Saturday, November 19, 2016

Things are changed up now!

Overhaul is now complete!

My previous posts are now cleaned up where I want them.  Your favorite posts may have changed or disappeared to decrease the sales pitch.

If you are interested in the supplements that I take, which are all natural with a money back guarantee please email me- lemastersb@gmail.com.

My future posts will be on life, recipes and my continued health and weight loss journey!

Blessings!

Wednesday, November 2, 2016

Blog overhaul!

Hi everyone!
It's been a long time since I've done a new blog, but now it's for a new overhaul of the whole blog!

I know I have posted a lot on the ingredients on my favorite supplements and listed the supplements here!  Well....Things will be changing.

I am going to focus on the health benefits on different ingredients and why they might be beneficial to you without linking them to specific products to be compliant with the company and to protect this company I LOVE!

So, over the next several days/weeks you will see some of your favorite posts disappearing and new ones appearing.  I'm sorry that there won't be a quick link to what's in individual products, but it's a must.

However, please email me or give me your email to know what products do have these awesome ingredients so you can get happy and healthy!

lemastersb@gmail.com

Sunday, June 19, 2016

Energy Helpers

We have an energy crisis the United States!  We have no energy!  This is why energy drinks are some of the most bough products out there- so now we have a natural option!   Here are some ingredients you can look for in supplements that are safe for long lasting energy!


Theacrine:  Per WebMD's supplement website- this is a naturally occurring chemical that is similar to caffeine and is found in different coffees, teas or plants.  People have used this supplement to help with common colds, tiredness and mental performance.  It can be commonly found in pre-workout supplements. One difference between this chemical and caffeine is that it doesn't seem to affect blood pressure.  There are little to no studies on this supplement, so there are no known interactions but it hasn't been proven to be effective scientifically.   
L-Theanine- Also from the WebMD supplement source, this is an amino acid that is commonly found in green tea and works in the brain.  Some people use this for treatment of anxiety, blood pressure, and prevention of memory problems. There are few studies on this chemical, but it has been shown safe for most people for at least 3 weeks daily.  There are no known side effects, but it may interact with blood pressure medications and stimulant medications (it will decrease blood pressure and slow down the nervous system- so you'd watch for low blood pressures and stimulant might not work because it would counter act the action.)
Natural Caffeine (Coffea robusta)-  As you can guess, this is a type of coffee bean.  According to Wikipedia, about 30% of the world's coffee is produced from this type of coffee bean plant.  (Fun fact, the other main type of coffee is the Arabica bean).  It's considered more bitter and harsh, but is the traditional bean in Italian espresso.  People sensitive to caffeine should tread lightly, as it's the same as a cup of coffee. 



So that's it!  3 ingredients bound together to try to bring you clean, healthy energy throughout the day!



Sunday, April 24, 2016

Cream to help with discomfort

My favorite supplement company includes a cream to help with discomfort.  So what's in this cream?  I've done some research to see what topical substances might just help with some discomforts from life!

