![]() Natural Supplements, Multivitamins, Minerals and Nutrition help with Weight Loss |
Throughout our human history a "full figure" use to be considered a sign of wealth. If you were fatter it meant that you could afford to feed yourself a lot of food. In the last 50 years those
aesthetic standards have changed and a slim, lean body shape became a fashionable craze. For many people, these new values created a life long battle trying to stay slender and lose weight.
The truth of the matter is that being slim is more then a visually pleasing fixation. Having good body proportions facilitates for a longer healthy life. Countless scientific evidence suggests that
the size of our body and especially the fat to muscle ratio is an important forecaster and marker of our health.
The Obesity Epidemic - A Sign of Starvation
We all know that a large majority of the American population is overweight; however it is not a sign of abundance anymore. In reality, it is often a symptom of starvation. People are starved of
nutrients, essential vitamins and minerals. The majority of overweight people become overweight by not paying attention to the quality of the foods they eat. These people
often eat the "addictive foods" that taste best to them. The so called "good taste" in food nowadays is most often accomplished by using artificial flavor enhancers and addictive ingredients.
After all food manufacturers make more money on those who eat a lot.
Certified Organic No More - USDA Amends Laws, Allows 245 Non Organic Ingredients
For many people quality food is usually difficult to obtain, unless you grow your own. What is labeled as "fresh produce" at the grocery store is usually weeks old, unripe or moldy. What's even worse
is that you cannot count on USDA organic standards anymore. As of 2009 new organic provisions implemented by the USDA permit the use of 245 non organic synthetic ingredients in USDA certified organic
products. These new organic provisions were put into effect after forceful lobbying by Big Organic manufacturers and consumers will have the following consequences to deal with:
Can't Get Sufficient Nutrition from Food Alone
It is really an unfortunate fact that us consumers are forced to deal with. The food that we consume in America is for the most part depleted of many vital nutrients needed to maintain a healthy
existence (even in organic products). It’s no wonder why so many people constantly fall ill, have hormonal imbalances, neurotransmitter disorders and are rapidly becoming dangerously overweight.
"Losing weight shouldn't just be about losing weight. The focus must be placed on balancing your fat to muscle ratio and the BMI - body mass index."
Losing Nutrients Instead of Weight
People who experience weight challenges in the process of trying to find a solution often go through many failed diet programs and strenuous exercise routines. Sadly, the majority of those diets or
exercise programs do not offer any permanent weight loss results. The only "loss" they manage to create is a substantial loss of essential nutrients such as vitamins and minerals.
Multivitamin Supplements and Mineral Supplements Can Help Women Loose Weight
Recently a groundbreaking study was conducted by Chinese scientists on weight loss. The study was led by Professor C.H. Sun from the Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene at the Habrin Medical
University.
In this study, 96 women classified as being obese, from 18 to 55 years of age, were randomly assigned to 3 participation groups.
"The women in this study were not placed on any diet or exercise program and were instructed to continue their normal daily activities."
Remarkable Weight Loss Results from a Multivitamin
The clinical findings of this study published in the 2010 International Journal of Obesity showed that the first group of obese women receiving the multivitamin supplement, mineral supplement had a decrease in waist size and a significant loss of weight, 3.6 kg (approximately 7.92 lbs) as compared to
0.9 kg (2 lbs) in the calcium receiving group and 0.2 kg (0.5 lbs) in the placebo group.
Weight Loss, Better Cholesterol Levels, Improved BMI, More Energy
Furthermore, the obese women in the first group who took the multivitamin, mineral supplement had an improved body mass index and respiratory quotient. These women also experienced an improved lipid
profile with a decrease in total cholesterol and LDL (bad) cholesterol while an increase in HDL (good) cholesterol was observed. Women receiving the multivitamin, mineral supplement had moreover higher resting energy expenditure - meaning they
were able to more efficiently burn fat and carbohydrates that provided their bodies with an increased energy level. All these weight loss benefits were accomplished with the
simple addition of a multivitamin, multi-mineral supplement without dieting or strenuous exercise.
Group two that received the calcium supplement experienced only some improvements in their lipid profiles with lower LDL cholesterol and increased HDL cholesterol.
The placebo group showed no changes in lipid and cholesterol levels.
