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For so many defeated dieters, many wonder if they should take a weight loss dietary supplement to facilitate weight reduction. Further complicating matters, with so many diets on the market, how do you know which one is right for you? The question of whether or not you should take a weight loss dietary supplement depends on a several factors.

Always Consult Your Physician

The first thing any person going on a weight reduction program should do is consult their physician. Once you get clearance from your doctor, you need to consider your age, your activity level, and your overall food plan to determine if taking a fat loss supplement is necessary. Let’s look at each one.

Age

Age plays a factor in weight gain. As you get older, your metabolism slows down. You may need a weight loss dietary supplement. But your overall health will depend on whether or not your doctor will give you clearance for a supplement to lose weight. Even then, the ingredients in the supplement will greatly influence whether or not you get the green light from your doctor.

Your Activity Level

Unless you’re physically active, and I don’t mean the occasional walk around the block or taking the stairs once in a while, your metabolism will come to a screeching halt. “Physically active” means a minimum of 30 minutes of some type of aerobic exercise at least 4 days out of the week. This could mean gardening, dancing, briskly walking around the block, jogging, walking on your treadmill – anything that makes you break a sweat.

Food Plan

Your food plan is the biggest determinant in your weight reduction efforts. No weight loss dietary supplement in the world will help you if you’re gorging your face on pizza, ice cream, bread and butter and other fattening foods. There’s just no such miracle pill on the market. You need to have a balanced food plan with plenty of fruit and vegetables and lean protein.

What If That’s Not Enough?

If you’re exercising and eating right and still not losing weight, then it’s definitely time to take a weight loss dietary supplement. Always look for dietary supplements with natural ingredients. The first four ingredients of a product is a telltale sign of its potency. Look for natural ingredients like Hoodia, green tea extract, Glucomannan and the like. These ingredients come from natural plants and speed up metabolism as well as control your appetite and absorb carbohydrates. Combining a weight loss dietary supplement with exercise and proper diet will help you achieve your desired weight reduction goals.

By: John Jakobson

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Taking a fish oil dietary supplement on a regular basis is something that nearly all of us will be doing within a few short years. In the last ten years our knowledge of the benefits of fish oil has grown in leaps and bounds. The health experts have now recognized the benefits of taking a fish oil supplement on a regular basis.

Did you know that fish oil has many anti-inflammatory properties which benefit people like rheumatoid arthritis sufferers by relieving the joint pains and stiffness that they get in the mornings. They are also able to manage on a lower intake of anti-inflammatory drugs.

When it comes to cardio-vascular health fish oil has been found to lower cholesterol, reduce high blood pressure and at the same time increases the good cholesterol HDL.

The Omega-3 fish oil dietary supplement taken on a daily basis help provide protection from stroke and heart attacks. They do this by stopping the platelets in the blood from sticking together and forming clots which are the main cause of heart attacks and stroke.

Pregnant mothers that take a daily supplementation of Omega-3 fatty acids can be protected from depression that hits shortly after birth. The babies when they are born will have a better immune system and the will suffer from less Allergies, Eczema and Asthma.

In years gone by the huge amount of fish consumed by the population in the US had a direct correlation to the low rate of mental disorders. It has been found in the US that the lower amount of fish eaten today has a direct link to the higher incidence of depression. We are hoping that by taking a supplement of Omega-3 fish oil on a daily basis we will see this high rate of depression reversed.

Recent research has seen children with ADD and ADHD being treated with high doses of Omega-3 fatty acids. They say the behavior of children taking high doses of the fish oil dietary supplement has vastly improved. Restlessness is down and their concentration has improved by thirty three per cent. Visit my website today to find out about a fish oil supplement I’ve discovered that I’d like to share with you.

By: Gordon P Hall

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There have been arguments as to whether it is necessary to take lutein and zeaxanthin supplements; this is because some researchers believe that these two substances are ‘non-nutritive bio-active plant components.’ They have also been referred to as ‘micro-nutrients.’

Some also have the belief that deficiency in lutein does not cause any disease; however it is a carotenoid and carotenoids are converted to vitamin A in the human body. For starters, vitamin A deficiency leads to impaired vision (night blindness); if this is not treated, the cornea gets destroyed which eventually leads to total blindness. It is important to note that blindness caused by vitamin A deficiency can not be reversed or corrected; however if it is discovered early and treated in time, the vision could be saved and restored.

This could be done using supplements containing retinol (animal form of vitamin A); the problem with this is that retinol in high dosage is toxic to your body and your body can not get rid of it.