I have a huge list of items from my cream, so I'll try to make these all short and sweet. Unless otherwise listed I got the information from WebMD supplement pages.
  • Water- I'm going with you are educated enough to know this ingredient if you can read. 
  • Alcohol (SDA 40)- this is a denatured alcohol that is used for many cosmetics, cleaning products, pharmaceuticals and solvents.  Basically it's a chemical that helps make a lotion and lotion.  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Specially_denatured_alcohol
  • Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel)- This is from a small tree found in the eastern US.   This has been historically used to treat swelling, inflammation, and tumors.  It may help for itching, skin injury, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, bruises, insect bites, and minor burns.  There are even some medicated creams- both prescription and non prescription that have this ingredient.  It is considered safe and no known interactions. (all per WebMD)
  • Menthol- This is typically used to treat conditions such as arthritis, bursitis, tendonitis, muscle strains or sprains, backache, bruising, or cramps.  It works by temporarily relieving pain. People should not use if allergic to menthol.  http://www.drugs.com/cdi/menthol-cream.html
  • ETArol-This is the same ingredient in the ease capsules.  See that post for info.
  • Citrus Grandis (grapefruit) fruit extract-  Oral grapefruit can be used for cholesterol, cancer, psoriasis and weight loss, but this extract is commonly applied to the skin for muscle fatigue, toning skin or acne.  It can be a cleaner on the skin or treatment for minor irritations.  There aren't any major studies on if it is effective in many skin conditions, but it may be helpful for people with eczema. It is typically safe for people, but orally it reacts with many medications.  In a cream it shouldn't interact.  (Web MD)
  • Camellia Sinensis (green tea) leaf extract- This one was a little harder to find info- when you google search you get a lot of blogs/nonprofessional websites first.  This particular species is from china area. The leaves have traditionally been used  for asthma, chest pain, and artery disease.  It's thought to reduce inflammation.  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camellia_sinensis
  • Cucumis Sativus (cucumber) fruit extract- Similar to green tea, difficult to research, but I actually found a study on this and about acne and moisture!  file:///C:/Users/Family/Downloads/92859-236624-1-PB.pdf   It does recommend further research to see if it helps other skin conditions, but they saw a decrease in acne and helping with moisture in the skin. 
  • Citrus Auranium Dulcis (orange) flower extract- AKA bitter orange.  It has been taken by mouth and put on the skin.  It may be helpful for fungal skin infections in addition to swelling, nerve pain, headaches, muscle and joint pain, bruising and swelling of the veins.  It also has a lot of oral uses. It is likely safe as a topical ointment, but not always safe when taken by mouth.  It does interact with several medications by mouth also.  (WebMD)
  • Anthemis Nobilis Flower extract-  AKA Roman Chamomile- used internally for digestive problems and on the skin for pain and swelling, as a germ killer, and irritation of the skin.  It should be safe for most people and no known interactions.  (WebMD)
  • Macrocystis Pyrifera Extract- this is made from Kelp known as Giant Kelp and is rich in many minerals and vitamins.  There are no specific resources for this on how it works on skin- there are many blogs and such about it's benefit but no health links.  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macrocystis_pyrifera
  • Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) extract- This is used orally and topically.  It's used on the skin for hair loss and pain, to repel bugs, and help with circulation.  It's used for aromatherapy also and as a fragrance in many lotions. There are studies that show it may be helpful in alopecia.  It is probably safe for anyone, but does interact with a few medications when taken orally. (WebMD)
  • Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) leaf juice- Once again used topically and orally for many different problems.  It's used on the skin for acne, inflammation, bedsores, dandruff, wound healing, arthritis, and so much more- it's a whole paragraph on WebMD. It has been studied extensively on the skin and is effective for many problems.  It's very safe on the skin, but may be unsafe or interact with certain medications by mouth.  (WebMD)
  • Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet almond oil)- This is often used to soften skin or help with chapped skin.  It is likely safe for everyone and no known interactions. (WebMD)
  • Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)- This is a chemical found in many plants and animals, or can be made in a lab.  It's used for chronic pain, arthritis, joint inflammation, hair loss, stretch marks, wrinkles, and so much more.  Some skin things that have been studied include hemorrhoids, osteoarthritis, and rosacea.  It is probably safe and doesn't have any known interactions. (WebMD)
  • Glucosamine sulfate- This is a chemical that normally occurs in our bodies and is in the fluid around our joints.  It's taken by mouth for many problems, but mostly on the skin for arthritis. It has been studied and shown effective for helping with arthritis.  It is likely safe and no known interactions on the skin. (WebMD)
  • Condroitin Sulfate-This is naturally found in cartilage around the joints in the body and used for arthritis.  Sometimes by mouth or on skin and typically with Glucosamine. It's been found to be effective for arthritis, and is considered likely safe with no interactions on the skin.  https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/744.html
  • Sodium Hyaluronate-  This supplement is used for aches and pains.  There is an oral version that is prescription that is used for treating knee pain in those with arthritis.  It works by increasing the fluid in the knee joint for lubrication. It should not be used for those with infections in the joint, so similar precautions would be wise for people using the cream. http://www.drugs.com/cdi/hyaluronate-sodium.html
  • Capsicum Frutescens Extract- Like many other things, it's used on the skin or orally.  The capsaicin seems to reduce pain when applied to skin and is used for many conditions that cause discomfort. This ingredient has been studied and shown likely effective for headaches, prurigo nodularis, fibromyalgia pain, back pain, and many kinds of arthritis. It is likely safe for most people, but does have some medication interactions if taken orally.  (WebMD).
  • Saccharide Isomerate- I won't go into this- it a polymer for the lotion
  • Tocopheryl acetate (vitamin E)-A typical vitamin E in lotions and creams. 
  • Retinyl Palmitate (vitamin A)- an ester for lotion
  • Peppermint (Mentha Piperita) oil- This is commonly used a scent or flavoring with known health benefits. (WebMD)
  • Polysorbate 80- Common emulsifier for cosmetics and lotions
  • Titanium Dioxide-According to WebMD this is a type of sunscreen.  I WOULD NOT use this as a sun protector- it's the only ingredient that may act so and is not made for this purpose. 
  • Carbomer-I found nothing on this.  
  • Potassium Sorbate-preservative in many cosmetics
  • Phenoxyethanol and ethelyhexlglycerine- Lotion components
  • Tromethamine-Lotion component.
Oh My!  There is a lot more chemical names in this than other supplements- but a lot of it has to do with the chemistry behind making a cream/lotion.  

The neat thing about this cream is it has almost every ingredient I've ever heard of to apply topically to help get relief from discomforts of many issues.  I've had friends and family feel better with topical creams and not have to worry about their kidneys and liver.    Have I interested you?  Email me at lemastersb@gmail.com to get more information on where you can get some awesome supplements!