Use of Nutritional Health Supplements Increasing in the USA
The usage of nutritional supplements in the United States is fast growing. According to the National Institute of Health approximately fifty percent of the American
population takes some kind of nutritional supplement. Why then are there so many obese individuals in our country?
Despite the fact that many people in America use multivitamin supplements and mineral supplements, they do not obtain the beneficial effects that these multivitamin and mineral supplements can offer. The reason for this is that for most people the price of the multivitamin, mineral supplements is the
deciding factor. Also, when people buy their multivitamins, mineral supplements from pharmacies or at their local stores they cannot count on professional advice of the store's personnel.
Significance of a high quality natural multivitamin, mineral supplement
The most important aspect to focus on when selecting a multivitamin supplement or any nutritional supplement is the quality and bioavailability of the ingredients. Using nutritional supplements and
not seeing any results can be due to the low quality ingredients present in many generic drugstore brand supplements.Natural supplements that do not use synthetic compounds and contain high quality ingredients with maximum absorbance capabilities provide an effective
solution. Mineral supplements, in order to be easily absorbed by the body, must be present in a chelated or reacted form. These types of high quality, high potency
natural supplements are referred to as pharmaceutical grade.
Investing in high quality extensively researched (by a knowledgeable medical professional), pharmaceutical grade, natural nutritional supplements including multivitamins, chelated mineral supplements can yield long-term results of improved health and vitality especially in relation to having a slim figure and losing weight
naturally.
Searching for the best natural multivitamin supplement?
![]() How Lawn Care Pesticides, Herbicides Synthetic Fertilizers Affect Your Health |
Spring is wonderful right? The snow gradually melts away as winter loosens its bitter grip and the soil breaths again. This should be a magnificent time, stepping outdoors one should be able
to notice the fresh smell that defines this moment in the seasons… spring is here once more.
However, many people do not realize that this is a dangerous time, a point that signals the coming of an onslaught of toxins. No, not form nature, from people. Each year starting in early spring and
ongoing into the month of October millions of gallons of toxic chemicals are applied onto the lawns of America's households. These toxins drain into lakes, streams, underground aquifers and water
reserves poisoning them and us. When humidity rises from the ground, so do the pesticides, herbicides and synthetic fertilizers along with it. And we inhale them.
The unfortunate truth is that we cannot avoid these "weapons of mass destruction". They are everywhere. Even if you yourself do not use them (you eat organic food, grow an organic garden use natural home products) it is still guaranteed that the blood levels of these toxins in your body are at lethal amounts high enough to
initiate critical irrevocable damage to your organs and hormonal system. In today's world we cannot choose not to be exposed to pesticides. We are forced to encounter their constant applications. A cigarette you can
choose to not to smoke. Second hand smoke affects those who are within a couple of feet of the smoker. Pesticides, on the other hand, are everywhere and merciless with their destructive
capabilities.
Homeowners are constantly being brainwashed by the pesticide industry to tolerate nothing on their yards except an artificial grass. Each year beginning in spring we are bombarded with TV commercials
describing the application of toxic pesticides and herbicides as something necessary, a must for any homeowner taking pride in his/her property. People were led to believe that this practice is
needed. Majority of people cannot imagine not applying pesticides to their lawn. This would be a sign of great neglect of their property and if they live in a respectable neighborhood it would be
unacceptable. Oh! That peer pressure.
False Advertising of Pesticides and Herbicides by Lawn Care Manufacturers
Certainly almost everyone in America has seen some sort of TV commercial in which pesticides and herbicides are portrayed as a beneficial necessity to your lawn or garden. Some of these commercials
show a man spraying RoundUp on his lawn who then lovingly brushes his hand over that freshly sprayed grass and rests his face on the same hand that just touched the herbicide. Looking very content
with his work he is obviously unaware that by exposing himself to glyphosate (a major ingredient of RoundUp that is very toxic to humans, increasing the risk for cancer, including brain cancer,
prostate cancer, breast cancer , depression, autism and
Parkinson's disease) he has endangered his life and the life of anyone who steps on that lawn.
Homeowners who hire lawn care services believe they themselves are not at any risk.
These people do not realize that by walking on this chemical lawn, pesticides are brought indoors where they become embedded in the carpet or other fabrics and slowly out-gas over a period of many
years.
