Category: Supplement

Cellulite Cream

Modern society places a high emphasis on physical appearance and in the constant struggle to have a perfect look; women across the world are trying everything possible to fight cellulite. This abnormality, which causes the skin to have a wrinkled and dimpled appearance, is a result of fat accumulation in pockets below the skin surface. Several surgical and non-surgical treatments are available in the market nowadays to counter the effects of cellulite. Cellulite creams are one such remedy, highly popular amongst those seeking to “ fight” cellulite.

Cellulite creams offer an affordable, non-surgical and painless remedy against cellulite. These creams can contain everything from vitamins and minerals to herbs and antioxidants. Xanthines such as aminophylline and theophylline are a common ingredient in several cellulite creams. Retinoids, which are Vitamin A derivatives, are popularly used as an effective cure against wrinkles. These, along with Alpha Hydroxy Acids such as lactic acid and glycolic acid are being used extensively in cellulite creams.

There are several popular brands of cellulite creams in the market. These products are priced anywhere from $15 to $65 or more.

Although these cellulite creams claim to offer an affordable solution to the skin ailment, several studies and tests have shown that their effects are next to negligible. Skin creams cannot penetrate the dermis where the actually problem lies. As a result of this, most of these creams and lotions reach only the outer epidermis level of the skin and affect only the external appearance of cellulite without actually curing it.

While several companies claim their ‘good’ cellulite creams cures cellulite completely, it is imperative that we understand that their effect is more cosmetic than holistic; they do little more than make the skin soft and smooth and hence mask cellulite superficially. There have been several cases of anti-cellulite creams having caused irritation and rashes in users and hence, it is recommended to use these only under strict medical supervision.

Creatine

Creatine is a naturally formed amino acid that is found in the human body, especially around the skeletal muscle. The human body generates Creatine naturally, partly from the diet we take and partly on its own. A healthy person has about 120g of Creatine, most of it being in the form of a compound called PCr. The body can store a maximum Creatine quantity of 0.3 g per one kilogram of body weight. The body produces about 2g of Creatine per day. The chief food sources of Creatine are fish and red meat. Half a pound of raw meat provides about 1g of Creatine for the body. Creatine that does not come from food is produced endogenously by the body from amino acids.

There are several benefits of Creatine. Creatine boosts anaerobic energy in the body. It provides instant energy to the body. It improves muscle strength and makes the muscle suitable for high-intensity, short duration exertion like weightlifting or sprinting. It is also found to speed up the recovery of energy. It delays fatigue significantly. It promotes lean-muscle mass and reduces muscle wasting in post-surgical patients. It is also believed to help heart patients by increasing their exercise capacity, reducing heart spasms and thus increasing heart function. Creatine is generally taken as a supplement by athletes who need heavy bursts of energy. Creatine acts as a catalyst to a special chemical reaction that occurs in the body when a person does high-intensity, short duration work. The body generates enough Creatine to accommodate such kind of a reaction. For additional exertion, Creatine has to be taken additionally through food or through other forms.

Creatine has become very popular among athletes because of its many benefits and very few side effects. The only side effect documented till now is weight gain. However, overdose of Creatine or use of Creatine over a long period of time may have some other side effects also, and tests are still being conducted to determine the effect of using Creatine in the long run. Creatine is available as a supplement like vitamin pills in the form of over-the-counter drugs. Creatine is categorized as a “dietary supplement” and can be purchased even without a prescription as per the 1994 Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act. Then again, Creatine is not tested by the American FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and certain side effects like vomiting, diarrhea, and deep vein thromboses have been listed under a 1998 FDA report.

There are several Creatine supplement products in the market today. Creatine is available in capsule, chewable and powdered forms. One teaspoon of the powdered form contains 5g of Creatine monohydrate. The recommended dosage is 1-2 teaspoons with 8 ounces of water per day. Nevertheless, the dosage can vary depending on the body exertion. Athletes usually follow a dosage cycle comprising of loading and maintenance phases.

Breast Augmentation Before And After

Before deciding upon breast augmentation surgery one must choose a qualified surgeon for better odds of successful surgery. Prior to consultation, one should find a surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Tests performed by the surgeon should include ones that assess the existing tissue to conclude if there is an adequate amount to cover the breast implant.