Friday, April 15, 2016

Supplement for discomforts

My favorite line of supplements has a supplement designed to help with aches in life- here are some of the great ingredients in the blend and that you can look for to help with aches and pains.  




  • New Zealand green lipped mussel powder- this shellfish may have chemicals that may help decrease inflammation.  It's been known to be used for several kinds of arthritis and asthma.  It's probably safe for most people, most common side effect is upset stomach and has no known interactions with medication.  
    • Resource is http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-830-new%20zealand%20green-lipped%20mussel.aspx?activeingredientid=830&activeingredientname=new%20zealand%20green-lipped%20mussel
  • Bromelian-this is an enzyme found in pineapple juice and pineapple stem and has been used for swelling.  It's been used for hay fever, colitis, preventing swelling in the lungs, relaxing muscles, lowing clotting, improving the absorption of antibiotics, preventing cancer and helping the body rid of fat.  This is probably safe for most people, but shouldn't be taken before surgery due to stopping blood clotting.  This can interact with blood thinning medication and many antibiotics- so if you are on these medications you shouldn't take this ingredient.  
    • Resource: http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-895-bromelain.aspx?activeingredientid=895&activeingredientname=bromelain
  • Serrapeptase-this is a chemical from a silkworm and used in prescription medication in Japan and Europe.  It is a supplement in the US and is used for painful conditions such as arthritis, back pain, fibromyalgia, carpel tunnel, migraines, and other headaches.  It can also help with pain from other swelling and inflammation like sinus infections, sore throat, ear aches, blood clots, and inflammatory bowel disease.  There are other other possible uses including helping with atherosclerosis, lumpy breasts, diabetes, ulcers, and asthma.  It works in the body by breaking down proteins.  It has been shown in studies to be safe short term, but not studied long term.  Once again this supplement may interact with blood clotting and shouldn't be taken with blood thinners.  
    • Resource: http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-1115-serrapeptase.aspx?activeingredientid=1115
  • Tumeric (rhizome) extract- This is a spice that comes from the tumeric plant and commonly used in Asian foods.  It has been used to help with many inflammatory conditions including, but not limited to: arthritis, heartburn, joint pains, bloating, liver problems, stomach ulcers, IBS, cholesterol, skin problems, headaches, bronchitis, fibromyalgia, and more.  It's likely safe for at least 8 months, and people with the following problems should take with caution: gallbladder problems, bleeding problems, diabetes, GERD, hormone sensitive cancers, infertility, iron deficiency or surgery.  
You can see how these blend of ingredients may be able to help with the aches and discomfort that many have in life. 

Sunday, April 3, 2016

Nerve problems

People with nerve problems are usually deficient in many vitamins and can be helped by certain ingredients.
This includes niacin, B6, Folic Acid, Vitamin B12, and Biotin- which we have covered.
Here's some information on other ingredients that can help.
Thiamin- A B vitamin that helps change carbohydrates into energy, but is also involved in nerve contraction and conduction of nerve signals.  It is found in fortified food products, beef liver, pork and milk. A lack of this vitamin can cause weakness, tiredness, and nerve damage.  More info here: https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002401.htm
Riboflavin- This is another B vitamin which isn't stored in the body and needs replaced daily.  It's important for body growth and red blood cells to develop.  Foods with riboflavin include dairy, eggs, green leafy veggies, and meats.  If you are low in this vitamin, you may end up with low blood levels, mouth sores, skin problems, sore throat, or growth failure.  Read more here: https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002411.htm
Magnesium glycinate chelate- This type of magnesium is to supplement mineral deficiency in the body.  Magnesium is important for normal function of cells, nerves, muscles, bones, and the heart.  Most common side effect is stomach upset and taking with meals will help it.  Magnesium can make some medications not as effective- separate when you take this supplement from other medications or supplements.  Read more info here: http://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-152090/magnesium-glycinate-oral/details#uses
Zinc (Zinc amino acid chelate)- This is used to treat zinc deficiency, stomach problems and brain damage. There's little information on the amino acid chelate.  However, zinc in general is an essential mineral for life and is present in some foods or as a supplement.  It does many things in the body including immune function, protein building, wound healing, and normal growth and development. Deficiency causes growth retardation, loss of appetite, and impaired immune system function.    Read more here: http://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-151988/zinc-amino-acid-chelate-oral/details and here https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Zinc-HealthProfessional/
Copper (copper citrate)- Copper is another essential mineral that helps our body make red blood cells.  It also works on the blood vessels, nerves, immune system, and keep bones healthy.  It is in certain shellfish, nuts, beans and organ meats.  If you lack copper you can get osteoporosis or anemia.   This shouldn't be taken in large amounts because it can be poisonous.  Read more here: https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002419.htm