How Pesticides, Herbicides and Synthetic Fertilizers Affect Human Health
Lawn care implies a beneficial act; however the only benefit it brings is the enormous profit to pesticide manufactures. The toxicity to humans is often downplayed by the petrochemical industry. They
portray their products as being not harmful to humans. However one must realize that pesticides and herbicides were designed to kill. This is their role. Pesticides may kill an insect instantly, due to the simple fact that an insect is
much smaller then a human. Nonetheless these chemical agents will kill you as well. The only difference is that a human will die a very painful, slow and torturous death of cancer inflicted by
years of low dose exposure to pesticides.
Lawn chemicals such as pesticides, herbicides and synthetic fertilizers have been documented to significantly increase the risk for neurological defects such as brain cancer and Parkinson's disease.
Scientists at Harvard University found that "low dose exposure to pesticides such as majority of American people experience increases risk for the development of Parkinson's disease by 70
percent".
Men are more susceptible to the mutagenic effects of pesticides then women. Higher levels of the female hormone
estrogen in a woman's body seem to play a protective role. Lawn chemicals are endocrine disruptors, which means they damage human endocrine glands and alter normal hormone release.
Want to have the best lawn in the neighborhood? Follow the advice of Harvard Scientists:
Harvard University conducted a study on its campus lawn, where one acre of that lawn was cared for in entirely natural and organic manner without the use of any pesticides, herbicides, fungicides or
synthetic fertilizers. The effect of this natural organic lawn care experiment "yielded outstanding results" "The soil in that one acre became far healthier than those acres treated with
chemicals and the roots of the organically treated grass grew deeper than anyone could have imagined." Since then, Harvard has been saving approximately two million gallons of water per year. It
normally cost $35,000 to dispose of landscape waste from the campus that now is converted into a natural fertilizer. Synthetic fertilizers use to cost $10,000 and produced nothing more then
withering grass and dry rock hard soil. Now the soil has the consistency of a moist sponge and the grass' roots are able to sprout further providing for a healthy emerald green lawn.
The Effects of Pesticides on the Environment
According to a U.S. Geological survey 96 percent of all fish in the U.S. streams, rivers and lakes were found to have residues of pesticides, herbicides and synthetic fertilizers. In addition, all
groundwater in the Midwest United States showed Atrazine (an endocrine disrupting and neurotoxic herbicide) contamination higher then levels allowed by the EPA.
Pesticides are immune suppressants. The outbreak of SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) in China has been linked to elevated levels of pesticides in the environment.
April Showers Bring Sick Babies
Pesticides are especially toxic to children. The endocrine and immune systems of children are still in the process of development so they are at a much greater risk then adults and their body size is smaller.
Children also tend to play more outdoors on the grass.
"Using pesticides where children are present is like sticking a cigarette into a child's mouth".
According to Paul D. Winchester, professor of neonatology at the University of Indiana, School of Medicine, children conceived in spring and early summer have a higher risk for various birth defects
including spina bifida, cleft palate and Down Syndrome. This correlates with the increased levels of pesticides in the environment applied during the same period from April to July.
Banning Pesticides, Realizing the Dangers of These Toxic Chemicals
Health Canada, a governmental organization that regulates pesticide use in Canada, announced that all pesticides and fertilizer products used for cosmetic purposes will be phased out by December
2012. This decision was a result of many Canadian public health and environmental organizations including the Canadian Academy of Pediatrics and Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation petitioning their
government to stop poisoning Canadian citizens by use of pesticides.
In January of 2009 the European Union banned 22 of the most toxic pesticides linked to genetic mutation, endocrine disruption and carcinogenicity. Many of these pesticides continue to be used in the
United States.
In the U.S., New Hampshire Representative Suzanne Smith sponsored House Bill 1456 to investigate the effects of pesticides and herbicide use in residential neighborhoods. However the pesticide
industry has already sent lobbyists to kill this bill.
People in America proud themselves as being the leaders setting an example for other nations to follow. Then why when true progress is involved we fall so far behind the rest of the
world?
![]() Chocolate Seduction, Natural Health Benefits of the Cocoa Bean |
A red heart shaped box of chocolates is an iconic gift shared on Valentine's Day. With its ancient traditions and legends chocolate has a long history as the food of luxury, pleasure and
romance.
