Friday, July 11, 2008

Glucosamine: An Essential Overview

By: Robert Bell

With glucosamine, shellfish resources are not so selfish at all. The very unselfish purpose of glucosamine is to help treat orthoarthritis and function like a special painkiller. A derivative from shellfish, those who are allergic may want to steer clear of this. Still, it remains to be one of the viable forms of treating orthoarthitis, albeit not universally agreed upon to be so.

A highly researched chemical, glucosamine was tested in the chemist shelves of many a research institute since 1960 and tried on humans and animals before it actually became recognized as a form of good body supplement. Originally, glucosamine was produced in injectable form and handled only by laboratory researchers. But now more and more pharmacies are known to have it in their shelves.

To date, while there are claims to its therapeutic properties, it remains to be classified by the US Bureau of Food and Drug as a supplement, though other European countries have already elevated its status and reclassified it as a form of alternative medicine.

Glucosamine is a highly debated chemical. Much hype has been ascribed to its ability to take over other phased out drugs that are made to treat orthoarthritis. Orthoarthritis has scarce amounts of treatment options, and to be able to find a maintenance drug that will really be able to treat it is nothing short of fabulous. Various experimentations remain unconcluded with regard to the real effect of glucosamine to the body, especially GAIT or its processed form.

Glucosamine is very adaptive in nature. In itself, it will not really make much of a difference. But if you synergize the main glucosamine ingredient with other chemicals such as glucosamine sulfate and HCl, you will find it to be a potent and effective drug. A typical dosage of glucosamine is around 1500 milligrams per day, and in a month, you will probably be spending about $30-50 to maintain that daily dosage. This is fairly expensive but worth it considering the fact that it is one of the few remaining options for those who suffer from ortharthritis.

It is not just the synergy of glucosamine which affects its performance and quality. The medium from which it is taken also affects its effectivity. The liquid form of glucosamine is much more preffered than its pill or tablet form. For one thing, liquid is known for quicker absorption the moment the chemical hits the stomach area. Aside from this, liquid forms are known to be of higher quality because a huge percentage of the money used to process liquid glucosamine goes to the chemicals itself. Pill or tablet forms of glucosamine are just more expensive in the sense that it will require more processing than if it were presented and packaged in liquid form.

Glucosamine is known to have fewer side effects than a placebo pill, which adds to its appeals. However, more experts strongly advise for a thorough body checkup with a medical expert prior to taking it. While it is one in a few options available for victims of ortharthritis, it is still more apt to be able to make use of it only within the bounds of doctor prescription. Side effects to glucosamine only come in the cases of diabetics, who may be more inclined for insulin fluctuations due to the Hcl and glucosamine combination. Like many other drugs, it is not advised to be tried by pregnant or lactating women for security reasons. There have been no proofs on this yet, but it remains to be prohibited for security reasons.

Anyone who exceeds the normal dosage for glucosamine may be subjected to some digestive problems such as soft stool or diarrhea. Nausea is also a common side effect for excessive use. It is advised to monitor one's dosage regularly to prevent these ill side effects from excessive intake of glucosamine.

Once you decide to purchase glucosamine, do not just get contented with the fact that you see it in the cover of the package. Check the percentage level (it should at least be 30%) and the other ingredients it was formed with. These really spell the vitality of glucosamine since it cannot really exist powerfully apart from other ingredients. A proper knowledge of this will really make your glucosamine work better than your average painkiller.

Author Resource:-Read more about weight loss, creatine, hoodia, fish oil, and calcium.

Article From JustArticles.net Article Directory.


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Thursday, July 10, 2008

Enhance Memory through Ayurvedic Herb

The human brain is one of the most sophisticated organs nature has ever made. One of the most interesting aspects of the brain is its power to retain information, which we call as memory. Memory is perhaps the most vital of the aspects that differentiates human beings from other animals. However, memory can become faulty due to several reasons, and in that case the person is not able to make full use of his or her potentials.

Since ages, drugs and natural remedies have been prescribed to enhance memories in people. Ayurveda has a treasure-chest of such memory enhancing drugs, which are today popular all over the world due to their proven effective qualities. The following is a list of the most effective herbs used in memory enhancement all over the world.

(i) Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri)

Brahmi is perhaps the most investigated of all herbs for its memory enhancement properties. Now it is certified that brahmi has several chemicals that promote the protein synthesis process in the nerve and the brain cells, which is directly responsible for developing the mental capacity of the brain. Brahmi can make a person think clearer, and hence the memory becomes more vivid. In India, brahmi is used in countless forms to improve mental capacity for school-going children. Brahmi also increases the grasping power of the brain, due to which people can understand and assimilate information easily.

In adults, brahmi helps in relaxing and soothing the cells of the brain, and brings it to a normal state of functioning. Thus, brahmi is a valuable anti-anxiety agent and an antidepressant. Brahmi oil is quite often used to massage the head. This sort of massage immediately puts the mind at rest and the mental abilities rise drastically after its use.

(ii) Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba)

Ginkgo works by improving the blood circulation to the central nervous system. This is the primary requisite for a healthy and capable brain. Apart from this, ginkgo corrects any damage done to the cells of different parts of the body, including the brain. It also minimizes the effects of the blood clotting. All these properties of the ginkgo have been studied in detail by western experts and they have obtained very encouraging results.

Ginkgo has got a place of respect in Ayurveda. The extract of the ginkgo is prescribed to people who have amnesia and Alzheimer’s disease. Several herbal brain tonics have ginkgo as one of the chief ingredients.