However carotenoids are not toxic so you can take lutein and zeaxanthin supplements to help boost your vision because lutein is a component of retina; retina is that part of your eye that transmits signals to your brain making it possible for you to see. It is also necessary for peripherial vision.

Zeaxanthin on the other hand is concentrated in the macular – that small spot on the retina responsible for central vision.

Another cause of blindness is what is called macular degeneration; it is an age related disease as well as a dietary disease. Diets rich in fats and carbonhydrates contribute to macular disease.

You need lutein and zeaxanthin supplement because our modern diets have also been found to be deficient in vital nutrients and most people don’t even eat enough fruits and veggies; moreover, studies have shown that our fruits and vegetables no longer contain much nutrients as they used to because of the modern methods of farming (for instance the use of pesticides and fertilizers). It is also important to note that these micronutrients are destroyed by cooking.

Studies have attributed macular degeneration to low levels of zeaxanthin; hence the best way to prevent/treat this disease and improve your eye health in general is by regular consumption of lutein and zeaxanthin supplements.

Now that you know the importance of these two micronutrients to your vision, visit my website to learn about a nutritional supplement that I personally take, which contains these and other vital nutrients your body needs to function optimally.

By: Didi Dyke

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A dietary supplement is any product that is intended to supplement the diet and that contains at least one of these ingredients: vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids, and substances such as enzymes, organ tissues, glandulars, metabolites, or a combination of these ingredients. If you choose to take a dietary supplement, read the supplement label carefully. The label will show how much of a specific vitamin, mineral, botanical, or other is in each dietary supplement. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and its Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition developed regulations for manufacturers in order to help consumers make informed choices when choosing dietary supplements. Manufacturers are responsible for ensuring that their supplements’ facts label and ingredient list are accurate, that the dietary ingredients are safe, and that the content matches the amount declared on the label.

Here is the information that must be on a dietary supplement label:
A descriptive name of the product stating that it is a supplement. The name and address of the manufacturer, packer, or distributor. A list of each ingredient contained in the product, listed in the order of predominance by common name or proprietary blend. Ingredients not listed on the facts panel must appear in the other ingredient statement beneath the panel. The net contents of the product. The manufacturer’s suggested serving size. There are no rules that limit a serving size or the amount of a nutrient in any form of dietary supplements. Information on nutrients when they are present in significant levels, such as vitamins A and C, calcium, iron, and sodium, and the percentage Daily Value (% DV) where a reference has been established–this is similar to the nutrients listed in the Nutrition Facts panel on food labels. The Daily Value is essentially the same as the DRI (RDA or AI). All other dietary ingredients present in the product, including botanicals and amino acids–those for which no Daily Value has been established.
Multiple and Single Nutrient Supplementation

When you choose a general multivitamin and multi-mineral supplement, consider those that offer the full nutrient spectrum, the full range of B-complex vitamins, and antioxidants like beta-carotene and vitamins C and E. A good rule of thumb is to look for daily value percentage ranges from 50 to 150 percent. If a multivitamin has some but not enough of the other vitamins, you can take additional doses of those particular single supplements. Typically, a multivitamin cannot hold enough calcium. In addition to this basic multivitamin and mineral supplement, you may want to take single supplements to boost your health for specific conditions. To be sure that you will not be taking excessive amounts over what is already in the basic supplement, subtract the amount in the basic supplement from the larger amount listed for that single supplement. The difference is the amount of the single supplement you need to add. For example, if your basic supplement provides 200 milligrams (mg) of calcium, you would only take 800 mg of single supplement calcium to receive 1,000 mg of calcium daily.

Botanicals Common in High-Potency Supplements

Common herbal supplements are sometimes found in the formulation of high-potency or a health-benefit specific multivitamin and mineral supplement. Some herbs are used as specifics and are taken for brief periods or only when symptoms are present. Some herbs are used as tonics and are taken long term, sometimes with short breaks in between. For more information on using herbs and their health benefits, read about them from a reliable source and then discuss them with your health practitioner. Become informed!