The cocoa tree was discovered by indigenous people in
the jungles of the Central America nearly 3000 years ago. Since then the cocoa bean, chocolate and the foods that contained them were always prized and enjoyed. Cocoa beans were used as a mode of
currency by the Mayan and Aztec people. The use of cocoa was sacred to the Mayans. Cocoa was reserved for important occasions and religious ceremonies. Cocoa was said to be the "food of the
Gods".
Between 1502 and 1504, on his fourth expedition to the Americas, while in Nicaragua, Christopher Columbus became the first European to sample the sacred cocoa bean. He obtained several cases of cocoa
beans while raiding the cargo of a Mayan merchant. Believing that cocoa, was a type of almond and that it may be valuable, Columbus brought them to Europe. However, the Europeans did not know how to
prepare the beans, thus they were discarded. It took another voyage in 1519, this time by the Spanish conquistador Hernan Cortes, for cocoa to become viewed as a delicacy amongst Europeans. Mistaking
Cortes for a god, the Aztec Emperor Montezuma introduced Cortes to a drink called "chocolatl" that was served in a goblet of gold. The Aztecs believed that cocoa beans were a gift from the heavens
and eating the fruit of the cocoa tree would bring power and wisdom.
Today, presenting someone with a box of chocolates symbolizes appreciation and love, but it was not always viewed this way. Many ancient traditions associate chocolate with love and it seemed that
chocolate exhibited aphrodisiac qualities. For that reason, the Aztecs prohibited women from eating cocoa. Actual chocolate candies were first manufactured in 1824 by George Cadbury. However, because
chocolate was considered an aphrodisiac, it was deemed to be inappropriate for the ladies. A man bestowing a box of chocolates to a lady at would have been an offensive act. Chocolates were only
given to prostitutes of that time.
Newly rediscovered Health Benefits of Chocolate and the Cocoa Bean
Cocoa beans are rich in many essential minerals, such as magnesium, calcium, iron, copper, potassium, zinc and manganese. Women who crave chocolate are often magnesium depleted. The pleasure of eating chocolate is not only because of its rich
taste melting in your mouth. Chocolate actually has several chemicals that stimulate our brain and make us happy. Specifically these include PEA (phenylethylamine), tryptophan, theobromine and
caffeine. Another chemical found in chocolate is anandamide that has a similar effect to cannabinoids (narcotic like substances) on our brain. The chemical anandamide stimulates pleasure sensors,
promotes relaxation and was found to inhibit human breast cancer cell proliferation (though there are only trace quantities present in chocolate).
It's no wonder people claim that eating chocolate makes them feel less stressed out and easies their depression. Women have been found to exhibit greater sensitivity to chocolate's mood enhancing
properties when compared to men. Due to the fact that these constituents of chocolate improve our mood and make us feel "in love", chocolate continues to be considered by many as an aphrodisiac.
Chocolate for the Heart, Cocoa improves more then our emotions
The newest scientific studies on the health value of cacao and chocolate are proving that chocolate is literally good for our hearts. Chocolate is a very rich source of polyphenols, powerful
anti-oxidants that protect our cardiovascular health. The higher the cocoa content in the chocolate the higher the
ORAC value. Dark chocolate containing more cocoa usually has an ORAC value of around 13,000. For the greatest health benefits choose chocolate that has at least 70 percent cocoa content. Cocoa
polyphenols decrease the levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol and increase levels of HDL (good) cholesterol contributing to healthy cholesterol levels. Cocoa
polyphenols also lower insulin resistance.
In addition, the polyphenols found in chocolate have a very beneficial effect on the arterial wall improving its elasticity and blood flow as well as preventing platelet aggregation therefore
protecting against heart attack and stroke. Chocolate polyphenols prevent the inactivation of nitric oxide making it more bio-available. The well known drug Viagra that treats erectile dysfunction
(ED) works by enhancing nitric oxide pathways in a similar way to that of chocolate polyphenols. It is said that Emperor Montezuma
consumed as much as 50 goblets of chocolate a day. This may have kept his libido on especially high levels and Montezuma was known for having a very large harem that included hundreds of
wives.
Nowadays, chocolate isn't what it use to be. Once only reserved for kings and powerful rulers, a "gift from paradise", chocolate is now consumed on a massive global scale by millions of people. The
chocolate craze has sparked the growth of an immense cocoa industry and there is something you should know about the world's most seductive sweet.
