Dietary supplements refer to any health products that can supplement our diet. They include vitamins, minerals, amino acids, digestive enzymes, Probiotics, herbal supplements, glandular extracts and dietary fibers etc.

The consumption of dietary supplements has been rising every year. Whereas many people believe that dietary supplements can improve their health or prevent certain diseases, some consumer groups or medical professionals have warned that dietary supplements can be dangerous. So, the question is: are dietary supplements really dangerous? Unfortunately, the question does not have a simple answer.

Dietary supplements, by its broad definition, include thousands of different products. In 2004, Consumer Reports listed 12 potentially dangerous dietary supplements. Many of them are herbal products. Some of these herbs have been used by herbalists for hundreds of years and are considered as safe. However, when the active substances in these herbs are extracted in pure or concentrated form and consumed over prolonged period, they can be dangerous to some people.

Many dietary supplements such as vitamins and minerals are safe and can supplement what is missing in our diet. However, even the benign supplement can become dangerous in overdose. In local news, a woman was reported to give her two teenage daughters mega dose of vitamin A for prolonged period, thinking that the supplement is good for the eyes. Both suffered from acute liver failure and one required a liver transplant to save her life. Vitamin A is not dangerous but mega dose of vitamin A is hepatotoxic. In this case, ignorance itself is dangerous!

The quality of dietary supplement is also an important factor. The presence of contaminations, such as heavy metal, drugs, and toxic substances can make a benign supplement dangerous. One example is the presence of microcystin toxin in blue green algae dietary supplements. Microcystins are natural toxins from certain strains of blue green algae that can cause liver damage and liver tumors. According to the research conducted by Health Canada, only one strain of blue green algae, Spirulina, is free from microcystins as Spirulina is harvested from controlled ponds. Most of the non-Spirulina blue green algae supplements are contaminated by microcystins, especially those harvested from natural lakes. Daily consumption of these dietary supplements would exceed the acceptable level of microcystin intake established by Health Canada and WHO.

Good manufacturing practice (GMP) is another key factor to safeguard the quality and safety of dietary supplements. Dietary supplement manufacturers in compliance of GMP standards have to test the identity of raw materials, implement a quality control unit, provide expiration date for the finished products, maintain good records of batch production and written procedures, and hire personnel who are trained to understand and follow GMP. This practice can reduce the chance of having batch to batch variation in strength, composition, purity and quality of finished products.

To sum up, although most dietary supplements are safe when consumed according to the label, consumers are advised to educate themselves before taking these supplements. What are the functions of these supplements? How long should I be taking them? Are they manufactured by reputable companies in compliance of good manufacturing practices? Never consume more than the recommended dose unless supervised by health care professionals. If you are pregnant, breast feeding, or suffering from pre-existing health conditions, you should also take extra precaution and consult with your doctors or nutritionists.

By: Kwan Lo

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We often read or hear news reports about antioxidants and how they can improve our health, yet we rarely hear about the role they play in the pleasure we obtain from sex and intimacy.

To understand antioxidants and the ways they can enhance genital health, we first need to understand the role that free radicals play in damaging our cells. In essence, free radicals are the toxic byproducts of our metabolism. Free radical production can increase as a result of the foods we eat (as is the case with charbroiled meat) or the air we breathe (as is the case with second hand smoke).

Using several enzyme-based systems, our body does its best to combat free radicals. When our body’s defenses fail, though, free radicals cause individual cells to become damaged or die. If left unchecked, free radicals cause tissue damage, premature aging, and loss of cellular function. In other words, our cells become oxidized, much in the same way that rust forms on iron when it is exposed to air and water.

Antioxidants help to combat free radical damage by shoring up the body’s enzyme-based systems. Vitamins C and E are popular antioxidants, as are the polyphenols found in plants and in certain foods and beverages, such as cocoa, red wine, green tea, and ginseng.

Antioxidants can also improve sexual pleasure and intimacy. Women who are perimenopausal, menopausal, or post-menopausal – along with women who use oral contraceptives – can experience genital oxidative stress, which can result in vaginal dryness and a lack of sexual desire. In a sense, antioxidants are an aphrodisiac, in that they preserve the nitric oxide needed to dilate blood vessels in genital tissues, which in turn causes sexual arousal.

Eating or drinking foods and beverages with antioxidant properties is sure to improve your overall feeling of well-being, but antioxidants delivered in the form of a lubricant to sensitive genital skin can have a positive impact on sexual pleasure and intimacy. When organic antioxidants penetrate the skin, they energize nerve endings.

Genital skin care should be an ongoing priority. When looking for an antioxidant to promote genital health, it is important to find one that is water-free and non-oily. Instead, it should be polymer-based and have a non-sticky feeling. In addition, it should be a product that can be used on a daily basis.

By: Chris Robertson

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One of the most important things you can do for yourself is to follow a breast cancer prevention diet. It doesn’t matter if you are a woman or a man. Yes, men can get breast cancer too. Most risk factors are beyond your control, such as age, family history, or age at first menstrual period. However you do control what you eat, and it is quite simple to follow an anti inflammatory diet.

