What is SAMe?
SAMe (S-adenosylmethionine) is a naturally occurring compound found in all human tissue and organs. It is a “building block” necessary for the production of many compounds produced by your body, and is used in over 35 different biochemical reactions. SAMe actually donates a part of itself to form these new compounds through a process called methylation or transmethylation. SAME is one of the few dietary supplements on the market today that combines the benefits of several nutrients into one, because the body uses the substances produced from SAMe for numerous bodily reactions and processes.
SAMe is a supplement formed in the body by an enzymatic reaction between adenosine-triphosphate (ATP) and methionine. It was discovered in 1952 in Italy and has been researched and manufactured there. SAMe works closely with folic acid and vitamin B-12 and functions as a methyl donor. This nutrient carries and donates methyl molecules necessary to facilitate the manufacture of DNA and brain neurotransmitters.* Tissue levels of SAMe are typically low in the elderly.
How can SAMe help me?
SAMe might be an effective treatment for depression, with fewer side effects than antidepressant drugs. But the real benefits and risks of SAMe are still unclear. In theory, it may increase the risk of heart disease. People with depression or joint pain should seek medical advice before trying SAMe. Supplementation with SAM-e increases levels of serotonin, dopamine and phosphatides, and improves serotonin and dopamine receptor site binding. Some research has shown that SAM-e provides relief from arthritis pain, without the stomach irritation caused by aspirin and similar drugs.
Are there any side effects associated with SAMe supplementation?
SAMe is a very safe dietary supplement. Minor side effects include nausea and gastrointestinal irritation, due to its sulfur content. These were only noted at very high doses (1200-1600mg) and symptoms diminished with continued use. Persons suffering from manic depression (bipolar disorder) should not take SAMe without prior consultation with their physician. If you experience any of the symptoms above for an extended period of time, you may be allergic to SAMe, or it may not be the right supplement for you.
Benefits
• treatment for depression
• improves serotonin and dopamine levels
• relief from arthritis pain
Chester is a health nutrition consultant and is the owner of
www.AstroNutrition.com - a provider of premium health nutrition and sports supplements.
HMB stands for beta-hydroxy beta-methylbutyrate. It is a metabolite of leucine, one of the body’s essential amino acids, with small amounts found naturally in catfish, grapefruit and alfalfa.
It has become very popular amongst athletes in recent years mainly due to the role it plays in the synthesis of muscle tissue. HMB has been subjected to many studies that have reached some interesting conclusions. One study showed that supplementation with 3 grams of HMB per day increased participants’ strength by a factor of three compared with placebo takers. Supplementing with the same amount also saw a reduction in bad cholesterol compared with the placebo group.
Clearly there is significant scientific backing for claims that HMB can speed up muscle growth, strength, endurance and fat loss. There are no known side effects when taken properly in amounts ranging from 3-5 grams each day. It should be taken before training or at bed time for best results.
Richard Mitchell is the creator of the bodybuildingadvisor.com website that provides guidance and information to athletes at all levels of bodybuilding experience. Go to Bodybuilding Advice to learn more about the issues covered in this article.
The number of people in the UK suffering from food intolerance and allergies is increasing. Scientists believe that this is partly because of our love affair with junk food as well as our exposure to harmful toxins present in many foods.
However food intolerance and allergies can also be triggered by food that has not been exposed to chemicals. Recent research, for instance, suggests that eating peanuts when pregnant can cause the baby to develop a peanut allergy.
This can have very serious consequences as having an allergic reaction to peanuts can cause a person to go into anaphylactic shock. Peanut allergies are often so severe that even a slight trace of peanut dust can produce itching, rashes and stomach problems in sufferers.
However, not everyone who has a problem with certain foods is allergic to them. Sometimes they can simply have a food intolerance rather than a food allergy. Food intolerance and food allergy are both caused by inappropriate immune responses to problem foods. However the reaction is very different. Food allergies provoke an immediate and sometimes severe reaction whilst food intolerance produces symptoms which can take hours or even days to develop.
Of course the best thing to do is identify whether you have a food intolerance or allergy and then eliminate the problem foods altogether from your diet. Food allergy and food intolerance testing is a quick and easy way to find out if there are foods that are making you feel ill. You can arrange food allergy and food intolerance testing online or by visiting your GP.