After surgery, incisions are stitched, taped and the breasts are covered and supported by a gauze dressing. Patients are fitted with a surgical bra that provides support for a number of weeks. After surgery, the common symptoms are exhaustion, pain, and discomfort. However these after effects can be reduced considerably though administration of oral medicines. Inflammation slowly subsides and becomes un-noticeable in about a month’s time. Stitches are removed within seven to ten days.

For weeks after the surgery, the breasts will be exceptionally sensitive. Physical contact should be avoided until sensitivity subsides. The rehabilitation process takes about three to four weeks. Breasts will continue to be swollen for approximately four to five weeks. Post surgery, activities such as a working out, lifting heavy items and anything strenuous should be avoided for about a month. Breast augmentation scars will be rigid and pink in color for roughly six weeks. Subsequently, scars may appear to widen but will start to fade within a few months, though they will never completely disappear.

There are risks that could come from breast implants. For one, an implant may make it difficult to perform a mammography, or even get in the way of detecting breast cancer during a mammogram. Post-surgery, one may develop Capsular contracture, better known as build-up of scar tissue around the implant. This causes excessive and unnatural breast firmness. If it is of an extreme nature, one may require corrective surgery. An excessively large breast implant may cause problems after surgery as well: it may be more affected by gravity and consequently trigger an earlier droop.

Deflation of an implant is mostly harmless. However, it may carry the danger of additional surgical treatment for a substitution. Breast augmentation infection is rare and can be easily treated with antibiotics. Despite it once being thought of as a risk, multiple studies have consistently failed to demonstrate that women with breast implants have a higher rate of breast cancer. In fact, two major studies have shown a lower than expected rate of disease in women with implants.

Best Low Carb Diets

There are certain specific foods which are never allowed when you are on a low-carbohydrate diet. There are those food items which contain white flour and/or sugar (including honey). Grains and breads are restricted, though people who are on a weight-maintenance diet, non-obese diabetics, or those who can tolerate a few additional carbohydrates and still lose weight may eat a limited amount of grain products.

Starch or sugar is highest in carbohydrates. Other food items include anything made with flour, grains, foods with added sugar, and starchy vegetables such as potatoes and corn. Most processed foods are also high in carbohydrates. A low-carb diet allows you to eat your favorite meat, fish, poultry, cheese, cream, butter and eggs, with some instructions as given by your dietician. You can eat green leafy vegetables which are low in starch, like spinach, mustard greens, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, green beans, broccoli, lettuce, and so on. You can also take a limited quantity of soy products.

Similarly, most fruits are restricted, but some fruits (other than watermelons and bananas) are allowed as long as they do not produce weight gain. Some preferred fruits include avocado, strawberries and grapefruit. It is advisable to cut out some foods, such as sugar and cereals, but include small amounts in your menus and take a controlled diet.

Fibers are an important part of our diet, and supplements of dietary fiber in the form of psyllium husks are advisable. When you are on a low-carb diet it is important to have a high-fat diet. Saturated fats and fats like olive oil, coconut oil, butter, lard, fish oil, tallow, palm kernel oil, peanut oil, and flaxseed oil are advisable.

There are varieties of diet foods available which you can select depending upon the kind of weight loss you want. These diet foods help you maintain a strict diet without banning food of your choice, but provide options to you to eat want you want in a healthier way.

Best Low Carb Diets

There are certain specific foods which are never allowed when you are on a low-carbohydrate diet. There are those food items which contain white flour and/or sugar (including honey). Grains and breads are restricted, though people who are on a weight-maintenance diet, non-obese diabetics, or those who can tolerate a few additional carbohydrates and still lose weight may eat a limited amount of grain products.

Starch or sugar is highest in carbohydrates. Other food items include anything made with flour, grains, foods with added sugar, and starchy vegetables such as potatoes and corn. Most processed foods are also high in carbohydrates. A low-carb diet allows you to eat your favorite meat, fish, poultry, cheese, cream, butter and eggs, with some instructions as given by your dietician. You can eat green leafy vegetables which are low in starch, like spinach, mustard greens, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, green beans, broccoli, lettuce, and so on. You can also take a limited quantity of soy products.

Similarly, most fruits are restricted, but some fruits (other than watermelons and bananas) are allowed as long as they do not produce weight gain. Some preferred fruits include avocado, strawberries and grapefruit. It is advisable to cut out some foods, such as sugar and cereals, but include small amounts in your menus and take a controlled diet.