Some foods that fight breast cancer and inflammation are:

Omega 3 fatty acids which are found mostly in fatty fish such as salmon, trout, and sardines. If you’re not a fish lover take an omega 3 supplement. Use Olive Oil, Pure Virgin Coconut Oil and Butter Eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables Use pure manuka honey which is proven to be an anti inflammatory as well as anti bacterial Try to find a source of grass fed beef which is high in omega 3s
Research on Chronic Inflammation and Breast Cancer:

A study led by researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center has identified two proteins in the blood that could become important prognostic markers for long-term survival in breast cancer patients. The proteins are associated with chronic inflammation, which is known to contribute to cancer development and progression of the disease.

WTN News published an article about the “Medical College of Wisconsin it ties breast cancer to inflammation”. Ashwani Khanna associate professor of medicine presented his finds at the annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research in Orlando.

He said: ” Research shows that when the condition becomes chronic, it can lead to a great many diseases, including cancer”.

He clearly found a relationship between inflammation and this disease. What can you do about inflammation? Fortunately there are many things you can do to prevent inflammation or get it under control if you already have it, and sadly most of us have it. The most important thing is to follow an anti inflammation cancer prevention diet.

By: Diane Michel

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There are so many diseases as well as afflictions that the mind could very well get boggled by it. One of the afflictions as well as medical conditions that cause a lot of distress is that of allergies, the types of which are many. Allergies are essentially the irritation as well as the acute or mild discomfort that are caused by means of the foreign substances that are perceived by the body as being harmful to their overall wellbeing.

One can encounter various types of allergy which may be caused by smoke, pollution, pollen, dust as well as even food items that could result in irritation. The external manifestations of these allergies could be also of various levels and types, some of which may be so mild that they can be managed or tolerated by the individual, whereas in other cases, people may also face life threatening situations on account of the allergy. One such allergy form is that of ketchup allergy, where tomato or other forms of ketchup may cause discomfort to individuals who ingest the ketchup. Ketchup may seem so innocuous and harmless to consume, but then based on physical as well as chemical reactions that the body may endure, some people may not be able to really stand ketchup and may have mild or violent reactions when they come in contact with this external substance.

As far as ketchup allergy is concerned, it has been mostly observed in kids, where a large majority of the kids that have this allergy, generally display symptoms in their childhood. As they grow, they often outgrow the symptoms of this allergy in a way which makes it possible for them to consume ketchup normally and regularly without any harmful reactions or side effects whatsoever. However, during their toddler years, it is advised that they be kept away from ketchup as it causes grave discomfort to these kids. The symptoms of ketchup allergy are similar to that observed in the case of other kinds of food allergy, where foods like nuts, fish, eggs, prawns, mushrooms and the like are the source of food allergies that are manifested in the form of outward signs that not all is well. Some of these symptoms are retching and throwing up of the ingested food, appearance of rashes across the face, flushed faces where the blood seems to rush to the face as well as stomach aches and loose motion or diarrhea, which causes great deal of discomfort to those suffering from the allergy.

Ketchup allergy could also occur in mild forms that may have some of these symptoms but in a manner that does not debilitate the person. However, if it occurs in very severe forms, it could assume life threatening proportions that have to be effectively countered and warrant urgent medical attention. One more of the severest symptoms is anaphylaxis, where the throat and the mouth become red and get affected such that one is unable to function properly and experience extreme form of discomfort. One has to go and meet up with a doctor if this form of allergy is experienced, or it may lapse into anaphylactic shock.

The main form of treatment to ketchup allergy is similar to that for any other food related allergy. The person has to go in for an avoidance diet that means the person has to avoid consuming ketchup in all its forms at least till such time that one can be declared as being free from the allergy. There are some simple and quite painless tests that are performed, which help in ascertaining the extent of affliction that can help in taking medical action to mitigate its effects.

By: Sally Hudson

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Health coach training is a good investment if you want a long career in the health and wellness industry. This industry is slowly growing as one of the most fulfilling and profitable industries today. More and more people are becoming aware of the importance in preventative health and are engaging in health and wellness and may need health coaches along the way.

Health coach training prepares you to become a person of authority when it comes to good health. It is a rapidly growing career and is predicted to become a trillion dollar industry over the next few years. If you are interested in keeping yourself healthy and fit, it would be wise to train to be a health coach in order to learn more about the natural strategies of living a healthy and long life.

The first step in becoming an effective and successful health coach is to live a healthy life. If you are healthy and fit, you become more credible and efficient in teaching others to follow the healthy lifestyle that you live yourself. Walk the walk and talk the talk and you will soon learn ways of not just keeping yourself healthy but also other people that you deal with as a health coach.

When you decide to become a health coach, make sure that you have the qualities that it takes to become one. Being a wellness coach requires you to have compassion, patience and a sincere desire to help other people achieve good health and the happiness that comes with it. If you are caring by nature, then you might have a shot at being a good wellness coach.

Being a wellness coach is also not just all about philanthropy, it is also a business and a source of income. Before engaging into the field of health counseling, determine the salary range that you could expect to make in a month. You can’t just offer your services for free and it takes a lot of hard work too so make sure that you are paid for what you and your services are worth.