Whilst identifying the culprit substances and removing them from your diet is an important starting point, strengthening your immune system is also very important.
Since much of the immune system exists within the digestive tract one of the best ways to support it is by ingesting particular vitamins and minerals.
Foods that are rich in anti-oxidant vitamins A, C and E, such as fresh fruits and vegetables should be included in your daily diet. The mineral Selenium can also be a useful inclusion, as can garlic. Pycnogenol, a dietary supplement made from pine bark extract is high in anti-oxidants and can help alleviate allergic reactions as well as help cardiovascular health.
Food intolerance and food allergies can make you miserable. By identifying whether you are a sufferer and what foods are causing you problems you will be able to improve your sense of wellbeing. Food allergy and food intolerance testing can help you do this whilst strengthening your immune system is the starting point on the road to better health.
Elizabeth Harfleet, is a leading a UK based nutritional therapist who sells food intolerance testing kits via her website.
And as far as energy is concerned, what are the very best food sources for fuel and energy?
Believe it or not, protein is NOT nature’s most efficient source of fuel and energy for our bodies.
Without question, carbohydrates are the most efficient sources of fuel and energy for the human body.
Contrary to common belief and the doctrines of so many loudly touted and very lucrative weight loss programs and diets, carbohydrates are not always the bad guys, even though they have certainly gotten a bum rap in the last while.
Unrefined plant sources of carbohydrates in the form of whole, fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains and beans are our best sources of fuel and energy. They are also the best sources of nutrition for human health and fitness.
However, refined carbohydrates, made from white sugar and/or white flour, are the bad guys. It is best to eliminate these refined foods from our diets altogether. You know what they are: refined breads, cookies, cakes, desserts, baked goods, candy or anything at all made with white sugar and white flour.
Because human beings get their most efficient fuel, or energy, from carbohydrates, unrefined plant sources, if enough unrefined carbohydrates are not consumed, you will, among many other problems, feel tired.
Those people who go on high protein diets, after a while, have a common complaintthey get very tired. Why? Because they load up on animal protein, a poor source of fuel and energy, and they cut way back on the best food sources for energycarbohydrates from unrefined plant foods (fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and beans).
Furthermore, high-protein dieters often crave and binge on refined carbohydrate goodies.
These cravings are the body’s way of telling them that they are not getting something they need through the foods they are eating. In this case, it is the unrefined carbohydrates.
However, rather than grabbing for a few pieces of fresh fruit or a big, green-leafy vegetable salad, these people typically grab for the goodies that are so very accessible, edible, and dearly loved.
What is the percentage of carbohydrates in plant foods?
Sweet potatoes consist of 92% carbohydrates
Grapefruit 90%
Oranges 88%
Brown Rice 87%
Wheat flour 76%
Oatmeal 69%
Carrots 36%
On the contrary, what is the percentage of carbohydrates in animal foods?
Beef has 0% carbohydrates
Chicken 0%
Pork 0%
Turkey 0%
That’s right. Animal foods contain protein and fat, not to mention the cholesterol and chemicals, but no carbohydrates.
Knowing what you know now, what foods provide the most efficient sources of energy?
Plant foods or animal foods? That’s right. Plant foods.
Compare your body to a car. The protein, which makes up the structure of the cells, can be compared to the engine in a car. The carbohydrates can be compared to the gas you put into the engine.
Want to get your engine, or your body, running faster and more efficiently? Fill up with plant foods.
Plant foods give us all the nutrients we need to enhance and maintain our bodies and our health.
Plant foods are the keys to preventing diseases and promoting health and fitness and longevity.
If you don’t believe me, just ask the elephants.
Dr. Leslie Van Romer is a health motivational speaker, writer, and lifestyle coach. Visit http://www.DrLeslieVanRomer.com for more inspiration.
What Is Fibre?
Fibre is the part of the plant that we eat and cannot digest. But while it is still in our body it can do a great deal of good for us.
There Are Two Kinds of Fibre
Soluble Fibre
Insoluble Fibre
Soluble Fibre is the kind of fibre that dissolves in water. You can get soluble fibre from eating fruit. Especially good is when eating an apple, don’t peel it (wash it well) but in the skin is where the fibre is hiding.
Insoluble Fibre does not dissolve in water. It is found in most vegetables and grains.
What Foods Contain Fibre?