Fibers are an important part of our diet, and supplements of dietary fiber in the form of psyllium husks are advisable. When you are on a low-carb diet it is important to have a high-fat diet. Saturated fats and fats like olive oil, coconut oil, butter, lard, fish oil, tallow, palm kernel oil, peanut oil, and flaxseed oil are advisable.

There are varieties of diet foods available which you can select depending upon the kind of weight loss you want. These diet foods help you maintain a strict diet without banning food of your choice, but provide options to you to eat want you want in a healthier way.

ALA Products

Alpha Lipoic Acid, or ALA, can be obtained from the therapeutic market either as a single supplement or in combination products with antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E. Pharmanex and LifePak are dietary supplements used as anti-aging therapeutic options. It contains ALA, vitamin A, B6, B12, C, D, E, K, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, folate, biotin, pantothenic acid, calcium, iodine, magnesium, zinc, selenium, etc as dietary supplements.

Other brands include Puritan’s Pride (300mg ALA), Rexall Super (200 mg ALA), Solgar (60mg ALA), Spring Valley (100mg ALA), Sundown Alpha (50mg ALA), and Vitamin World (three options breathe with the user 100mg ALA, 200mg ALA, 300mg ALA).

For topical application, Reviva Alpha Lipoic Acid Lotion is available as an anti-aging product. Its other potential ingredients include vitamin C, vitamin E, and DMAE bitartrate. The topical product of Dr. Perricone, based on Alpha Lipoic Acid and vitamin C, include: N.V. Perricone ALA Nutritive Cleanser (to tone the skin), N.V. Perricone Vitamin C Ester Amine Complex Face Lift (lifts the skin and helps treat underlying causes of inelastic skin), N.V. Perricone ALA Eye Area Therapy (to nourish, restore, and protect eye), N.V. Perricone ALA Lip Plumper (enhances fullness, contour and color of lips), N.V. Perricone ALA Evening Facial Emollient (to smooth, renew, and refine the skin overnight), and N.V. Perricone Face Finishing Moisturizer (to soothe, hydrate, and protect skin).

It is clear that, because ALA has so many positive health applications, it is probably one of the most natural ways to go about improving health and physical aesthetic. Always consult your doctor before embarking on a new anti-oxidant regimen.

What You Need To Know About Fruit

What do you reach for when you want a snack or something sweet? Is it fruit? If not, you should consider it. Fruit has a score of health benefits. It provides water, fiber, vitamins and minerals. Eating a good variety of fruits can help keep your body healthy and strong. Here is a list of some of the most common fruits including some of their benefits.

Apples

As far as fruit goes, apples are a classic favorite. Whether included in an apple pie, made into apple sauce, or eaten raw, it just wouldn’t be autumn without this fruit. Apple is rich in potassium, pectin (fruit fiber), and other vitamins and minerals. The potassium is beneficial to those who experience water loss such as athletes and those with a stomach virus.

Oranges

The aromatic nature of this fruit gives it a lot of appeal. Many start their day with a cup of orange juice. Its claim to fame is its sunny flavor and vitamin C content. It seems to be the fruit people reach for when they want to boost their immune system. Try including fresh oranges slices on your salads or in your smoothies.

Bananas

This fruit is rich in potassium and B vitamins, making it a great food for athletes. The high fiber content also promotes regularity. Bananas also make a wonderful addition to smoothies, especially when mixed with strawberries and mangoes. You can also slice them and put them on top of cereal or yogurt.

Strawberries

Strawberries are at their peak flavor in the spring and early summer. This fruit needs to be picked when it is ripe and no sooner. Though strawberries turn red if they are picked while not quite ripe, they don’t get any sweeter unless they are still on the vine. Strawberries are great raw, in smoothies, in jams, tarts, and can even be made into wine.

Give yourself variety

To get the most from the health benefits of fruit, include lots of variety. Eating both the standard fruits and other more exotic options can really enhance your health.

Hot Flash Remedy

Menopause is a natural transition from the normal reproductive stage of a woman. It causes a reduction and fluctuation of hormonal levels. More importantly, it causes emotional disturbances.

The sum total of all creates many disorders, including hot flashes for the menopausal women.

A hot flash attack dilates the blood vessels on the upper body and allows more blood to flow. It creates a hot feeling on the neck and the face, a flushed face and other symptoms. It may last from a few seconds up to an hour.