Acetyl L-Carnitine- this is an amino acid that helps the body produce energy.  It's used for many mental disorders, nerve problems or circulation problems.  People with thyroid problems and seizures should be very cautious using this supplement.  Read more here: http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-834-acetyl-l-carnitine.aspx?activeingredientid=834&activeingredientname=acetyl-l-carnitine
Alpha Lipoic Acid- We've talked about this awesome supplement before- it's great for everything inflammation!
Horse Chestnut Extract- This is from a plant that's seeds, bark, flowers and leaves have been used for medication making.  The seed and leaf have been used to treat varicose veins, hemorrhoids and swollen veins.  The extract has been used for blood circulation problems.This can thin the blood, so people on blood thinners need to be cautious- as do people with liver and kidney problems.  Read more here: http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-1055-horse%20chestnut.aspx?activeingredientid=1055&activeingredientname=horse%20chestnut
Butchers broom (root)-This root from a plant is used for treatment for hemorrhoids, gallstones, atherosclerosis, and symptoms of poor circulation.  It is likely safe for most people, but can cause stomach upset in some.  Read more here: http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-320-butcher's%20broom.aspx?activeingredientid=320&activeingredientname=butcher%27s%20broom
Quercetin-This is a plant pigment found in many plants and foods.  It's used to treat things like heart problems, cholesterol, circulation problems,and symptoms of many other problems.  It is usually safe for most people, but shouldn't be done in large doses every day.  Read more here: http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-294-quercetin.aspx?activeingredientid=294&activeingredientname=quercetin
As you can see, these individual ingredients have the potential to help several underlying problems that cause pain and discomfort.  


Sunday, March 20, 2016

Carb Blockers



There are some supplements that may help block carbs when taken with a meal.
  • White Kidney Bean 10:1 Extract-   This is currently popular in the weight loss department, for it's potential ability to block carbohydrate absorption.  While I could find limited scientific data on this extract, according to Livestrong.com there was a study in 2010 that showed people that took this supplement before meals had a reduction in weight and waist circumference.  There is no current recommended dosage and this benefit hasn't been verified by more study.  It is discussed if you want to lose fat weight instead of muscle weight, it needs to be done with exercise.  The reason this extract may work is because it has a chemical that stops certain carbohydrates from breaking down, therefore you can't absorb them.  It won't work for simple sugars that can go straight into the blood stream.   If you already follow a low carb diet, you are unlikely to get any weight loss benefit from this supplement.   You could potentially get the same benefit by eating a lot of beans daily.   Find more here: http://www.livestrong.com/article/489309-is-white-kidney-bean-extract-good-for-weight-loss/
  • InSea2 (copyright) Brown Seaweed Blend (Ascophyllum nodosum, Fucus vesiculosus)- this blend is made by a company called innoVactiv.  It is designed to work against 2 digestive enzymes that help digest and absorb carbohydrates (specifically amylase and sucrase).  It is made from 2 different kinds of sea weed and their website says they have studied their product and submitted for publication in medical journals (here's their website-www.innovactiv.com/en/insea2.htm)    When I searched the individual seaweed portions I found a little more information.   The Ascophyllum is a common brown algea found in the Atlantic Ocean.  It has several purposes including fertilizer, food products for human and animals, and packaging material.  It has a lot of vitamins and nutrients.  Find more information here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ascophyllum.  The Fucus Vensiculous, AKA Bladder wreck, is a highly used medical supplement.  It hasn't been studied enough to show exactly how effective it is, but has been used for thyroid disorders, obesity, arthritis, joint pain, digestive disorders, heart burn, lung problems, UTI and anxiety.  It is rated as possibly safe but should be taken carefully, especially if you have problems with thyroid due to iodine concentration- there is an increased risk of thyroid cancer and goiter.   More info here- https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/726.html

In overview- these ingredients may be a helpful supplement for many people.  However, there are some people who should NEVER take this- if you have an allergy to iodine, blood thinning problems, or certain medications.  People with thyroid problems should only take these supplements under a medical professional's care.  This isn't for everyone, but may help many on their goal to weight loss and healthy living.

Sunday, March 13, 2016

Help with metabolism, thermogenic

Thermogenic supplements help burn extra fat along with a healthy diet and exercise.  Here are some ingredients found in common thermogenics and why they may help.

Calcium Glycinate- Good form of calcium- have covered before
Vitamin B6- covered before
Niacin- same as B6
Chromium Picolinate-  I have a whole post on this awesome supplement!
Vitamin B12- great for energy and we've discussed before
Folic Acid- a vitamin almost everyone is deficient in- prevents anemia
Caralluma Fimbriata Extract- This is a plant from India.  Traditionally tribes in the area of the world that this plant grows use this plant by chewing on it to keep from being hungry during long hunts.  It also is used to increase endurance.  In studies, it may decrease waistline, feelings of hunger and help decrease calorie intake.  It's know to be safe for up to 60 days.  Some side effects are mostly stomach upset.  Find more here: http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-1160-caralluma.aspx?activeingredientid=1160&
Citrus Reticulata/Nelumbo Nucifera blend-  Citrus Reticulata is the same as Clementines, while Nelumbo Nucifera is a Lotus plant. This blend is designed as a stimulant ingredient, but there is no specific scientific studies I could find on these particular ingredients.  
Yerba Mate Extract- covered before- so check out that post. 
Green Tea Extract- once again, covered before- this is a source of caffeine in this product.
NuFLOW- this isn't an ingredient as much as a binder that doesn't affect the ingredients. 