Soluble Fibre is found in:
Beans (they have both kinds of fibre)
Oatmeal and Oat Bran
Some Fruits, eg Apples, Mangoes, Plums, Kiwi, Pears, most of the berry fruits, Peaches, Citrus Fruits, Dried Fruit and some Vegetables such as Dried Peas, Beans and Lentils.
Insoluble Fibre is found in:
Whole Grains
Pasta
Bran
Brown Rice
Seeds
Beans
Vegetables eg Carrots and Celery
How Much Fibre Do We Need?
As Fibre is not considered a Nutrient (Like Vitamins, Minerals, Proteins, Fats) there is no Recommended Daily Average. But some Health Care Experts have said that we need 7.5 ozs or 20 - 35 grams per day.
If you are not used to having a High Fibre Diet, it would be better to start increasing your Daily Intake of Fibre gradually over several weeks. Otherwise, if you increase your Fibre Intake too quickly, you may suffer with stomach cramps and discomfort.
What Are The Advantages Of Having Fibre In Your Diet?
Eating a diet that contains a lot of Fibre has been shown to lower Blood Cholesterol Levels. So lower Cholesterol Levels can help prevent Heart Disease. It can also prevent Constipation and slow down the whole Digestive System. Fibre can also help us to eat less, so we lose weight.
Our bodies need Roughage to help with our Digestive Processes. The bulky substance cleans the Colon as it makes its way through our Digestive Tract.
Studies have shown that large amounts of Fibre in the Diet can help regulate Blood Glucose and Insulin
Some Ways To Get More Fibre
Have more Whole Grains. Wholemeal Bread, Cooked Brown Rice,
For Breakfast. Raisin Bran, Cooked Oatmeal.
Eat Beans several times a week.
Have several servings of Fruit every day.
The same with Vegetables. Have a variety of Vegetables every day.
If you increase your Fibre Intake, it can only be to the benefit of your Health and Well-being.
Copyright 2006 Eva Moffat
This article was written by Eva Moffat a disabled 66 year old woman, living in Manchester, England.
Feel free to use this article on your website, or in your E-Zine or Newsletter. But please leave this Resource Box intact.
For more health related articles like this one, you can see them on my website http://www.weight-loss-4-you.com or E-Mail me on
eva.moffat@onetel.net.
Ding dong merrily on high. Bells may be ringing in heaven but when it comes to Christmas time most of us experience some degree of stress. Why? Because there’s money to be saved, relatives to be accommodated and most importantly presents to be bought. It’d be great if we could cut out the shopping part and just pay for all the presents we have to buy but unfortunately there’s a level of thoughtfulness which needs to be put into each gift.
So usually you’d put on your hat and scarf and head out onto the cold highstreet and fight your way through the crowds to buy Christmas gifts for him or her. Luckily for us the internet provides a much nicer way of buying presents and that’s all thanks to websites that specialise in selling gadgets and gizmos, with little extras like Gift experiences, health and fitness and home decorations and appliances. Additionally there are personalised gifts too, so you can choose to have a relative’s name written onto a product before it’s delivered for that extra special touch.
The internet has revolutionized the way we can do our Christmas shopping. Ok so we don’t get to walk around in the cold and wet in a rush which can make us get in the Christmas spirit but it saves a lot of time, effort and we can also do it in secret without making excuses and having to hide shopping bags
From the beginning of time, or should I say from the times of Ancient Greece, the physical appearance of the body was considered to reflect the condition of the soul. A beautiful body, with the right proportions and well developed muscles was the reflection of the ideal human being. Are we far off from those “ancient” beliefs or is it the same today?
Gyms today are not only the privilege of men but also a place visited by old aged people. It seems that sport is not meant only for the purpose of looking good, but also for feeling good. A ten minute exercise at the morning or a half hour walk at the evening would make you feel better about yourself already. For the lazy ones, I know I am - there are solutions! Getting dressed to go outside can be stressful enough, not to mention the actual walk and sweat. Thoughts of jogging can tire you way before you actually stepped outside.
I am here to offer several solutions: first, you can just put your training outfit on (it can be anything you feel comfortable in) and rash through the door without ever thinking of the consequences - that way it would be too late to go back and you would have to wander around a bit. For those who find it impossible to disconnect even for a few minutes, get yourself a stepper!
