African Mango: Naturally Losing Weight
Written by admin on December 08, 2011 in Weight Loss
Does Natural African Mango really makes you slim?
African Mango extract (or Irvingia Gabonensis) has become one of the world’s most popular diet ingredients. An African Mango Diet has been called a “wonder weight loss supplement”, and many have shared testimonials of the weight loss benefits.
But the real question is, can an African Mango diet really help you lose weight?
As a fruit native to Africa, this was studied originally to determine possible benefits when it comes to cholesterol. After several placebo controlled studies, what they found was that not only did it help lower cholesterol levels, but in every study the group given the supplement had significant weight loss results – an average weight loss of 12.3 pounds in just 8 weeks – while the group given the placebo saw very little results for either weight loss or cholesterol improvement
Since then, many have begun to experience the natural weight loss results of an African Mango diet.
Of course, as with any ingredient, some people have been more receptive than others, but overall it seems that the response from people who have tried African Mango is that it works for weight loss!
Try it now and get fit and slim really quick!
NutraSlim Diet: Now Available in UK and Ireland
Written by admin on May 20, 2011 in Detox Diet, NutraSlim
Tags: colon cleanse, colon cleansing, nutra slim, nutraslim, nutrislim, quick detox, quickdetox
You’ve been expecting a breakthrough weight loss diet that works for years. Now, the NutraSlim Diet delivers the results you’ve always longed for.
Being overweight is more than just a matter of looks. It may also lead to health problem. So it is important to keep our weight under control.
Well, first determine your Body Mass Index (you have a calculator to your right). If you find out that you should be slimmer then here is a quick solution: NutraSlim Diet + Quick Detox Colon Cleanse COMBO.
NutraSlim Diet: 2 Step Weight Loss
This means that besides the NutraSlim Diet you should also try detoxing: both for losing weight and for improving your overall health. QuickDetox Colon Cleansing may help you feel and look better because you will get rid of more toxins than ever before.
So, if you need to finally lose those excess pounds, read more about NutraSlim Diet + QuickDetox UK (if you live in UK) or NutraSlim Diet + QuickDetox IE (if you live in Ireland).
NutraSlim HCA Diet: Amazing Weight Loss Results
Written by admin on May 17, 2011 in NutraSlim, Overweight, QuickDetox, weight control, Weight Loss, Weight Loss Diets
Tags: nutra slim, nutraslim, nutraslim diet, nutri slim, nutrislim, quick detox, quickdetox
NutraSlim’s formulation consists of key amino-acids (such as Hydroxycitric Acid or HCA) that help promote healthy, natural processes like sleep.
Scientific studies have shown that overweight people tend to be deprived of sleep. If you are not sleeping enough, chances of becoming overweight increase by 24% for every hour of sleep you’re deprived of.
Research studies have also proven that the key ingredients in NutraSlim help regulate mood and promote relaxation.
NutraSlim’s promise: quick weightloss results
A revolutionary formula for a slim and healthy body has been summed up in this 2 STEP Weight Loss DIET & COLON CLEANSING COMBO: NutraSlim + QuickDetox. Now available in United Kingdom (UK) and Ireland.
The key ingredient of NutraSlim is the Hydroxycitric Acid (HCA) which is 65% effective plant extract, meaning that 100% of it is soluble, natural, and safe. In comparison, most weight loss products with HCA contain only 50% of the ingredient, but because it is not pure HCA, it is less than 50% soluble.
Nutra Slim’s HCA is an extract that comes from the Garcinia Cambogia fruit of Southern Asia. According to Wikipedia, Garcinia is a plant genus of the family Clusiaceae native to Asia, Australia, tropical and southern Africa, and Polynesia. The number of species is highly disputed, with various sources recognizing between 50 and about 300 taxa as specifically valid. Commonly, the plants in this genus are called saptrees, mangosteens (which may also refer specifically to the purple mangosteen, G. mangostana), garcinias or, ambiguously, “monkey fruit”.
NutraSlim: all natural ingredients
NutraSlim is an excellent natural as well as proven dietary product which contains all the well-known and also top quality important substances. Hydroxycitric acid as well as Niacin bound chromium are the 2 leading bioavailable substances incorporated in that.
A preliminary revision suggests that these elements, when jointly take with appropriate exercise & diet program, might help you to reduce the tummy fats, pumps up muscle tissue, increases metabolic rate, curbs your own cravings for unhealthy food, in a nutshell that eradicates all the undesired fat in the most secure as well as simplest technique.