The Dark Side of Chocolate
You may want to think twice before you indulge in that box of chocolates…
it may contain more guilt then you realize.
The cocoa tree needs a very specific environment in order to produce cocoa beans. Cocoa trees require a shaded plot of land, temperature of at least 65 degrees Fahrenheit and high humidity with over
80 inches of rainfall. Ideal locations that fit this description just happen to be tropical rainforests. The majority of chocolate consumed today comes from cocoa farms that are situated on what once
use to be bio-diverse rainforest ecosystems. It is estimated that cocoa production is responsible for the deforestation of 8 million hectares of tropical rainforests including those in Brazil, Peru,
Indonesia, Cameroon Ghana, Cote d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast) and Ecuador (source: World Wildlife Fund, WWF, Hardner et al. 1999). This type of deforestation is accountable for the release of tons of Co2
into our atmosphere and further amplifies the devastating effects of the climactic imbalance.
How dirty is your chocolate bar? It may be tinted with a child's blood.
Slavery was abolished, right? Not in the sweet production of chocolate.
One of the most controversial aspects of the chocolate industry is the prevalent exploitation of children in cocoa
production. Specifically cocoa imported from Cote d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast), which supplies 46 percent of the world's cocoa, may be gathered using child labor. UNICEF reported that Ivory
Coast farmers use enslaved children from neighboring regions and force them to work through hundred-hour weeks in inhumane conditions. If a child attempts to escape, he or she is then severely
punished and brutally beaten. Another report from BBC stated that children under the age of 11 are forced to carry sacs with kilos of cocoa so heavy that open wounds form over their shoulders.
These facts were acknowledged by the Chocolate Manufactures Association which admitted that some of the cocoa had indeed been gathered by child slaves. Many international chocolate manufacturers
including Hershey's, Nestle, and Cadbury acquire cocoa that has been grown in the Ivory Coast. Maybe we should pause a moment before we take a bite of our favorite chocolate bar or mix ourselves a
nice cup of hot chocolate. You simply may be consuming more then cocoa. A little something extra that's not mentioned on the ingredient list. This chocolate may possibly have the blood, sweat and
tears of enslaved children on it. Are you still addicted to it now?
In 2008 Fortune magazine stated "little progress has been made" to act upon the current conditions under which coca continues to be produced.
Therefore, you should only purchase chocolate products that use certified fair trade and sustainably cultivated cocoa. In fact, sustainable agriculture methods for growing cocoa provide the farmer a
higher standard of living, encourage other farmers to restore deforested areas and do not use child labor.
![]() Bones, the Foundation of the Body |
Bones are the only part of your body that will virtually outlast every aspect of your life. In a hundred, thousand, even millions of years, there is a good chance that your bones will still be
here. If only the rest of your body could last that long...
Nutrients, hormones and physical movement maintain our bones in good health and are the essential
factors that influence proper bone development. After all, bones are the support of the human body and the infrastructure of the musculoskeletal system. Even after they stop growing in size, our
bones are being continuously changed and rebuilt.
The process in which old and worn bone tissue is replaced by new healthy bone cells in known as bone remodeling. Minerals that are the building blocks of bones, vitamins that assist bone metabolism
(including vitamin
D and vitamin K) and hormones such as testosterone, estrogens and progesterone that support
correct bone formation must remain in balance to assure healthy bone remodeling.
Different forms of weight bearing exercises (such as push-ups and squats with added weights) that place resistance and involve muscles pulling and pushing against the bones enhance the bone
remodeling process. Studies suggest that these types of weight bearing exercises do more then simply prevent bone diseases including osteoporosis; these exercises may actually help replace current
bone loss.
Diseases and age can slow down bone tissue replacement, especially when it comes to new bone development. This can lead to weak, less dense bone formation and conditions such as osteopenia and
osteoporosis. People with low bone density are predisposed to fractures.
The importance of nutrition for the growth of strong bones is not a new concept. Significance of calcium in a diet is well-known to everybody. An average American diet usually provides adequate
amounts of calcium. However, if there is a low level of vitamin D in the body, calcium cannot be properly incorporated into the bone.