Any product should be checked with your doctor/medical provider to see if it's safe for you.  

Saturday, February 27, 2016

Vitamins to help with weight loss








There are some supplements/vitamins that can help with weight loss by promoting fat burning. This post has a few of these ingredients that may help!


We've already discussed the health benefits of Chromium- which I can't sing it's praises enough- check out that post because it can help!

Some of these other ingredients we'll skim over- Calcium Glycinate (one of the best absorbed forms of calcium and important in preventing osteoporosis), Vitamin B12 (important for energy), Folic Acid (this one is pretty important, but I'm still going to skim.  It's a B Vitamin and used to help prevent anemia and absorption problems- it's added to many foods due to deficiency.  Read more here: http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-1017-folic%20acid.aspx?activeingredientid=1017& )

Other than the Chromium, the two other big stars of this show is the Vitamin B6 and Niacin.  

Vitamin B6 is a water soluble vitamin (meaning if you get too much you're likely to dispose of no problem- hint- pee it out).  It's needed to make important chemicals in your brain including serotonin and norepinephrine.  It's common for people to be deficient in this vitamin, but it is available in healthy foods including veggies, beans and other proteins.  Deficiencies in this Vitamin can lead to problems with nerves, circulation, mood and skin.  Many people that have other underlying problems (like thyroid, kidney or liver disease) have a hard time getting enough of this vitamin.  It has been shown in scientific studies to reduce the risk for heart disease and anemia.  It can also help with feel good brain chemicals which will help with appetite and energy.   Read more on Vitamin B6 here: http://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/vitamin-b6/background/hrb-20058788

Niacin is yet another B Vitamin (B3 to be exact).  Niacin in high doses is a medication actually given to people to help with blood pressure and cholesterol.  As a cholesterol pill- it raises good cholesterol (HDL) and lowers triglycerides and has a modest effect on lowering bad cholesterol (LDL).  There are small studies that show it may help other problems as well including heart disease, type 1 diabetes, Alzheimer and more- they are still doing research on these before making recommendations.  

Yerba made (leaf) Extract- This plant's leaves have been used in holistic medication for years as a stimulant (has caffeine) and mood stabilizer.  Just like the overall product- people with heart conditions should not take this unless under careful watch by a medical professional.  It's also been used to help with joint pains, as a laxative, and for bladder infection/kidney stones.  In Central America it's made commonly into teas to treat a variety of problems.  As discussed- this is NOT a good thing for everyone and should be used limited time frames.  Get more info here: http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-828-yerba%20mate.aspx?activeingredientid=828&activeingredientname=yerba%20mate
Higenamine hydrochloride- this is another natural stimulant.  It speeds up the heart rate and is used in many pre-work out supplements.  It does have limited studies and the WebMD source suggests caution in taking this supplement. http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-1265-higenamine.aspx?activeingredientid=1265&activeingredientname=higenamine
Hordenine hydrochloride- Yet another stimulant- raises metabolism.  Similar to the above stimulants- care must be taken and there isn't many studies out.  I couldn't find this one on my normal resources for supplements- but according to Wikipedia (which isn't the best source) there have been studies, but very few- most good studies were on animals, not humans).  One thing to definitely know about this is very rarely this supplement will show up as an opiate on drug testing- so if you have a job where you can get drug tested advised them you are taking this supplement!  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hordenine
Hawthorn (berry) extract- Back to another supplement with research!  yay- it does make you stop and think if it's right for you with those two ingredients above with less info.  However, Hawthorn is used for many problems including heart problems, cholesterol, digestive problems, anxiety problems and many more!  It's safe for almost everyone, but can interact with heart medications and should be checked with your healthcare provider if you take any heart medication. http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-527-hawthorn.aspx?activeingredientid=527&activeingredientname=hawthorn
5- HTP (from griffonia seed extract)- This supplement is used for depression, sleep disorders, anxiety, migraines, binge eating, PMS, ADHD and many other problems.  This works in the brain and increases serotonin.  It's typically safe, but if you take seizure or certain depression medications it may interact.  http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-794-5-htp.aspx?activeingredientid=794&activeingredientname=5-htp
Green Leaf Tea extract- Green leaf tea is found in almost every weight loss supplement.  It's generally safe but when used in very high doses can be bad on the liver. It's also a stimulant with natural caffeine and may interact with some medications.  More info here: http://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-76714/green-tea-leaf-extract-oral/details#uses



Overall- these ingredients are NOT for everyone.  I DO NOT WANT EVERYONE TO GO BUY IT!  It can cause problems and needs to be taken carefully.  For people without any known medical problems and not taking other medications it is very likely safe, but should be taken for short amounts of time.  Everyone else should weight the risks vs. benefits and may need to discuss with medical professional if it's safe for you. 