NutraSlim + QuickDetox: 2-Step Weightloss Combination
This combination is a breakthrough innovation. NutraSlim + QuickDetox Colon Cleanse taken together will give you efficient fat burning experience in a safe and natural way! They are good for weight loss and improving health of body and mind.
The good news is that TODAY you only pay for shipping & handling. To test the quality and effectiveness of the NutraSlim and QuickDetox Colon Cleanse combo, an exclusive trial of the two weight loss supplement are available online. You only pay for shipping & handling. Nutraslim is now available in United Kingdom and Ireland. GRAB YOUR NUTRASLIM TRIAL BOTTLE TODAY, click on your flag below:
Benefits Of NutraSlim:
Preliminary studies have shown that NutraSlim’s ingredients may help you to:
- Get rid of body fat
- Burn calories
- Lower appetite
- Boost metabolism
Benefits of QuickDetox
QuickDetox colon cleansing may help you to:
- Look & feel better
- Reduce water retention
- Achieve healthy cholesterol levels
- Achieve a healthy intestinal flora
Full ingredients list and labels for NutraSlim HCA Diet and QuickDetox Colon Cleanse are available here: NutraslimHCADiet.com.
Weight Loss Cure for Spring 2011
Written by admin on February 18, 2011 in Detox Diet, how to lose weight in 2 weeks, How To Lose Weight In A Month, Physical Activity, weight control, Weight Loss Diets, Weight Loss Plans
Tags: lose weight for spring, spring weight loss, weight loss, weight loss plans
Spring weight loss
Cannot walk past a newsstand without being bombarded by magazine covers and titles on the weight loss! How can you resist the trap that comes every spring?
Weight loss for the swimsuit …
In short, it’s February / March to June, the business of weight loss weighs heavier. This season corresponds to the desire of women to buy their next bathing suit in anticipation of the holidays. Hence the promise, the last twenty years, to lose a few extra pounds reaped weeks in winter, thanks to a unique scheme and of course without any danger or even without dieting.
Plan: 5 to less than 15 or 20 pounds …
And sometimes even more! With hindsight, it is now certain that among the many causes of obesity, the succession of dieting is one and size. Why?
We are equipped since the dawn of time to withstand starvation. When deprived, your body goes on hold, expend less energy. After dieting, you eat again as before since we did not correct their eating habits. Sometimes even more to compensate for the frustrations.
What happens then? It includes not only lost weight but over the years, the extra pounds add up. For the body, remembering that he was denied, continues to spend less calories. Thus the plans “thin” lead to obesity. Is their grave danger. And here leads too often the desire to lose weight fast.
Lose weight and return calmly and surely a healthy weight
It’s not really complicated! Banish the word “diet” from your head: it is to eat regularly and copiously, but not greasy and never beyond his appetite.
Start with a breakfast consisting of:
- a minimum of 50 grams of whole grain bread, lightly buttered (not more than 5 g);
- a fruit or a fruit salad (instead of fruit juice that does not satiate you);
- of milk, yogurt or cheese;
- the beverage of your choice: coffee, tea, milk (half fat).
If in the morning, you feel a sensation of hunger, take a milk or an apple.
Plan your lunch with:
meat or fish;
along with plenty of vegetables (300 g or more) cooked with little fat (a tablespoon at a maximum 2 people). If you want a rawness to start your meal, watch the oil dressing!
milk, yogurt or cheese
a fruit;
and bread: 50 g minimum.
For dinner:
- a good vegetable soup: this is the right way to eat without adding fat. If you do not have time to prepare, use those trade, ready to warm brick, the choice is yours and they are not fat.
- a little meat or fish or eggs;
- possibly vegetables, all cooked with very little fat;
- dairy;
- fruit;
- and bread: 50 g minimum.
To lose weight, eat slowly
It’s really essential. You can lose weight by eating only slowly to allow time for the mechanisms of satiety to get started. This is not the case when one eats at full speed without paying attention to his feelings. Because we eat so beyond its energy needs without feeling full. So, it tightens or you nibble something fatty / sweet later. And we eat too much without even realizing it.
Experience! Chew well, analyze the sensations you experience during your meal. You will notice that as far as your hunger subsides, a pleasant feeling of satiety moved slowly. Consequently, you have less and less desire to eat what is left on your plate you seem less and less good when it was at the beginning, you do not feel frustrated.
Munchies? Nibbling?
These are often the cause of weight gain.
Inadequate food and / or too low in complex carbohydrates and protein and / or too high in fat can create real cravings that lead to eat something, usually fat and sugar. By rebalancing the power under the above model, they disappear.
