Archive for March, 2011
Chromium supplements
An essential trace mineral, chromium is needed for the growth and health of the body. Among other things, it is needed for the breakdown of fat, carbohydrates, and protein. Chromium has become the most popular mineral supplement in America, after calcium. It is also one of the most controversial.
Chromium offers a mixed bag of good and bad effects. In the positive light, it was reported that chromium supplements would help burn fat and lower blood sugar levels. Chromium supplements are also supposed to build muscle mass, lower cholesterol, and reduce the risk of heart disease. A recent study shows that chromium seems to have a mild cholesterol-lowering effect. Further research may prove that chromium is helpful in lowering triglyceride levels, while raising the HDL (good) levels. However over-dosage may lead to complications and chromium supplements are best used under medical supervision.
Chromium may help to:
Control diabetes: In people with type 2 diabetes, the pancreas tries to regulate blood sugar levels by secreting insulin. A molecule called “Glucose Tolerance Factor” (GTF) increases the sensitivity of cells to insulin. The GTF molecule contains chromium. Therefore, chromium supplements may help normalize blood sugar levels. Several clinical tests have proven that diabetics who were on chromium supplements were able to reduce their dosage of medication. The effects of chromium are enhanced when taken with niacin (vitamin B3). Studies have also revealed that chromium may have a stabilizing effect on people with hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), thus doing away with symptoms like headache, nausea, fatigue, and irritability.
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What makes up 70-80% of our planet? Water. What makes up 70-80% of our body? That’s right, water.
Water is the single most important nutrient you will give your body apart from oxygen. Water rejuvenates us and carries vital nutrients all round the body where it’s needed. Water picks up all the leftovers, wastes and debris that the cells throw off into the lymph system and transport them out of the body via the channels of elimination.
So when you drink more water it has the double combination of feeding your body and clearing you of all the waste products that were built up in your system.
Your brain needs water, and plenty of it. Without water, your brain will operate worn out, tired and sluggish. Water is the ultimate gift to give yourself to think with clarity. In addition, water acts as a kind of healthy lubricant moistening tissues and joints.
When you drink, you want to avoid tap water. Tap water is more like a dazzling mix of chemicals. It contains fluoride, chlorine, and many others. The amount of chemicals in water will fill up books – it’s more like a chemical soup. The evidence that fluoride is poisonous is so overwhelming that it’s being pushed to be banned in many countries by action groups.
The thirst mechanism when having been turned off for a prolonged period is often mistaken for hunger. As you drink more water your thirst mechanism will return to its natural state. Not only will you begin to feel thirsty when you need water again, but your appetite will decrease.
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While Androgenetic Alopecia is the number one reason why individuals experience hair loss, it is not the only one. Medical conditions such as hypothyroidism, ringworm and fungal infections can cause hair loss. Certain medications such as blood thinners, gout medication, birth control pills and too much vitamin A can cause sudden or abnormal hair loss as can following a crash diet, sudden hormonal changes, chemotherapy and radiation. If you are taking prescription medications, talk to your doctor and find out if your medication is contributing to your hair loss.
At any given time 10% of our hair is in what is called a “resting phase” and after 2-3 months resting, hair falls out and new hair grows in its place. Some people, however, experience more hair loss than is normal.
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When we think of exercise we often think of an expensive gym filled with others. For some people they aren’t comfortable venturing to a gym and working out in front of other people. For them purchasing a piece of exercise equipment for their home is a better choice.
Although there are numerous different choices in home exercise equipment, one particular piece of equipment stands out. The treadmill is an affordable choice and with its ease of use it’s perfect for almost every member of the family.
The benefits of treadmill exercise are far reaching. Not only does it afford you the same benefits of a brisk walk but there are other elements in play as well.
One of the benefits of treadmill exercise is that engaging in exercise each day helps with sleep. If you take a few moments of your time each day to use the treadmill you’ll find that you are more tired around bedtime and you’ll sleep more soundly. The body needs to nourish itself with sleep after it’s gone through a period of exertion.
When considering the benefits of treadmill exercise people don’t often consider how the mood can be affected. Regular, daily exercise can help with feelings of depression or sadness. The time involved on the treadmill doesn’t have to be long. Even a short ten or twenty minute period each day can be very beneficial.
Some of the greatest benefits of treadmill exercise can be felt when you adjust the machine. Treadmills that are run on electricity have different speed settings. If you are just beginning an exercise regime than using the lowest speed is advisable.
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