds of niacin on cholesterol. Simply put, these formulations just haven’t been studied as extensively, so there isn’t as much data to support or refute them. If you try nicotinic acid and cannot manage the flushing with either a titrated dose or aspirin, then switch to a flush-free formulation and keep tabs on your cholesterol numbers regularly to determine if it is helping.

The usual prescribed therapeutic dose to reduce cholesterol is 1-2g per day, 2-3 times daily. The maximum recommended dose is 6g daily. As I mentioned before, if you want to use niacin, start slowly and ramp up your dosage to reduce side effects.

THINGS TO BE AWARE OF

If you are diabetic, please be aware that niacin therapy can increase your blood sugar readings. In most people, it is a very slight increase and nothing to be concerned about if your diabetes is well controlled. Make sure to monitor your readings regularly and, as always, tell your doctor if you begin using a new over-the-counter remedy.

If you currently use a statin to reduce your cholesterol,do not add niacin without talking to your doctor. Taking the two together can produce serious conditions that can cause muscle breakdown. Statins are drugs such as: atorvastatin (Lipitor), lovastatin (Mevacor), simvastatin (Zocor) and others. Please check with your doctor if you’re not sure if you are taking a statin medication.

Side effects are generally mild and include flushing (as mentioned above), itching, tummy upset, hot flashes, palpitations. Most of these can be reduced or eliminated by using a non-flushing preparation. The bottle will say clearly if it is a “flush-free” or “non-flushing” type.

High cholesterol can be managed!! You do not have to be resigned to a fate of coronary artery disease. Adding the natural healing remedy of niacin to manage your high cholesterol is one more way you can take charge of your health.

Break Out And Lower Cholesterol Levels With An All Natural Oil!

Oil has certainly been in the news a great deal over the last few years. It could be about the price of oil, or an oil spill like some that have happened recently. And while that oil is almost like a necessary evil to our existence, it can’t do anything for your personal benefit.

Sure, many will point out all the byproducts and many uses, but when it comes right down to it, many things about that oil are hazardous to your health. So when there is news of an oil that is beneficial to your health, there is reason to sit up and take notice.

High cholesterol levels are one of the major threats to your heart today, and one of the leading causes of heart failure in the U.S. Over 25% of those who die in the U.S. will be from heart failure. Since over 33% of the adult population has high cholesterol, you have a 1 in 3 chance of being a candidate, unless you take advantage of a natural remedy proven to lower high cholesterol and help to improve your heart health.

It was discovered that Eskimos had no heart health problems over 20 years ago, and the reason was a diet very high in fish oil. Numerous studies both scientific and medical have been conducted on fish oil to determine it’s effect on the body, and specifically on high cholesterol.

High cholesterol is a result of Omega-6 fatty acids found in foods containing animal fats. This fatty acid creates inflammation in the arteries, and also changes the oxidized LDL cholesterol into a free radical. This helps to create deposits in the arteries known as plaque, restricting the flow of blood to the heart and increasing pressure in the veins and arteries as the heart pumps harder.

The fatty acids of EPA and DHA in Omega-3 fish oil reduce the inflammation, and the HDL cholesterol does it’s job of scrubbing the walls of the arteries and transporting all that to the liver. The LDL cholesterol can return to normal with the reduction of the Omega-6 fatty acids and the heart is not stressed.

All natural, pure, high quality and toxin free, fresh fish oil. For more details in depth about Omega-3 fish oil and how it will benefit your heart health, especially by helping to lower cholesterol levels, review the information following this article. It’s your body, your health and your heart, so what are you waiting for. Just do it!

Omega-3 – Absorbing Omega-3 More Rapidly

Introduction

If you want to get Omega-3, there are several ways to go about it. You can eat fish and risk health problems from mercury or PCB contamination. Then there is the supplement route, which is taken by people who do not like fish or are concerned about the metal contamination in fish, but want the health benefits found in Omega-3.

Now there has been found a new way to receive your daily dose of Omega-3. A recent study has found that consuming your fish oil via the effervescent formulation way, will help you absorb Omega-3 faster than eating fish or the supplement gel way.

Effervescent Drink

To me, effervescent means to spray it on your body, but what it actually means is “sparkling water”. So to get your Omega-3 faster in your body, you can drink it as a bubbly. I do not know about you, but drinking fish oil is not my cup of tea. Reading further, I found that it was not plain fish oil, but actually an orange flavored drink.

By drinking your Omega-3, you can absorb the essential fatty acids in your body up to 23% faster. But why would you want to get Omega-3 in your body faster? It is not like you need it to stop a headache.

The study found that if you drink it or take it as a gel supplement, you get the same amount of the essential fatty acids DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid).

Are There Benefits

The study concluded that this method is convenient and faster. When I look at this study, I question whether it is convenient, because a drink is more bulky than a gel supplement. You have to take the powder of this Omega-3 orange drink and mix it in water and then drink it. Why not just pop an Omega-3 gel in your mouth and drink it with a glass of water.

In addition, why do I need it faster? If I get the same amount of essential fatty acid from a gel as I would from a bulky liquid, I would stick to the gel.

Cost

I looked up the cost of this drink on the Internet, and for less than a month’s supply of the drink I can receive close to three months supply of the gel.

Conclusion

The drink method of getting your Omega-3 sounds good, but I really do not need my essential fatty acids that fast, nor can I afford the excess cost.