Boredom, stress, anxiety also lead to nibble or to look calm. Then nothing can replace common sense, will also find another way to soothe or to dispel his boredom … Then any physical activity is useful, especially walking.
Want to eat and drink …
Deli? Cheese? Pizza? Cakes? Sweet dessert?
From time to time in small quantities. And offset to the next meal or a dish cooked without fat, meat or roast chicken, baked fish, for example.
Sugary drinks? Are you really sure I want? Are you getting no attention, out of habit? Ask yourself this question. Thirsty? Water quenches thirst better than a soft drink that gives you a dose of sugar disastrous because it will give you hungry, your body off balance. Drink in a long time, outside, or coffee with friends. But banish sugary drinks from your daily routine.
To lose weight, get moving!
Just as a diet too rich, too sweet, too hearty, sedentary lifestyle is conducive to the installation of pounds.
You walk every day? No.
Then, schedule an hour daily walk. You do not have time? Break: 20 minutes 3 times or 4 times 15 minutes. Park your car further, get off at a bus stop before and finish off. It’s only a matter of organization: if you want … And it’s essential to better lose weight.
Here are the key to avoid falling into the trap of fad diets spring which we now know the harm.
About Liposuction – Body Weight and Shape Control Method
Written by admin on January 31, 2011 in Weight Loss
Tags: body shape, cosmetic surgery, liposuction, weight loss
Liposuction – for whom?
Liposuction is perfectly appropriate to profile young patients: localized skin tonic and beads. Liposuction is a remedy against localized fat.
Liposuction – principle
Liposuction is not an act of weight loss. It aims to reshape the silhouette of a patient with localized excess fat. If overweight, it is necessary to lose a few pounds before surgery.
Areas can be treated with liposuction:
* buttocks
* saddlebags
* thighs
* arm
* knees
* belly
* hips
The procedure lasts on average 1 to 1.30 hours, depending on areas treated. It is performed under general anesthesia or epidural. The surgeon proceeds to suction of the fat with very thin tubes connected to a gentle suction.
To learn more, take an appointment with a cosmetic surgeon.
How To Lose Weight Fast In 2011
Written by admin on January 03, 2011 in how to lose weight in 2 weeks, Lose Weight Fast, Weight Loss
Tags: ghrelin, how to lose weight fast, lose weight fast, mice weight loss, peptide, weight loss hormone
We found this very interesting “how to lose weight fast” article on a french website. It’s about a revolutionary substance tested on mice:
[News] A new substance is proven efficient for slimming mice
Adrien Messagepar “22/11/2010 – 12:00:33
A treatment that blocks the action of ghrelin, a peptide that has been called “hunger hormone” helps lose weight fast and has other beneficial effects for the metabolism of mice according to a new job.
Brad Barnett and his colleagues have designed a product that interferes with the peptide known to stimulate various mechanisms of weight gain among vertebrates including the development of appetite. They knew that ghrelin is active only if it wears a octanoyl side chain specific, that is added by an enzyme called ghrelin O-acetyltransferase or GOAT.
The researchers developed a peptide capable of inhibiting the GOAT called GO-CoA-Tat which they then injected into mice under hypergras regime. They found that the GO-CoA-Tat improves glucose tolerance and slowed weight gain in mice without reducing their food intake, suggesting an interesting way that this product acts on metabolism rather than appetite.
Researchers have concluded that the GO-CoA-Tat owes its beneficial effects to its inhibition of the GOAT. To act, the SM-CoA-Tat must be injected several times and therefore unlikely to become a drug of human obesity, but this study nevertheless means the GOAT as a valid target for the development of future treatments.
Source: Science & EurekAlert!, http://www.techno-science.net/
Lose Weight Fast After The Holidays
Written by admin on December 28, 2010 in Lose Weight Fast
Here are 5 tricks to lose weight fast after the parties and rich meals
1) Drink water
People often make mistakes between their sensations of hunger and thirst (it is the same type of signal sent to the brain). So next time you feel the urge to eat, drink water first. Drinking can also help you feel full, and this will help you lose weight after the holidays.
Some experts suggest sipping water (or iced tea) just before you sit down to eat. Continue to drink when you eat (for pausing between bites) to add bulk and weight to your meals and lose weight after the holidays.
2) Set realistic goals
Your goal to lose weight fast but in a healthy manner after the holidays should be 1 kg per week tops. The best advice to stop plans to lose weight after the first 5 kilograms, and maintain weight loss for about 6 months before trying to continue to lose weight.