Yes, a stepper is a great device which doesn’t take much place and is really easy to use. Once doing about an 80 steps, you can really feel that your legs had been working! Just pull in out from under the table, put on some music and step ahead! (Don’t forget to stretch your legs before you begin, that would prevent muscle pain).
Find the best nutrition sources and diet plans only on Vitamins nutrition supplements best web site. Find more nutrition info on Sports nutrition on TiGilet.
Good nutrition is the foundation of good health. To be able to choose good food products, and understand if your diet should be supported with supplements, you need to have knowledge of the Basics of Nutrition.
The foundation of a diet is built with four basic nutrient groups. These are carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and water. These are all needed in proper balance for your body to be able to function in its optimum level. A diet also has to provide proper level of vitamins, minerals and micro nutrients.
70 percent of the body is water. It is involved in every function of the body. An adequate amount is at least eight 8 ounce glasses every day. Tap water is generally obtained from surface water or from ground water. Most people assume they are getting clean, safe, and healthy drinking water from the kitchen tap. Often this is not the case. The greatest concerns about water quality focus on chlorine, pesticides and parasites. Chlorine has been added to the public water supply for a long time to kill disease causing bacteria. The levels of chlorine in drinking water today can be quite high. Some byproducts of chlorine are known to cause cancer. Also, pesticides are suspected of causing an increasing incidence of cancers, especially breast cancer. The reason for this, as some scientists believe, is that certain pesticides can mimic the action of the estrogen hormone in the body.
Today more than half of the cities in United States fluoridate their water supplies. In many states it is required. Fluoridation of the water supply has become standard because it is believed to help develop strong bones and teeth. So far there is no convincing scientific evidence to support this claim. It is known however, that chronic fluoride use results in numerous health problems including osteoporosis and osteomalacia, and that it also damages teeth leaving them mottled. The naturally occurring form of fluoride, calcium fluoride, is not toxic, but this form of fluoride is not used to fluoridate the water. The salts used to fluoridate the water supply, sodium fluoride and fluorosalicic acid, are industrial byproducts that are never found in nature. These are very toxic, and are also used in rat poison and insecticides. Concern of the safety and health effects of tap water has made many people turn to bottled water.
Carbohydrates are the main source of glucose in blood. Glucose is the major fuel for all cells and the only source for the brain and red blood cells. When there is more glucose in the body than it needs for fuel, part of the remaining portion can be stored in the liver for later use and in the body as fat. Carbohydrates are divided into two groups, simple and complex carbohydrates. Simple carbohydrates include all sugars, like fructose, sucrose (table sugar) and lactose found in dairy products, and several other sugars. Large amounts of simple carbohydrates found in fast food and refined food, can lead to a number of disorders, like hypoglycemia, and diabetes. Food high in refined simple sugars is usually also high in unhealthy fats, which should be limited in a healthy diet.
Complex carbohydrates are also made up of sugars, but the sugar molecules form longer and more complex chains. Fiber and starches belong in this group. Many vegetables, whole grains, beans, and peas are rich in complex carbohydrates. Most of the fiber is not digested. Fiber in food results in bulkier and softer stool, which will help to keep the colon clean and prevent constipation and hemorrhoids. It binds certain substances in the digestive track, which would otherwise result in the formation of cholesterol. This way it reduces blood cholesterol level and the risk of heart disease.
A high fiber diet also reduces the risk of colon cancer. The daily recommended amount of fiber is 25 grams.
Protein is essential for growth and development. It is needed for production of hormones, enzymes, antibodies, tissues and energy. There are two groups of dietary protein; complete and incomplete protein. Incomplete proteins are foods which contain some of the essential amino acids, but not all of them. When you combine two incomplete protein foods, you get a high quality complete protein meal. Amino acids are the Building blocks of protein. Amino acids are divided into two groups; essential and nonessential amino acids. Essential amino acids must be included in the diet, and nonessential amino acids can be built by the body from other amino acids.
It is not necessary to get the protein from meat. Because of the high fat content and antibiotics and other chemicals used in raising cattle and poultry, most meat should be eaten in moderation. Most Americans eat too much protein. The recommended amount is about 50 grams protein a day.
All soybean products are complete protein foods. The only animal-derived product that could be recommended for frequent use is yogurt, but not the ones that are sold in the supermarket and filled with sugar, artificial sweeteners and colorings, and other additives. Health stores sell unsweetened natural yogurt, or you can make it yourself and sweeten with natural juices, fruits and berries.