Here are a few common herbs and their unique properties that you may find in your supplements:

Ginkgo Biloba (Ginkgo Biloba) is an antioxidant and improves circulation and memory. It may interact with monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors and blood-thinners and may cause gastrointestinal upset and headaches. Ginseng (Panax ginseng, P. quinquefolius) helps increase energy, and is used as a tonic for fatigue and athletic performance. It may worsen the side effects of stimulants, such as caffeine. Some people experience over-stimulation or stomach upset when taking this herb. Avoid this herb if you have high blood pressure, heart palpitations, insomnia, asthma, or a high fever. Siberian Ginseng or Eleuthero (Eleuthero senticosus) helps increase energy and is used as a tonic for fatigue and stress. Its use may increase the effectiveness and side effects of some antibiotics. Saw Palmetto (Sernoa repens) is effective in the treatment of prostate enlargement or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Some people experience stomach upset when taking this herb. Echinacea (Echinacea augustifolia, E. pallida, E. Purpurea) is known for its ability to stimulate the body’s defenses against minor vial and bacterial infections such as colds and the flu. Persons allergic to the pollen of other members of the aster family, such as ragweed, may also be allergic to echinacea. Its use may counteract immune-suppressive drugs. Green Tea Extract (Camellia Sinensis plant extract) has antioxidant properties, particularly the phytochemical epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and is used as a tonic. Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum) is considered a liver protector and healer and is used as a liver tonic. Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) has been shown to be effective for premenstrual and menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes. It may cause stomach upset. Pregnant and nursing women should avoid using this herb.

Copyright 2006. Mary El-Baz. All rights reserved.

By: Mary El-Baz, PhD

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You think of a 5 year old as very young, however, when your dog turns 5, he is beginning to enter his senior years. Your dog will begin to experience the same health issues as his human family. As you begin to notice changes in your dog’s appetite and behavior, schedule an appointment with the veterinarian for a complete evaluation. This exam will give the vet an overall picture of your pet’s health by determining potential problems, addressing and treating current problems, and supporting you in caring for your aging companion.

Changes take place in your dog which effect activity level, appetite and digestive system, hearing and vision, skin and coat and behavior. Your dog’s activity level slows down because his metabolism slows by about 30%. Your best friend may still show an interest in active play, but arthritis will cause him pain and decreased mobility. Today there are prescription drugs to deal with arthritis, similar to the medicines we take. Only your vet can decide if these drugs will be appropriate for your dog. High quality, human grade pet vitamins have been shown to support the overall health and wellness of dogs by providing essential Omega fatty acids, antioxidants and other beneficial nutrients.

The decreased activity level and slower metabolism will naturally effect your pet’s appetite as well as his calorie requirements. There are many high quality pet foods that are specially formulated for senior dogs. They provide complete nutrition but with a lower fat and calorie content. The decreased fat content may result in your dog’s skin and coat becoming dry. A dietary supplement, in the form of a high quality pet vitamin will help maintain your dog’s healthy skin and coat.

One of the most noticeable signs of aging is the clouding of a dogs eyes. This is caused by cataracts and is more common in some breeds, such as Boston terriers. There are veterinary specialists that can treat cataracts. Glaucoma is caused by an increased pressure in the eyes. It can be very serious, but if detected early, it can be controlled.

Another issue in aging pets is dental disease. Gums become infected and teeth become loose. This can not only be painful, but it can lead to more serious health issues. Bacteria can enter the bloodstream through the gums and cause cardiac or kidney problems. Have your veterinarian check and clean your pet’s teeth and if necessary infected teeth can be removed and the dog prescribed antibiotics.

It is hard to see our best friend decline from an active, energetic playmate to a slower, less vigorous housemate. With proper care and nutrition and continued love and support from his family, your dog’s senior years can be a pleasant, happy time.

By: Joseph M Sabol

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Many people lack the nutrition that they need to sustain their proper levels of health. While eating health foods helps there are still gaps in the vitamin and mineral nutrients that are needed for a healthy body. However, through the introduction of daily nutritional supplements people of all ages and walks of life can receive the proper balanced amount of nutrients that they require. Because it is essential to keep each organ and tissue within the body operating at its optimal level the inclusion of vitamin supplements allows people access to the vitamins that they miss out in their diet.

For the best care of the heart, organic folic acid tablets are available that promotes healthy cardiovascular function as well as helping to tone muscles. Made up of 100% whole lemon peel the folic acid supplements for the body are harvested from citrus growers that do not use chemicals or preservatives in the growing process, which ensures that the supplement is providing the nutritional value that consumers’ want without any side effects.

An essential nutrient in the development of a fetus, organic folic acid can be found in orange juice and other citrus fruits, however, many people, including pregnant women do not receive enough of the vital substance in the regular meals. For this reason finding additional sources of folicacid that are high in nutritional value is important for every person that is concerned about their health and well being. Giving individuals better heart function and providing them with the necessary building blocks of life the inclusion of organic folic acid as a dietary supplement ensures that a person gains the benefits of proper nutrition.

By: Cleo Gib

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