3) Allow small differences
If you allow yourself the opportunity to eat your favorite foods for a diet began after the holidays to lose weight. These foods (which are similar to small differences in the manner of your diet) should not do enough damage to the smooth continuation of your diet if you eat a meal once every 20 (or 1 times per week).
4) Wait for a few minutes
Studies suggest that food craving only lasts about 10 minutes. So before you want to satisfy your urge to eat as quickly as possible, try to resist mentally for 10 minutes with envy. Use these 10 minutes to do housework or other activity that takes you away from the kitchen, and you’ll find that losing weight after the holidays easier.
5) Eat more often
People who have stabilized their weight for several years, after losing, tend to eat about 5 small meals a day. Light meals but taken to a higher frequency to help reduce your appetite, boost your energy, improve your mood and even speed up your metabolism (since the digestive process burns calories by itself). These snacks will help you most certainly lose weight after the holidays.
Remember, when you want to lose weight fast you need to think about your health also. And the best weight loss diet starts with not-eating too much in the first place.
Weight Loss Plans and Vitamins Deficiencies
Written by admin on December 11, 2010 in Dietary Supplements, Weight Loss Diets, Weight Loss Plans
Tags: lose weight plans, vitamins and minerals, vitamins deficiencies, weight loss diet, weight loss plans
When choosing a weight-loss plan over another you should consider what else will be lost together with the calories and carbs, suggests a new study. Huge sums of money (around $30 billion) are spent every year on weight loss products in the U.S. and 1 in 3 adults are trying to get rid of extra-pounds.
The diets are typically centered on the overall amount of calories in-take (food consumed) and the quantities of proteins, fats and carbohydrates, while vitamins and minerals tend to be overlooked.
Comparing 4 weight-loss plans we will find major differences in the in-take of these nutrients, a study from Stanford University in California showed.
“Shifting around the food sources that are good sources of fats versus carbohydrates means more than just changing fat and carbohydrate levels,” Christopher Gardner (lead researcher) told.
Varying quantities of vitamins and minerals are also to be looked at, he said. Deficiencies that increase the risk of major health problems, such as low blood count and neurological damage can arise along with a given weight-loss plan.
Mr. Gardner and the research team analyzed data from 300 overweight women who were randomly assigned to follow one of 4 weight-loss diet plans: Atkins, Zone, LEARN (Lifestyle, Exercise, Attitudes, Relationships, Nutrition) and Ornish.
Each subject received three unannounced calls around the start of the research and again after 60 days, asking them to recall what they had eaten over the previous day. Responses were then averaged to get a precise picture of the subject’s diet plan, report the researchers in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
At 60 days, subjects across all four weight loss diet plans had similarly reduced their daily intake to 1500 calories from an average of 2000 at the start of the study. (Each pound of weight loss requires eating 3,500 fewer calories.)
The research team found differences in what subjects ate consistent with each diet plan’s design. Atkins followers, for example, reported eating the lowest proportion of carbohydrates (17 percent of their daily calories) and the most fat and protein (28 percent). Regarding 12 of the 17 vitamins and minerals counted the dieters were eating, leaving some subjects at risk of inadequate levels based on national recommendations. Vitamin E posed the major problem across all diets: more than 65% of subjects weren’t getting enough.
Vitamins and Minerals are missed out when you’re on a weight loss diet
For subjects on the Zone diet, the opposite was true. Risks of inadequacies was significantly lower for vitamins A, E, K and C, while no increased risks were seen for any other vitamins.
The team suggest the potential benefits of a weight loss diet that encourages moderate but not extreme carbohydrate reductions: down to 40 percent of total calories from traditional recommendations of 45 to 65 percent.
“It isn’t just total carbohydrates that Zone recommends be cut back. It is more specifically the added sugars and refined grains,” said Gardner. “Keep the greens and beans and veggies. Lose the soda, sweets, and the packaged processed foods.” One way to fill in the gaps of any weight loss plan is through vitamin and mineral supplements, he added. But of the four diets, only Atkins made this recommendation. And only 3 subjects in this group took the advice. “Our bodies work best when vitamin and mineral deficiencies are absent, and healthy food is the best way to get enough of these important nutrients”.
All the eating strategies in the Stanford study are healthy because they improve obesity, diabetes and heart disease risk factors, which are the leading killers in our society. But the Zone diet may have an advantage regarding vitamins and minerals.
