April 2004 
|
|
|
April 2004 |
|
| new hampshire web design, by ninth vector | |
|
||||||||
 |
Ephedra Alternatives Now that the ban on Ephedra is official, manufacturers and consumers alike are searching for an effective alternative. Ephedra, or Ma Huang, has been used by the Chinese for thousands of years to treat bronchial asthma, colds and flu, and edema. Ephedrine, an isolated extraction of Ephedra, is capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier, rapidly entering nerve tissue. It increases the activity of the brain centers, acting similarly to adrenaline. This dilates the bronchial tubes, elevates blood pressure, and increases heart rate. Ephedrine also suppresses the appetite and increases the metabolic rate. Through a process called thermogenesis, food is burned for heat, which helps reduce the amount the body converts to fat. Hence, the use of ephedra as a weight loss supplement. However, ephedrine mixed with caffeine and other stimulants causes negative side effects such as elevated blood pressure, dizziness, insomnia, heart palpitations, and nervousness, etc. But most of these negative side effects are believed to be caused by the individual chemicals extracted from the ephedra herb, such as ephedrine. The whole herb ephedra contains other substances that counteract these reactions, by actually slowing the heart rate and lowering blood pressure. So what are the options now that ephedra is no longer available? Most manufacturers are using bitter orange extract (citrus aurantium), green tea extract, and guarana – all natural ingredients known to be either thermogenesis inducing or stimulant plants. Bitter orange is the whole, unripe fruit of the mandarin orange. Like ephedra, the Chinese have used the herb for thousands of years. It contains synephrine, which has decongestant effects on the respiratory system and may also help with blood pressure, digestion, constipation, gastritis, and abdominal distention. The Chinese used the herb to improve circulation and liver function, stimulate gastrointestinal functions, and treat indigestion. Bitter orange is used in weight loss supplements due to its ability to bind to B-3 receptors, a subgroup of B cell receptors. This binding causes an increase in the rate at which fat is released from body stores for energy production, and increases the resting metabolic rate. It is important to note that bitter orange, like grapefruit, interacts with prescription and over-the counter drugs. Specifically, bitter orange inhibits the body's ability to metabolize Plendil, a blood pressure drug; and it may interfere with Lipitor and cough medicines containing Dextromehthorphan . As with any vitamin and supplement, you should always consult a physician before use. Green tea, both a stimulant and antioxidant, increases energy, making it useful as part of a weight-loss program. Caffeine is known as a mild appetite suppressant. Guarana, another herbal stimulant, contains two to three times as much caffeine as coffee, making it another useful supplement for part of a weight-loss program. Most companies that offered weight-loss and energy supplements containing ephedra are now offering ephedra-free versions of the original product. Chances are your favorite product is still on the market, with an adjustment to the ingredients. Check out some of our ephedra free alternatives below! Resources: |
 |
 |
 |
.........................................................................................................................................................
 |
   |
   |
|
Gout, The Disease of Kings "The Disease of Kings" - Such an impressive name for such a painful form of arthritis. Gout is caused by uric acid build-up in the body. The symptoms usually begin as painful attacks at night, centered in the big toe. Swelling and pain can increase for 12 hours or more and usually subside within three days to a week. Foods rich in purines, such as fatty red meats and seafood, along with peas, beans, mushrooms, and cauliflower, are broken down into, among many other things, a chemical called uric acid. Typically uric acid is passed through the body and out through the urine. However, excessive amounts of purines cause excessive amounts of uric acid, which the body must work overtime to expel. If you are consuming too many foods high in purines, such as hamburgers, steaks, seafood, etc, the body may be unable to keep up and the uric acid builds up and crystallizes, causing inflammation in the joints. The most common treatment, according to Health Plus, is high doses of Non Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) along with injections of corticosteroid drugs into the affected joint. But the best preventative measure is a healthy diet with moderate amounts of purines. Gout was referred to as the “disease of kings” because most sufferers were wealthy members of the community, such as kings, aristocracy, nobles, etc. This class typically had the money and the leisure to eat a diet rich in meats and alcohol. The combination of large amounts of meat and alcohol with little physical activity created gout, obesity, diabetes, and so on. The diets of the kings were quite similar to the American diet and so too are the afflictions. The leading killers in the United States are Heart Disease, Cancer, and Stroke. The actual causes of death are defined as lifestyle and behavioral, such as smoking and physical inactivity, according to the Center for Disease Prevention (CDC). In 2000, the most common actual causes of death in the United States were: Lifestyle and behavior seem unlikely causes of death, yet the statistics listed above spell it out - we must change. The good news is that these two factors are completely changeable. We have complete control over our style of living and our attitude. Once you have chosen a healthy lifestyle, complete with all the right foods and topped off with moderate excercise, you will be living a life fit for a knowledgeable, health conscious king. Resources: |