Nutritional factors and hormonal imbalances that affect bone loss:
Women after menopause are at an increased risk for bone density loss due to a decline in hormones such as estrogens and progesterone. Postmenopausal women therefore are advised by their doctors to increase
their calcium intake, either through diet or nutritional supplements. This scenario may actually be dangerous. If an adequate amount of vitamin D is not present, then calcium cannot be integrated
into the bone. This unabsorbed calcium is referred to as "circulating calcium". An excess of circulating calcium levels can be deposited in the arterial walls causing stiffening of the arteries. In
addition, a surplus of circulating calcium can create kidney stones and breasts calcifications.
Studies show that an overload of calcium and a lack of vitamin D can increase the risk for cardiovascular disease and hypertension in postmenopausal women. Young women who drink excessive amounts of
carbonated soda beverages are also at risk for decreased bone density due to an imbalance of the calcium to phosphorus ratio.
Many believe that osteoporosis is a disease of women after menopause; however men
over the age of 50 are also at risk for osteoporosis due to a decline in androgenic hormones such as testosterone and DHEA.
Allopathic medicine addresses osteoporosis with prescription drugs such as Fossamax® and Actonel® (known as bisphosphonates). These drugs increase binding of calcium into the bone. This makes the
bone harder, denser, but less flexible and easier to break. Unfortunately, bisphoshonates have very serious side-effects, the most infamous being "jaw death" (a condition in which bone tissue in the
jaw cannot heal after minor injury like a dental procedure). Bisphoshonates have also been known to increase one's risk for esophageal cancer and cardiac arrhythmia.
So why would anybody risk such devastating negative outcomes with prescription drugs when more effective natural treatments for preventing and reversing osteoporosis are readily available?
These natural alternatives and therapies for ensuring bone health include:
1. Natural bioidentical hormone replacement therapy - BHRT through the use of
bioidentical hormones strengthens bone structure by preventing bone loss and restoring bone
tissue that already has been lost. Bioidentical hormones have been effectively used in the
treatment of osteoporosis for both men during andropause and postmenopausal women.2. Mineral supplements - consisting of calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, strontium, boron,
silicon, zinc, manganese and copper, facilitate proper levels of bone specific nutrients needed
for the development of healthy bones.3. Vitamins that support bone health - vitamin D, vitamin K, vitamin C, vitamin B6 and
vitamin A. These specific vitamins are required for bone remodeling as they allow for the
satisfactory incorporation of minerals into the bones.4. Adequate protein - protein will sustain collagen support in the bones. Collagen acts as a
connective tissue for bone cells. However, an excess of protein can cause the body's acidity
level to increase that results in accelerate calcium loss from the bone.
Hormones play a very important role in correct bone formation and metabolism. Hormones that have a profound influence on the health of bones are
steroid hormones such as DHEA, testosterone, estrogens, progesterone. Other hormones include thyroid hormones, cortisol, human growth hormone
HGH, calcitonin and parathyroid hormone.
Women at menopause and men during andropause (male menopause) who take nutritional supplements for bone health, exercise regularly and
are on bioidentical hormone replacement therapy can enjoy strong and healthy bones for years to come.
<< MORE >>
![]() Natural HGH (Human Growth Hormone) |
When someone discovers the fountain of youth what do you expect them to do? Keep it for themselves of course.
HGH has always been a taboo in the medical society. Its use restricted, its benefits controlled.
"In the United States, off-label distribution or marketing of GH to treat aging or aging-related conditions, and for the enhancement of athletic performance is illegal and punishable by
imprisonment."
- (American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists)
Growth hormone replacement in the adult
population remains controversial, especially if used for anti-aging therapies. However, approximately 30 percent of HGH prescriptions in the US are for the treatment of adults with growth hormone
deficiency due to aging.
The use of HGH (human growth hormone) for anti-aging purposes started to gain popularity after Dr. Daniel Rudman's famous HGH study that was published on July 5
1990 in the New England Journal of Medicine. In his study Dr. Daniel Rudman documented significant benefits of HGH replacement in
the aging population. Additional proof of the safety and effectiveness of utilizing human growth hormone for anti-aging purposes was presented in 1993 by American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine.