 

Saturday, February 13, 2016

Omega supplements


Omega-3 supplements are something I recommend often in my office and I have been taking some variety of for years.  Why?  Because the chemicals have been shown to lower cholesterol (which runs in my family) and good for heart health (which I have a heart problem).  
What are some ingredients I like to look for in Omega supplements?

1-AHIFLOWER oil. 



Let's take a step back and talk about Omega-3 in general- these can be fish oil, krill oils or Omega-3 plant based supplements.  There are differences between each, but overall when you take the recommended supplement it's the health equivalent of eating a piece of salmon several times a week.  The problem with some fish oils is that they have the "fishy burp", sometimes taste bad, and can contain Mercury based on the fish the oil is from.   The krill oil is generally lower in mercury and taste is better tolerated than fish oil, but typically is more expensive.   Plant based Omega-3 supplements are almost always better tolerated per taste and stomach, but some of the plant bases have soy in them which can raise natural estrogen levels and may lead to weight gain, particularly in women.  

So how does Ahiflower compare to other plant based Omega-3 supplements?  
First all, googling this flower is difficult because there are a LOT of paid advertisement type sites and not all legit scientific evidence.  However, when I looked for the scientific name I hit some scientific information.  Scientists have been studying this plant with hopes that it will show in testing to prove more effective than fish oil (which has a limited supply) and more potent- studies so far and showing such.  This plant has actually been considered a weed that pops up with certain crops, so it's easily grown and is sustainable.
As I said, research is limited, but growing on this exciting source of Omega-3.  While science does show it has high levels of what humans need to convert to fatty acids, there are yet to be large studies that show how effective it may be compared to fish/krill/other plant omega-3.

So I keep saying Omega-3- but you actually want to look for Omega fatty acids including 3,6,9,5 and 7.  Omega 3 and 6 are considered essential fats meaning we need them to live and function but our bodies do not produce any- we have to get them from the food we eat.  We have to have them for brain development and function.  There is also growing evidence that deficiencies may be linked to Alzheimer's and memory problems, diabetes and heart disease.   Omega-3 are mostly in fish and Omega-6 are mostly in plants, nuts and seeds.  I found this good link that compares and discusses Omega 3, 6 and 9- http://www.uccs.edu/Documents/healthcircle/pnc/health-topics/Omega-3_6_and_9_Fats.pdf
The Omega 5, 7 and 9 are considered non-essential acids- meaning your body can produce them- you don't have to get them from other sources.  There isn't as much scientific evidence for these fats, but if you jump on the Dr. Oz train there is some evidence that Omega-7 in particular can have inflammatory effects on the body.   More and more supplements for Omega-3 are containing these extra oils on the label because there is starting to be evidence of it's benefit AND usually it's in the product anyways- the same plants have many of these Omegas all together. 

Medical uses once again can range from heart disease, cholesterol, diabetes, memory problems and nerve problems.  
There is actually ONE Omega-3 that can be prescription (meaning FDA approved, need the doctors prescription and super expensive without proper insurance coverage- at least $100 per month)  that is used for high triglycerides.  This doesn't have any of the Omega-6 which may be missing out on valuable health benefits, but the product makers have to abide by strict guidelines and research as it's prescription.   
Links for where I got my research information: http://www.niab.com/pages/id/171/Buglossoides_arvensis,
 http://www.webmd.com/diet/healthy-kitchen-11/omega-fatty-acids

Saturday, February 6, 2016

Decreasing Gut Inflammation

What kind of ingredients can you take to help with gut inflammation?  Here we go! 



1- Vitamin C- This is an essential nutrient in our bodies.  It's found naturally in foods such as citrus foods and tomatoes and has been added to many foods to supplement the American diet that is lacking in this vitamin.  According to the National Institutes of Health Website on Dietary Supplements, Vitamin C is important in many functions in the body.
This includes:

  • biosynthesis of collagen and other neurotransmitters (think brain function)
  • Protein metabolism
  • Works as an antioxidant and is currently being studied on how it may help prevent or delay certain cancers, cardiovascular disease and other problems.  (studies have shown a relationship between increased Vitamin C and decrease of certain cancers including Lung, Breast, Colon, and other digestive system cancers)
  • Immune function
  • Iron absorption
Insufficient Vitamin C can lead to scurvy- symptoms of which include tiredness, connective tissue weakness and bleeding problems. 
It's difficult to take in too much Vitamin C- as if you get too much at one time you will just excrete it in urine instead of absorbing it.  Common side effects of too much Vitamin C is stomach issues- diarrhea, stomach cramps, and nausea.  Vitamin C may interact with Chemotherapy or Radiation or Statin (cholesterol) medications.   The recommended daily amount of Vitamin C is around 75-90 mg daily for adults, but those that smoke need even more. 
For supplements, if the Vitamin C is in the form of ascorbic acid it is equivalent to eating foods that have Vitamin C- other forms of Vitamin C supplements may not absorb as well.  

