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Tag: supplements
November 6, 2015

What is Chromium & how can it help you loose body fat?

Chromium is a mineral our bodies use in small amounts for normal body functions, such as digesting food.   It is known to enhance the action of insulin.   Chromium is found in meat, whole-grain products, some fruits, vegetables & spices.  

Several studies have now demonstrated that chromium supplements enhance the metabolic action of insulin and lower some of the risk factors for cardiovascular disease, particularly in overweight individuals.  Chromium picolinate, specifically has been shown to reduce insulin resistance and help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease & type 2 diabetes.  Supplements containing 200 to 1000 mcg chromium picolinate a day have been found to improve blood glucose control.  

In another study published in May 2015, they found that a caffeine-based CBA/Chromium III formulation curbs the adverse effect of high-fat diet on body weight and insulin action in mice.  Data suggests that this formulation could serve as a promising alimentary supplement to facilitate weight control in humans.  

Caution needs to be taken into account, as some other evidence suggests there are no adverse affects to taking Chromium.   The jury is still out, as various other studies show no effect of Chromium with people who are NOT diabetic or insulin resistant. 

As always, check with your health professional before taking supplements.  

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15208835

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18388893

https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Chromium-HealthProfessional/

CHROMIUM-fat-loss

Lea Wagner No Comments , , , , ,
September 15, 2015

How does the supplement Creatine work?

Creatine supplements are used by athletes, bodybuilders, wrestlers, sprinters & other who just want to gain muscle mass.  The body produces some of the creatine it uses, other sources come from protein rich foods such as meat or fish.  

Creatine has the ability to increase muscle stores of PCr (phosphocreaine), potentially increasing the muscles ability to resynthesize the ATP from ADP to meet increased energy demands.  Did you just say “What the?”  

Confused???? If so watch this great video I recently found on Youtube How does Creatine work?

Extensive research has shown that oral creatine supplementation at a rate of 5 – 20 grams per day appears to be very safe & largely devoid of adverse side effects, while still being effective in improving the physiological response to resistance exercise, increasing the maximal force production of muscles.

A supplementation of creatine is not recommended for people with kidney or liver disease or diabetes.  Others who should avoid taking it are children under 18 and women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.  

 

Lea Wagner No Comments , , , ,
August 12, 2014

Diindolylmethane (DIM): anti-cancer, fights inflammation, reduces hot flushes

Diindolylmethane (DIM): Is This Right for You?
by The Dr. Oz Show

Looking for a superantioxidant to help prevent cancer and other chronic diseases? Diindolymethane (DIM) may be the supplement for you. It’s both an antioxidant and phytonutrient. It can be found in a variety of vegetables, including broccoli, cabbage and brussels sprouts. However, in order to get the recommended amount of DIM, one would have to eat at least two pounds of these vegetables daily.

Some experts also recommend DIM to fight chronic inflammation in the body, especially as it ages. With inflammation, it gets harder for your body to absorb nutrients from food, to keep it’s immune system under control, and fight pain.

Is DIM Effective?
The cancer-fighting data on this supplement is preliminary and mostly done in animal or in-vitro studies. Because it’s a newer area of research, there has been little research on humans. There is increasing research evidence of its effects on estrogen metabolism, which is important since some dangerous cancers, including breast cancer, can be fueled by excess hormone exposure.

Currently, there are clinical trials sponsored by the National Institutes of Health that are focusing on using DIM to treat breast, cervical and prostate cancer.

Is DIM Safe?
If taken appropriately, DIM is mostly safe. However, taking higher than the recommended dose can cause excess gastrointestinal distress and headaches, especially at doses of 300 mg and above. Women who are pregnant or lactating should avoid this supplement because there is insufficient safety evidence.

If I Decide That DIM Is Right for Me, How Much Should I Take?
People who are at a normal, healthy weight should take 100 mg per day. Take 200 mg instead if you are overweight or have significant health concerns because of PMS, menopause, chronic inflammation or a family history of cancers. Always speak with your doctor first.

While seeking the right supplement, look for DIM complex as an active ingredient. Also, some recommend looking for a product that also contains black pepper, which increases absorption.

Don’t take this if you are currently on a cancer treatment regimen. DIM may interact with one of the medications you’re taking.

Lea Wagner No Comments , , , , ,