Until recently, allopathic physicians and the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) were against the implementation of HGH (human growth
hormone) in treating any adults with growth hormone deficiency, even those who suffered from GHD (growth hormone deficiency) due to a pituitary gland disease.
However, in November 2009, the AACE issued new guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of growth hormone deficiency. Growth hormone deficiency is described as: a condition in which human growth
hormone is secreted in lower then normal values for the appropriate age and sex.
In their new guidelines, the AACE acknowledges that growth hormone deficiency in adults increases one's risks for cardiovascular disease as well as osteoporosis and that low levels of growth hormone are
associated with diminished quality of life. It has been also recognized by AACE that head trauma and traumatic brain injury contribute to growth hormone deficiency.
The October 2009 AACE Guidelines State:
THE SYNDROME OF GHD (GROWTH HORMONE DEFICIENCY) IN ADULTS
Adult GHD is a recognized clinical syndrome associated with abnormal body composition, reduced
physical performance, altered lipid metabolism, decreased bone mass, increased insulin resistance,
and reduced QOL (Quality of Life).
CONSEQUENCES OF UNTREATED GHD
Cardiovascular complications
Previous epidemiologic studies have shown that hypopituitarism in adults may be associated with
increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality rates. GH-deficient adults have an increased number
of atheromatous plaques in carotid and femoral arteries.
Metabolic complications
Patients with GHD (Growth Hormone Deficiency) have increased visceral fat and elevated levels of
total and low density lipoprotein-cholesterol. Adults with GHD have also been consistently shown to
have reduced skeletal muscle and lean body mass and increased fat mass with central distribution of
fat mostly in the visceral compartment being associated with an increased risk of mortality and
morbidity from cardiovascular disease. Adults with GHD demonstrated fasting insulin levels above the
normal reference range.
Therefore, in treating adults with GHD, physicians should consider evaluating the fasting glucose,
hemoglobin A1c, fasting lipid profile, body composition through the measurements of BMI, waist
circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, and lean and fat mass quantification using DEXA scans at baseline
and periodically during GH treatment, since these factors are the main parameters that are impacted
if adult GHD is untreated.
Osteopenia / Osteoporosis
There have been studies showing that treating GH-deficient adults with GH therapy improved BMD
and reduced fracture risk.
Quality of life
The majority of studies have shown that adults with COGHD (Childhood Onset Growth Hormone
Deficiency) and AOGHD (Adulthood Onset Growth Hormone Deficiency) experience diminished QOL
(Quality of Life). Reductions in physical and mental energy, dissatisfaction with body image, and poor
memory have been reported.
These new 2009 guidelines for adult growth hormone supplementation are validation of the safety and effectiveness of HGH human growth hormone. Like other bioidentical hormones (testosterone, DHEA,
progesterone,
estrogens, thyroid hormones, cortisol), human growth hormone when replaced in adult growth hormone
deficient patients, can generate significant health benefits such as decreasing risk for cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis. It can also significantly improve quality
of life in those who are growth hormone deficient. Growth hormone significantly decreases during our adult years and can be very low in the elderly. However, despite the well documented health
benefits and safety of HGH (human growth hormone) replacement, the AACE doesn't recognize age-related decline in growth hormone as an indication for treatment.
There continues to be a lack of research concerning the effects of HGH replacement therapy on the aging human body. Further scientific studies are mandated in order to be able to accurately determine
whether human growth hormone truly possess its legendary "fountain of youth" properties.
You can naturally boost your body's growth hormone production through a Healthy Lifestyle.
Research has shown that the majority of people will develop some degree of visual impairment as they grow older. The primary cause of age related blindness is macular degeneration. Macular
degeneration can lead to total loss of vision over time. Conventional allopathic medicine is helpless in addressing this condition. There is no successful treatment for age-related macular
degeneration (AMD). However, nutritional interventions through a healthy diet and natural
nutritional supplements offer an effective approach to the prevention of macular degeneration. The most important supplements for optimal ocular health and vision support are
antioxidants from the carotenoids
group such as lutein and zeaxanthin, and omega 3 fatty essential fatty acids.
Clinical trails established a significant role of B vitamins in helping vision preservation.
Age related macular degeneration is caused by degenerative atherosclerotic changes in the arteries of the eye. Homocysteine plays a major role in the process of degeneration of ocular blood vessels.