2- Magnesium-This mineral in the body is naturally present in a lot of foods and also available as a supplement.  Some of the best sources of natural magnesium is green leafy veggies, nuts and seeds.  This a factor in many processes and reactions in the body.  It's required for energy production, blood pressure control, blood sugar control, and muscle and nerve functions.  Magnesium levels in the body are controlled by the kidneys.  
The daily recommended amount of magnesium changes over the lifespan, but ranges from 310 mg-420 mg daily depending on age and whether female/male.  
The type of magnesium I like is Magnesium Hydroxide- which is similar to magnesium found in stomach products uses as laxatives or heartburn relief.  

3- Sodium- Almost everyone is familiar with sodium, but don't know what it does in our body.  Most people think sodium is bad and bad for your heart, but sodium is a nutrient required in the body to live.  The problem many Americans have is that much of our foods are too high in sodium due to processing and preservatives.   I like Sodium Bicarbonate for the stomach- which is what's in baking soda.  There are other uses for this type of sodium including possible help with gout, kidney stones, and problems caused by kidney disease.  Some side effects may include nausea, bloating or gas.   Since this may change the acid in your stomach it may interact with some medications- check with your medical provider. 

4- Bioflavonoid Complex- In the form of orange peel, lemon peel, and quince, bioflavonoids are a supplement frequently used to help boost Vitamin C action, support circulation, treat allergies, treat viruses and arthritis.  



References for today:
https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminC-HealthProfessional/
https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Magnesium-HealthProfessional/
http://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-11325/sodium-bicarbonate-oral/details#uses
http://www.drugs.com/mtm/bioflavonoids.html


Sunday, January 24, 2016

Blend of ingredients to help with inflammation and weight

This post is an overview of some popular ingredients used in weight loss supplements.





What could each of these ingredients do for you?


Green coffee bean extract has a small amount of natural caffeine that helps with energy.   You can buy this as a supplement- anywhere around $6-40 for a 30 day supply.   Once again, back to our friends at WebMD supplement information- I know a "green coffee bean" is an un-roasted coffee bean.

Not roasting the bean increased the amount of chlorgenic acid, which WebMD says has the potential to help with heart disease, weight loss and diabetes.  This supplement also has become popular after Dr. Oz discussing the potential weight loss benefits.
WebMD has sources of studies that show benefit for high blood pressure and possibly weight loss- you can see this and other studies at http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-1264-green%20coffee.aspx?activeingredientid=1264&activeingredientname=green%20coffee.
This supplement is considered safe except for conditions which caffeine can make worse including anxiety and some heart conditions.  There are no known reactions with medications, and the dose ranges greatly from 93 mg daily to 1050 mg daily depending on the type of supplement.

Most of the other information on Green Coffee Bean extract is bias from companies trying to make money or circle back to the same sources as WebMD, so I'll stop here.  But you can do continued research on this supplement at the WebMD link above- they have several sources linked.

Garcinia cambogia fruit extract that you can buy at supplement stores for between $6 and $50 for a month supply.   The fruit is comes from looks like a small pumpkin that is yellow to green and grows native in Indonesia.  It's used in cooking when things need extra souring (per Wikipedia, which isn't a great source but I'm not worried about how people may otherwise use the fruit).  
Yet another supplement hyped up by Dr. Oz, many weight loss supplements contain versions of this fruit.   Back to our friends at WebMD with their supplement information guide- the reason this fruit can be helpful is in the rind- there is an acid in the rind that has shown to help decrease appetite and possibly decrease fat absorption.  However, controlled studies do not show a correlation between this supplement and weight loss.   Studies in mice showed that blood sugar levels were better controlled with this supplement- so diabetics need to beware of low blood sugar levels while taking this supplement with their diabetic medication.  Studies also show that it may decrease bad cholesterol and increase good cholesterol- but it appeared to be a small study.  This research can be found on the link from the WebMD site here: http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/garcinia-cambogia-weight-loss.
Possible side effects from Garcinia cambogia include dizziness, dry mouth, headache, and upset stomach. One serious problem can be liver trouble when taking very high doses for long- especially people with liver problems- one product was high enough the FDA removed it from the shelves.  That particular supplement also had other ingredients, so it wasn't sure if it played a part in the liver trouble.    Another problem is it may react with a variety of medications or make certain other conditions worse- so if you have health problems this supplement wouldn't  be a great idea or at least you should watch for problems.
Like the Green Coffee Bean Extract, most else you can find online are the same studies cited by WebMD or articles that say the same thing over and over.