Fats are needed for normal brain and nerve tissue development. It is the most concentrated source of energy available for the body. For adults, excessive fat intake will lead to obesity and numerous other disorders, like heart disease, high blood pressure, and colon cancer. After about two years of age, the body requires only small amounts of fat, but during infancy and childhood fat is necessary for normal brain and nerve development.
It is clear by now that if your goal is to reduce or control a high cholesterol level, you need to avoid saturated fats and products with trans-fatty acids. This includes hardened vegetable oils (margarine and shortening) and most animal fats. Total calories from fats shouldn’t be more than 20 to 25 percent of daily calories.
Vitamins, minerals and micro nutrients are necessary for good health. The FDA (food and drug administration) has formulated recommended daily allowance (RDA) levels for vitamins. These recommendations are only enough to prevent the deficiency disease, but not enough for maintaining maximum health. Especially people who are suffering from chronic illnesses, under great stress, recovering from surgery, mentally or physically ill, use alcohol, are very active and exercise, will need higher amounts of nutrients.
Always consult your health care provider before following any recommendations, starting a new health program, or making changes to your diet or medication.
More information about nutrition, organic produce, diets, herbal remedies, body cleansing, and vitamins at Nutritionbases.com
The human body is composed of various organs and parts, which are made up of tissues and cells. These tissues and cells are composed of 16 chemical elements.
The balance or equilibrium of these chemical elements in the body is an essential factor in the
maintenance of health and healing of disease. The acid-alkaline balance plays a vital role in this
balanced body chemistry. All foods, after digestion and absorption leave either an acid or
alkaline ash in the body depending on their mineral composition. The normal body chemistry is
approximately 20 per cent acid and 80 per cent alkaline. This is the acid-alkaline balance.
In normal health, the reaction of the blood is alkaline and that is essential for our physical and
mental well-being. The preponderence of alkalis in the blood is due to the fact that the products
of the vital combustions taking place in the body are mostly acid in character. Carbohydrates
and fats form about nine-tenths of the normal fuel of the body. IN normal health, this great mass
of material is converted into carbon dioxide gas and water. Half of the remaining one-tenth fuel is
also converted into the same gas and water. This huge amount of acid is transported by the
blood to the various points of discharge, mainly the lungs. By virtue of alkalinity, the blood is able
to transport the acid from the tissues to the discharge points.
To learn more about the energy principle in healing, please read:
Cost-free Miracle Asthma Cure
Overcome Type I Diabetes and Type II Diabetes Naturally
Alternative Treatments for Incurable Diseases made easy
DVD recorders can be used with a digital television to tape your desired gardening programmes & videos in addition to see pre-recorded soaps. Great picture & sound quality, but the video recording facility makes them extremely more dearer than Digital Versatile Disc players and they can also be harder to use than Video Cassette Recorders (VCRs). The diversity of recordable models available presently is likely also add to the customers’ confusion.
Having the correct connections between your Digital Versatile Disc recorder and your TV & personal stereo can certainly make a large difference to the whole quality of the sound & image.
There are a number of DVD connections to consider: Catch Sound and Vision’s savings on Sony DVD Recorders!
S-video connection: This is the next greatest thing to component video & is an alternative for all DVD Players that do not include component output and TVs that don’t boast component input. You may well require another separate cable nonetheless the picture difference should ought to be undeniably worthwhile.
SCART leads: An ordinary sort of connection used in the UK is the SCART lead. This permits both audio & image signals. SCART connections are traditionally seen on DVD players & more up to date tellies. Gold coated SCART leads give an enhanced connection. A SCART connection will definitely give you a significantly superior picture than S-Video will & is close to component benchmark. SCART cables aren’t as a rule integrated with players. Be expected to shell out around £25.
Audio connectors: DVD recorders, chiefly the more costly items, are traditionally likely to have lots of sound outputs. Outputs could include phono, digital coaxial and digital optical. If you are connecting to a different hi-fi player this could possibly be a very much valuable characteristic to have.
Progressive scan is the up-to-the-minute phrase in the Digital Versatile Disc recorder market and even as substantially more high-priced recorders include it, it can not actually be used except if you have a digital television. With it your picture can be refreshed 60 times every second which helps for a better roughly flicker less image and is superior to anything given by the alternative interlaced scanning devices.