In intensity and duration it may be mild, moderate or severe. The first line of defense is to identify the trigger and avoid it. It is possible to manage the problem when it is mild, without any medication. Lifestyle modifications, reducing stress and some dietary changes can take care of the problem. In moderate hot flashes, additional nonprescription medication is necessary. Vitamins E and B6 and Peridin-e tablets help reduce the effect. Herbal remedies that may help include black cohosh, ginseng, dong quai, wild yam root, prime rose oil and sage tea. But the effect of herbal remedies in the case of women who have had breast cancer is not known. So care should be taken in such cases.

Acupuncture is a very promising line of treatment. Dr. Tomasz M. Beer of OHSU Cancer Institute says, ‘Acupuncture is a low toxicity treatment that may offer important symptomatic relief to cancer patients who suffer from hot flashes’. When the problem is severe and does not respond appreciably to management, hormonal replacement and other prescription drugs become necessary.

Estrogen therapy has proved to be the most effective therapy for hot flashes. But the potential side effects, like endometrial cancer, make it the last resort. An anti-depressant drug, venlafaxine, offers a good nonhormonal treatment for hot flashes. The Mayo Clinic’s Dr. Charles says, ‘I am not aware of any other non-hormonal treatment that has been studied that is as effective.’ The Mayo Clinic came out with a paper which mentioned a pro-gestational agent, MPA, as the most effective nonhormonal treatment for hot flashes. Blood pressure medications like clonidine and Methyldopa also offer some relief for hot flashes.

A menopausal woman suffering from hot flashes has to take an informed personal decision in consultation with her physician on the line of management and treatment to be adopted.

Best Low Carb Diets

There are certain specific foods which are never allowed when you are on a low-carbohydrate diet. There are those food items which contain white flour and/or sugar (including honey). Grains and breads are restricted, though people who are on a weight-maintenance diet, non-obese diabetics, or those who can tolerate a few additional carbohydrates and still lose weight may eat a limited amount of grain products.

Starch or sugar is highest in carbohydrates. Other food items include anything made with flour, grains, foods with added sugar, and starchy vegetables such as potatoes and corn. Most processed foods are also high in carbohydrates. A low-carb diet allows you to eat your favorite meat, fish, poultry, cheese, cream, butter and eggs, with some instructions as given by your dietician. You can eat green leafy vegetables which are low in starch, like spinach, mustard greens, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, green beans, broccoli, lettuce, and so on. You can also take a limited quantity of soy products.

Similarly, most fruits are restricted, but some fruits (other than watermelons and bananas) are allowed as long as they do not produce weight gain. Some preferred fruits include avocado, strawberries and grapefruit. It is advisable to cut out some foods, such as sugar and cereals, but include small amounts in your menus and take a controlled diet.

Fibers are an important part of our diet, and supplements of dietary fiber in the form of psyllium husks are advisable. When you are on a low-carb diet it is important to have a high-fat diet. Saturated fats and fats like olive oil, coconut oil, butter, lard, fish oil, tallow, palm kernel oil, peanut oil, and flaxseed oil are advisable.

There are varieties of diet foods available which you can select depending upon the kind of weight loss you want. These diet foods help you maintain a strict diet without banning food of your choice, but provide options to you to eat want you want in a healthier way.

Diet Programs

Recently, many diet programs have mushroomed in and around the United States. You could either go for a one-to-one counseling session or an interactive online diet program. For instance, websites like ediets.com, southbeachdiet.com and weightwatchers.com are among the most popular interactive diet programs.

Slimfast.com is another website, which offers not only free memberships to people who wish to reduce their weight, but also customized diet programs, free newsletters, testimonials and much more.

What matters when you take up a diet program is that you eat everything in a moderate measure rather than trying to completely stop eating or totally reducing your food intake to almost nothing.

Avoid eating oily foods or take them in moderation. Eating fresh fruits and vegetables and drinking lots of water help you reduce your weight. Water therapy is one of the most popular methods of weight reduction while you are on a diet. You must drink at least four to five glasses of water early in the morning on an empty stomach.

You should avoid using pills for weight reduction, as these could have harmful side-effects on your body. Also avoid using artificial diet supplements or artificial food items that claim to reduce your weight within no time. In fact, such food items only add to your weight further and make you fatter.

Do at least half an hour of exercise everyday, as it helps increase your metabolism. Consult either your physician or dietitian to help you plan a diet. And last but not least: have faith in yourself and in the diet you take up. Positive thinking also helps you in reducing your weight and achieving your goals.