Alpha Lipoic Acid  is an antioxidant and found in many foods that are healthy including spinach, broccoli and potatoes.  In general antioxidants in the body are thought to help prevent breakdown of healthy cells and repair cells in the body.  Specifically Alpha Lipoic Acid is thought to help with many conditions from diabetes, Alzheimer's, cancer, liver disease, and even HIV/AIDs!   There are MANY studies on this supplement and how helpful it would be.  At WebMD (again) there is a link here ( http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-767-alpha-lipoic%20acid.aspx?activeingredientid=767) with a LOT of information! 
Studies on this supplement have shown to likely help: Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery, Diabetes, Pre-diabetes, Diabetic Nerve pain, Vitiligo (a skin problem), weight loss and wound healing.  It may possibly help with a long list of other problems but there isn't research supporting those uses at this time.  
As with the other supplements we discussed, since this may lower blood sugar levels diabetics should watch their levels with medication.  This may interfere with thyroid medication and should be taken separately.  People who are alcoholics should NOT take this without a thiamine supplement because of potential harm, but is safe for most other people. 
The dose for diabetics from studies is from 600-1200 mg daily.  
This supplement is actually listed as one of the top supplement from WebMD- the research is very promising and is safe for most people!
When you google this supplement you see everything from anti aging cure, to many respectable studies at universities. If you go and look it up make sure you're looking for reputable sites.  While my website looks like what it is- a blog and my opinion- I COULD pay not a lot and have someone make it look like I know everything in the world and my information is 100% fact.  

Sunday, January 17, 2016

Chromium (chromium polynicotinate)





All supplements are not FDA approved (like medication).  They can put ANYTHING on the label and say "not evaluated by the FDA" and they are covered.  But that doesn't make it bad.  Supplements are great and I don't know one doctor that doesn't recommend at least something now and then, and I know some doctors who recommend supplements for every ailment in the book.  I'm in the middle for my patients- supplements can help a lot, but sometimes a prescription just helps more.  

Let start with Chromium.  Most of what I know about Chromium off the top of my head is from the movie Erin Brockovich (with Julia Roberts in 2000)- when she went to the college person about chromium and how some can be life saving and awesome and then others will give you all sorts of scary cancer.  Hmmm...I hope it's not the scary one ;)  Just kidding- that was called Hexavalent Chromium (yes, I owned that VHS!)

Let's start with good old WebMD- I have many patient's that go here first for their symptoms- but don't realize they have a pretty decent data base for supplements and medications.
According to the WebMD website (no author listed, accessed 1/17/2016 at http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-932-chromium.aspx?activeingredientid=932&activeingredientname=chromium) Chromium is thought to help with several problems including diabetes (and any other blood sugar problem including polycystic ovary aka:PCOS), cholesterol, depression, weight loss and athletic performance.  The website cites studies which show an improvement for diabetics in blood sugars and also in cholesterol including raising good cholesterol (HDL) and lowering bad cholesterol (LDL).  It is possibly ineffective for the athletic performance and mood problems- there are no/few studies to support this claim.
You can take this supplement by mouth and absorb it- the daily recommended value is based on age which is available on the website (see link above)- but the dosage studied and recommended for diabetics is between 200-1000 mcg daily.   From studies it appears adults can take up to 1000 mcg safely daily, but shouldn't exceed that amount.  For children you should once again check the website for the daily allowance.
There are no side effects listed on the website, but there are a few people who should avoid (or at least be very cautious and work with your health care professional) any kind of Chromium supplement- people with known kidney disease, liver disease, and allergies to Chromium.   People on psychiatric medication (depression, anxiety, schizophrenia) should be careful because it may change how your medication works- same with diabetes- watch for low blood sugars.  Chromium should be safe for most pregnant women and lactating women.
Chromium may interact with a few medications so be careful:

  • blood sugar medications- once again may lower your blood sugar.
  • thyroid medication- it decreases how much thyroid medication you absorb and should be separated- thyroid medication should be taken 30 minutes before or 4-5 hours after taking chromium
  • NSAID medications- Ibuprofen, Advil, Aleve, Motrin, etc. may increase how much chromium you absorb- take separately.
*Note- the studies that showed the problems with liver and kidneys was a different chromium called Chromium Picolinate- which also has studies linked to weight gain, not loss*

Although I may joke about people with "WebMD medical licenses" it does have a lot of good info!  


But this is Chromium in general- not Chromium polynicotinate.  The polynicotinate is a substance called niacin or nicotinic acid that is bound to the chromium the help with absorption- this means this chromium MIGHT be absorbed easier. The information gathered from an article on Livestrong website- from S. Busch 12/12/2015 titled "Chromium Polynicotinate Dangers"- so her addition on this type of Chromium is people on heart medications should be aware Nicotinic acid is in this supplement and to let their medical provider know.  The rest of the dangers are the same (thyroid medication and low blood sugar).   Here's the link if you'd like to see the article- http://www.livestrong.com/article/216812-chromium-polynicotinate-dangers/



Some major media spots for chromium polynicotinate include the Dr. Oz show in 2013 where a doctor discusses some of the benefits of this type of chromium- she discusses blood sugar and weight loss with this type of supplement.  You can watch the video here: http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/dr-julie-chen-shares-some-tips.