Elevated homocysteine levels increase one's risk of age related macular degeneration. Healthy homocysteine metabolism is dependent on B vitamins, especially:
vitamin B6, vitamin B12 and folic
acid. Therefore, low levels of these B vitamins are assocaited with elevated homocysteine.
Recent scientific studies have also linked the importance of hormonal balance to proper vision and eye health. Hormonal imbalances can cause macular degenerated that leads
to impaired eye health and vision loss.
The retina of the eye contains hormone receptors. The retina can also make its own hormones such as DHEA from
molecules of cholesterol. Patients with macular degeneration were found to have very low levels of the hormone DHEA.
The ability of the retina to produce its own hormones can be altered by the following:
It was observed that women who enter menopause at a
younger then average menopausal age are at an increased risk for developing macular degeneration due to a decline in the hormones
estrogen and progesterone. Drugs that lower estrogen levels such as Tamoxifen (a drug used in the treatment of breast cancer)
can lead to macular degeneration that results in damage to the retina of the eye.
Restoring hormonal balance to youthful levels can prevent macular degeneration and even improve an early stage of macular degeneration.
To protect your eye health and preserve your vision you need to:
Restoring healthy hormonal balance through bioidentical hormones and bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) is vital for ocular health and vision
support.
Only bioidentical hormones are known to contain these vision protective properties. Research
has shown that synthetic
hormones do not provide the same beneficial effects on the health of the eye as oppose to bioidentical hormones.
![]() Natural Vitamin D the Sunshine Vitamin |
![]() Do You Really Need a Flu Shot? |
As the so called "flu season" approaches, people are lining up for flu shots. Ads in the media urge everyone to get a flu shot. The frightening news of flu vaccine shortages place many people in panic mode. And pharmaceutical companies that produce the flu vaccines make multimillion dollar profits.
Flu shots will not assure that you will remain healthy throughout the flu season. Flu vaccines have many limitations. They are not very specific due to the very frequent mutations of flu viruses. Also, many illnesses that are called "flu" are not caused by the influenza virus. Even when you get a flu shot, you still can catch a cold, get throat infection, sinusitis or upper respiratory infections that are caused by other viruses or bacteria.
The better the health of your immune system, the lower your risk for infectious diseases.
Antioxidants are always beneficial especially in balancing the immune system. Antioxidants aid the body by reducing the risk for flu and colds. In addition, cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, brussel sprouts, kale, etc.) by improving phase II liver detoxification, protect the body against infections and toxins including those produced by viruses and bacteria.
You can greatly improve the health of your immune system through the use of natural nutritional supplements.
Vitamin C is well known to possess anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties. Many dangerous infectious diseases (including West Nile virus, and HIV) were successfully treated with vitamin C. In order to be effective, the dose of vitamin C must be higher then 3,000 mg per day.
For the body to be able to better tolerate these higher doses of vitamin C, buffered vitamin C is recommended. Vitamin C does not create dangerous side effects even at higher dose and is considered to be safe. For the best utilization by the body, vitamin C should be taken in multiple doses of 1,000 mg several times per day.
Vitamin A becomes a natural antibiotic when taken at higher doses of 60,000 to 100,000 units per day. However due to the fact that vitamin A is stored by the body, it can be used at these high doses for a few days only. (Caution: Pregnant women should avoid high doses of vitamin A).
Vitamin D is a very important defense against influenza. Studies showed that vitamin D supplementation prevents influenza better then a flu shot. Individuals with low levels of vitamin D are especially predisposed to getting the flu and upper respiratory infections. The sun's UV rays reduce the incidence of viral respiratory infections. During the winter months in northern regions, it is impossible to get adequate sunlight, therefore vitamin D supplements are an important factor in maintaining your health through the winter.
Zinc helps improve immune function; however many over-the-counter zinc containing cold medicines, especially topical sprays have been associated with permanent smell loss and therefore should be avoided. Since zinc is a mineral, thus in order for your body to be able to absorb it, zinc should be taken in a chelated form. A chelated zinc supplement means that the molecules of zinc have been broken down into the smallest form for maximum absorption.
By keeping your immune system in good balance, you may avoid many viral and bacterial infections in a natural way without the risk of side effects from flu shots that contain toxic elements such as aluminum, mercury and formaldehyde among others.<< MORE >>