(iii) Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica)

The gotu kola is very effective in increasing the circulation of blood to different parts of the body, including the brain. It protects the brain from damage due to the wear and tear of its cells. Gotu kola can regenerate lost energy from the human system, and make the person feel more zestful.

Gotu kola is generally used in tonics intended to re-vitalize the brain. It improves concentration, makes the brain more receptive to information and also brings about an enhancement in the memory.

(iv) Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)

Ashwagandha is one of the most essential components used in enhancing memory and overall brain functioning. Ashwagandha is an adaptogen, stress-buster and a re-vitalizer. Ashwagandha has a cooling and calming effect on the brain. After a hard day’s work, ashwagandha can bring the brain back to its normal state of functioning.

Ayurveda regards ashwagandha as a medha rasayana, i.e. a brain tonic. It has direct results in improving the memory capacity of the brain. Ashwagandha is very powerful in making new concepts seem clearer and easy to understand. It is a vital component of almost all herbal brain tonics available in the market.

(v) Mulethi (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

Mulethi is none other than licorice, the herb already known worldwide for its various curative properties. Mulethi is an efficient brain tonic and a re-vitalizer for the brain. Like most of the other herbs mentioned here, mulethi also rejuvenates the brain. In times of stress, mulethi can stimulate mental functions so as to feel a calming and relaxing effect. Mulethi increases the circulation into the central nervous system and balances the sugar levels in the blood. Mulethi is frequently provided to students who are preparing for important examinations, as it helps to remember small facts and bits of information.

(vi) Vacha (Acorus calamus)

Vacha is a very vigorous brain tonic, because it shows results in a very short time. It increases the overall memory of the person and strengthens the nervous system. Vacha is prescribed to people who have amnesia.

Improving the memory is a quest on which human beings have embarked centuries ago. In almost all civilizations, there have been attempts to discover the best herbs for brain enhancement with minimum side-effects. Perhaps, Ayurveda wins the race in this. All the herbs Ayurveda uses for its brain tonics have minimum side-effects and are quite safe for the human beings. Western science is now warming up to these herbs and is looking upon them as effective supplements for the human brain.

Sustainable Living Articles @ http://www.articlegarden.com

About Dr John Anne:
Read more about the benefits of Brahmi at www.ayurvediccure.com - World's Finest Portal on Ayurveda and Herbal Remedies. Also Read more on Breast Massage Techniques


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Wednesday, July 9, 2008

Ginkgo Supplements and Memory Function

By: Tom Bomar

With the increased attention over the past two decades of alzheimer's, dementia, and reduced brain function causing diseases, anxiety levels have increased for many. The World Health Organization estimates there are 18 million people currently suffering from various forms of dementia and that number is expected to double over the next 17 years. These staggering numbers and an aging population have brought a great deal of interest in finding solutions to Memory Function / Dysfunction.

Dr. Andrew Weil is a leading expert in the fields of Natural Health and Natural Medicine. Of the subjects he has interviewed he finds that the majority are dealing primarily with a fear of reduced brain & memory function. 'In my experience this fear is more of a problem than memory loss itself.' (1) The fear and anxiety of an aging population does not mean it is all in our heads. There is still a large number of the population who will be stricken with brain function disease and intelligent attempts at prevention may be the best option for all.

There are many aspects to a healthy lifestyle such as following a balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress reducing activities. Additionally, wearing your seat belt, practicing safe sex, regular mental activity, getting plenty of rest, etc. will assist in your longevity and protect your brain function. There are some specific steps we can take that will not only better our brain function, but will also improve our over all vascular system.. anti-oxidant mix and gingko supplementation.

Your anti-oxidant supplement mix work to reduce oxidation, which will in turn reduce the number of free radicals that can potentially damage DNA. The potential damage can cause many forms of cancer and disease many of which will directly affect brain and memory function. Look for a mix or combination of supplements that contain Beta-carotene, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, and Selenium. Another supplement that targets the health of the brain and the memory function is..Ginkgo or otherwise known as Ginkgo Biloba.

Ginkgo as a supplement is harvested and produced from the ginkgo tree. This supplement has been used for centuries in the Orient for complaints associated with aging. While it is fairly new to western cultures studies have shown measurable improvement in mental function in as little as 8 weeks. It is generally considered that use of this supplement for less than a 8 week period is too little for marked improvement to be realized. Studies have shown a quality Ginkgo product with 24% ginkgo flavones at 60mg per day to be a beneficial supplement.

Ginkgo appears to promote vascular efficiency (blood flow) to the brain and beyond. This not only helps the functions of memory, but also assists the bodies vascular system throughout. If improvement of memory and/or dementia related disease protection is your goal, the supplementation of Ginkgo appears to have the greatest amount of support for your health.

** Be sure to check with your physician if you are currently taking any prescription medications, are pregnant, nursing, or suffer from chronic disease before taking these or any additional supplements.

(1)Weil, Andrew. Natural Health, Natural Medicine. 1998. Houghton & Mifflin. Pg 316

Author Resource:Tom is a health and wellness professional, certified as a strength and conditioning specialist and member of the National Strength and Conditioning Association. He provides Fitness Professional business, education, and travel opportunities through http://www.fitlaunch.com FIT Launch, Inc.

Find quality Ginkgo Biloba, Anti-Oxidant, and related Herbal Remedies

You can view quality related weight loss, conditioning, and nutritional products through the http://www.healthygatherings.com Healthy Gatherings website.

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