 |
 |
 |
|
In Defense of the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act In his Time article, The Skeptical Eye, Leon Jaroff speaks out against the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA), claiming that the act “severely” limits the FDA's ability to regulate vitamins, minerals, amino acids, herbs and other botanicals. Jaroff states that the, “DSHEA…gives the industry virtually free reign to market products defined as ‘dietary supplements'…” Yet the DSHEA, signed by President Clinton in 1994, was created to meet the concerns of consumers and manufacturers to help ensure that safe and appropriately labeled products remain available to those who want to use them. The DSHEA "acknowledges that millions of consumers believe dietary supplements may help to augment daily diets and provide health benefits." The FDA does regulate dietary supplements. It is true that the guidelines are not as strict as prescription drugs and medications, and perhaps they should be, but that isn't the fault of the consumer who relies on the natural products for improved wellbeing. We have received numerous complaints from our Ephedra users, who were dismayed that the only natural product to bring asthma relief to them has been banned. However, the FDA has determined that ephedra presents an unreasonable risk of illness or injury and have therefore banned the product. The FDA's primary responsibility is for claims on product labeling, including packaging, inserts, and other promotional materials. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has primary responsibility for claims in advertising, including print and broadcast ads, infomercials, catalogs, and similar direct marketing materials. The two agencies work closely together to ensure that their enforcement efforts are consistent. Unlike prescription and over-the-counter drugs, the FDA does not have to approve supplements before they go on the shelf, but they do regulate what the manufacturer claims about the product. The FDA and the FTC require “strong scientific support and careful presentation…” for supplement claims. The FTC requires that claims about the efficacy or safety of dietary supplements must be supported with competent and reliable evidence. So it isn't necessarily the FDA and the DSHEA that are to blame for any harms believed to be caused by dietary supplements. The responsibility lies in the hands of the manufacturers, advertisers, and the consumers to ensure that the labeling is truthful and that the recommended dosage is being followed correctly. The FTC clearly states that advertising must be truthful and not misleading, and before publicizing an ad, advertisers must have adequate evidence for all objective product claims. Yet advertisers continue to twist the words and perhaps, exaggerate the benefits of their products, all to lure the unsuspecting consumer to believe and buy. (Lose 10 lbs in 10 days without changing your diet or lifting a finger.) Therefore, the final decision falls upon the consumer. To buy or not to buy? That is the question. So some rules of thumb for the dietary supplement consumer are: 1. If it sounds too good to be true – it probably is. 2. When in doubt, do a little research. The web is an amazingly simple, yet resourceful tool, for compiling information on every subject imaginable. Dietary supplements offer a healthier, more cost efficient alternative to expensive prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications. But it is important to know not only the benefits but the contraindications as well. Natural products can react with other medications and, as with any drug, it is best to discuss usage with your physician. Jaroff, among many others, is outraged that due to the FDA Ephedra ban, manufacturers are replacing the Ephedra in their diet and energy boosting products with different herbs traditionally used for weight loss and energy enhancement. But isn't that a method we all use in our everyday adaptations? Lactose intolerant people, upon finding out that certain foods no longer work with them, switch from butter and milk to soy spread and soy milk. If you typically use a certain brand of motor oil in your vehicle, but that brand isn't in stock the day you need it, you purchase the next best substitute. If Jaroff assumed that the FDA's ban of Ephedra would simply bring an end to energy enhancing supplements and weight loss pills, then he is sorely mistaken. When something consumers have grown accustomed to or enjoy using becomes unavailable, we substitute. This is America , there is always a bigger, better, newer product on the next shelf over. Resources: |
 |
 |
 |
 |