Weight Loss Plans
Written by admin on December 03, 2010 in Weight Loss, Weight Loss Plans
Tags: eating plan, healthy weight loss plan, weight loss plan, weight loss plans
Weight Loss Plans for your health
A healthy lifestyle involves many choices. Healthy eating means that you achieve weight loss (if needed) and maintain it once you got you new shape.
When you make weight loss plans, you should be choosing a balanced diet. So how do you choose a healthy eating plan? Let’s begin by defining what a healthy eating plan is (that will help you achieve weight loss and control).
- Emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products
- Includes lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts
- Is low in saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, salt (sodium), and added sugars
- Stays within your daily calorie needs
Enjoy your weight loss plan!
A healthy weight loss plan that helps you manage your weight includes a variety of foods you may not have considered. If healthy eating makes you think about the foods you can’t have, try refocusing on all the new foods you can eat:
- Fresh fruits ― don’t think just apples or bananas. These are great choices, but try some “exotic” fruits, too. How about a mango? Or a juicy pineapple or kiwi fruit! When your favorite fresh fruits aren’t in season, try a frozen, canned, or dried variety of a fresh fruit you enjoy. One caution about canned fruits is that they may contain added sugars or syrups. Be sure and choose canned varieties of fruit packed in water or in their own juice.
- Fresh vegetables ― try something new. You may find that you love grilled vegetables or steamed vegetables with an herb you haven’t tried like rosemary. You can sauté vegetables in a non-stick pan with a small amount of cooking spray. Or try frozen or canned vegetables for a quick side dish — just microwave and serve. When trying canned vegetables, look for vegetables without added salt, butter, or cream sauces. Commit to going to the produce department and trying a new vegetable each week.
- Calcium-rich foods ― you may automatically think of a glass of low-fat or fat-free milk when someone says “eat more dairy products.” But what about low-fat and fat-free yogurts without added sugars? These come in a wide variety of flavors and can be a great dessert substitute for those with a sweet tooth.
A new twist on an old favorite ― if your favorite recipe calls for frying fish or breaded chicken, try healthier variations using baking or grilling. Maybe even try a recipe that uses dry beans in place of higher-fat meats. Ask around or search the internet and magazines for recipes with fewer calories ― you might be surprised to find you have a new favorite dish!
Healthy Weight Loss Plans resources
- mypyramid.govThe MyPyramid.gov eating plan is based upon the approximate number of calories your body needs according to your age, sex, height, weight, and activity level. The plan gives you the amounts of foods from the various food groups you should eat each day to meet that calorie goal.
- The DASH eating plan was originally developed as an eating plan to reduce hypertension. (DASH stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension.) However, the plan also represents a healthy approach to eating for those who do not have a problem with hypertension.
No matter which of these weight loss plans (and weight control plans) you choose, you’ll get healthy recommendations for foods you can enjoy.
Healthy eating and weight loss are all about balance. You can enjoy your favorite foods even if they are high in calories, fat or added sugars. The key is eating them only once in a while and balance them out with healthier foods and more physical activity.
Some general tips for comfort foods:
- Consume them less often. If you normally eat these foods every day, cut back to once a week or once a month. You’ll be cutting your calories because you’re not having the food as often.
- Eat smaller amounts. If your favorite higher calorie food is an afternoon chocolate bar, have a smaller size or only half a bar. Be careful! This technique works well for some people, but others may find it is too tempting to have their favorite food available, even in smaller amounts.
- Try a lower-calorie version. Use lower-calorie ingredients or prepare it differently. For example, if your macaroni and cheese recipe uses whole milk, butter, and full-fat cheese, try remaking it with non-fat milk, less butter, light cream cheese, fresh spinach and tomatoes. Just remember to not increase your portion size. For more ideas on how to cut back on calories, see Eat More Weigh Less.
Being consistently healthy in your eating choices is the key. Making the same healthy eating choices over time can lead to better eating habits. By thinking more positively and focusing on what you can have, you’ll help yourself establish healthy eating habits.
The point is, you can figure out how to include almost any food in your healthy weight loss plan in a way that still helps you lose weight or maintain a healthy weight.
Dietary Supplements
Written by admin on November 29, 2010 in Dietary Supplements
Tags: dietary supplements, safe dietary supplements, supplements
What are Dietary Supplements?
The Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act defines dietary supplements as a product (other than tobacco)
intended to supplement the diet. They contain one or more of the following dietary ingredients:
• A vitamin, mineral, amino acid, herb or other botanical;
• A dietary substance for use to supplement the diet by increasing the total dietary intake;
• A concentrate, metabolite, constituent, extract, or a combination of any ingredient described
Should I take Dietary Supplements?
Active duty, Reservists, family and retired military members may take dietary supplements to lose weight, build muscle, increase energy and improve health. Purchases of dietary supplements have increased greatly due to marketing and advertising by supplement manufacturers. Often the manufacturers use their profits to increase advertising rather than for product research or to improve manufacturing practices. Over 1,000 new dietary supplements are added annually to the 29,000 already available. These supplements are not created equally, and some can cause more harm than good if used improperly or if you have existing health conditions. For this reason, you should be careful in your selection and use of these products. Discuss your concerns with a health care provider or a registered dietitian if you need more information about a specific dietary supplement.
How safe are Dietary Supplements?
Many members of the U.S. military have had serious problems as a result of using dietary supplements ranging from dehydration, nervousness, headache, irregular heart beat, high blood pressure, stroke and even death.
Safety is a major concern since the Food and Drug Administration does not regulate dietary supplements and manufacturers can put unproven claims on packaging. Recent laboratory tests of 27 types of multivitamins have demonstrated the worrisome fact that many packages of dietary supplements on store shelves do not contain what is listed on labels. Consumerlabs, a research and publishing firm that performs independent testing of supplements for the industry and consumers conducted the tests. They assigned failing grades to 9 of the 27 products. This means the products failed either to contain the labeled ingredients in the amounts described, or failed related tests of product break up and purity.
Are there any guidelines for using dietary supplements?
Using product labels and the Internet to make decisions about supplements is risky. The United States Pharmacopeia has created a “USP” marker that is placed on supplements, which meet manufacturer standards of quality, purity and potency. Look for the “USP” United States Pharmacopoeia notation on supplement labels. This indicates good manufacturing practices and identifies products that meet specific standards.
Be wary of sensational claims. If a product seems too good to be true, there is a good chance that very little scientific proof exists for the manufacturer’s claims. Discuss supplement use with your primary care provider before purchasing. Just as it is important to read food labels, reading product labels on supplements is useful as well. If you do decide to take a dietary supplement, start with a single product and take the lowest dose first, not to exceed recommended amounts. Stop taking the supplement if you feel worse or develop new symptoms.
Contact your primary care provider immediately. Because dietary supplements can interfere with or change the effects of other medications, it is very important to tell your primary care provider the names of any of these products you are taking.
Is there any supplement that is recommended for maintaining health?
A multi-vitamin with minerals may be beneficial in ensuring that important nutrients are being taken daily. As an example, a multi-vitamin may contain folic acid, an important B vitamin that prevents birth defects and heart disease.
When selecting a multi-vitamin, select one with no more than 100% of the recommended daily intake for vitamins and minerals. This ensures safety and avoids spending extra money on supplements that may not be worth the cost.
Commonly used Supplements with Dangerous Side-Effects
Ephedra/Ma Huang: This class of stimulants contains a substance called “alkaloids” that increase cardiac output and muscle contraction, raise blood sugar and open bronchial pathways for easier breathing.
Manufacturer’s claims include increased metabolism, aid in weight loss, enhanced athletic performance and alertness and improvements of asthma symptoms. A number of civilian and active-duty deaths have been linked with ephedra use.
Reported side effects include nervousness, stomach distress, irregular heartbeat, seizures, high blood pressure, stroke and death.
On December 30, 2003, the Food and Drug Administration announced that ephedra would be the first dietary supplement ever to be banned from public use.
Ephedra-free products: These products have increasingly become more popular due to consumer awareness of the dangers of ephedra. However, herbal mixtures of this form of dietary supplements are still questionable due to safety and health issues. There are many other forms of alkaloids besides ephedra and ma-huang that may pose harm to consumers.
Creatine: This is an amino acid produced in the body. Credible scientific literature indicates that creatine improves high intensity exercises such as sprinting, one rep weight lifting, vertical jumping and repetitive contraction of muscles. However, this product can cause weight gain that adversely effects endurance activities.
Side effects of taking creatine include GI distress, nausea, diarrhea and muscle cramping
Androstenedione: A naturally occurring hormone with claims to increase muscle mass and strength and decrease body fat. Side effects include estrogen level increases in men that increase fatty tissue on breasts and the reduction of good cholesterol levels that protect against heart disease.
Protein Supplements: These supplements come in the form of ready to drink fluids, powders and sports bars. If adequate amounts of protein are consumed through foods, protein supplements will result in fat building rather than muscle building. Problems with kidney and liver function may also occur as a result of excess protein intake.