Do some research with health coaches in your area and ask the amount of salary that you could expect when you enter this business. Consider the demographics of your area, the economy, the population and other factors that may affect your health counseling venture. Being a wellness coach also requires financial investment so make sure that you can expect a return or revenue in your area.

If you think that being a wellness coach is lucrative and fulfilling, you can jumpstart your career in many ways. A lot of coaches work in private practice and only for themselves. If you feel that you are qualified and you have a good business background, you can use your marketing knowledge to build a name for yourself as a wellness coach.

In order to build credibility, you should engage in considerable training and attend schools that will give you a certification. Certifications will not only train you on how to become a good wellness coach, it is also a good addition to your resume.

By: Ann Totten

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Panic Attack Information tells us that panic attack symptoms and Allergy Symptoms can be quite similar and while the treatment may differ somewhat in the end the solution lies in self knowledge.

When it hits, it may seem like nothing can stop the terror or dread of losing control brought on by a panic attack. There is an urgent need to find ways of preventing and helping sufferers of all kinds of panic attacks, including allergy panic attacks and there are currently many tests being carried out in our Universities and Hospitals.

Asthma attacks and panic attacks are quite similar. Both have similar symptoms. Often, people equate allergies with sneezing, congestion and itchy eyes caused by pollen and in fact this may often be the case but allergy attacks can have more serious symptoms. The sufferer feels unwell and may be prone to nausea, headache, dizziness, breathlessness etc.

Allergy panic attacks can be self perpetuating as sufferers often anxiously await the next attack and their weakened mental state facilitates such an occurrence.

The only solution to the problem is to learn everything you can about the problem. Read as many articles as possible about it and get to know how to cope.

Now thankfully allergy panic attacks and other anxiety disorders can be brought under control by addressing the problem directly and eliminating it at its roots. There are many products on the internet that claim to be able to do just that and rid people permanently of their anxieties, as well as phobias, and allergy panic attacks, and they are certainly worth trying out. Panic Attack Information is readily available. Procrastination is the thief of time. If you are a sufferer then grasp the nettle now and address the evil that is blighting your life. Take that one small step and open the door to a healthier and happier life.

By: Nick Bolton

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Face inflammation and swelling result from acne and acne related disorders in most cases. This inflammation would generally be due to collection of sebum within pores that are closed. This happens when skin generates excessive oil more than what pores can dispose at any given point in time.

Let me brief common treatments which you can try to reduce and cure face inflammation.

a) Deep Cleansing,the Simplest Way To Control Inflammation

b) Having Diet Rich In Antioxidants

c) Using Moisturizer To Regulate Sebum

Deep Cleansing, the Simplest Way To Control Face Inflammation

This is the simplest of the treatments to control face skin inflammation to an appreciable level. Go for deep cleansing face wash products made up of natural substances. Natural facial cleansers don’t produce side effects. If you are going to use more aggressive cleansers like those made from glycolic acid, it is important that you consult your dermatologist before buying one.

Having Diet Rich In Antioxidants

In most cases skin breakouts result from reduced collagen production or collagen damage. Collagen is an elastic substance that gives skin its power to withstand breakouts. Diet rich in antioxidants are known to improve collagen production and hence can prevent face skin inflammation to an appreciable extent.

Using Moisturizer To Regulate Sebum

Moisturizers are known to regulate sebum production. Whenever you wash your face, you need to follow by applying a suitable moisturizer. This can reduce the overproduction of sebum and can effectively reduce face inflammation. Using natural moisturizers can prevent side effects to a great extent.

By: Kamalkk Kannan

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Acne is a very distressing skin problem because it can affect the self image and self-confidence of any sufferer. Imagine being rejected by your possible date because you have pimples or acne? Keeping acne away is important to restore your self-confidence and feel better about yourself.

A healthy skin and a face free from acne will boost your confidence and you do not have to hide at home or get embarrassed with your skin problems. Here are some tips in keeping acne away:

Drink plenty of water. Water is essential for healthy skin. Aside from the nutrients and health benefits of water, it can help in flushing out toxins from your body. The build-up of toxins in your body is one of the causes of acne and drinking plenty of water can help flush out harmful toxins. In keeping acne away, drinking at least eight glasses of water daily is essential.

Practice proper hygiene. It is important to keep your face clean to avoid build up of dirt that can cause acne. Keep your hair away from your face to avoid facial skin problems caused by the dirt from your hair. Keep your hands and nails clean and avoid touching your face or pricking your acne. Always make sure that your pillows are clean to keep bacteria away from your face and skin. Practicing good hygiene is important in keeping acne away.

Get enough nutrients. Vitamins and nutrients are important in keeping acne away. Nutrients deficiency can cause acne and other skin problems. It is also important to take vitamin supplements to make sure you are getting the necessary nutrients and vitamins needed for healthy skin. Vitamin E, vitamin C, magnesium, selenium and essential fatty acids are some of the vitamins and nutrients needed for healthy skin.

Treat acne with natural remedies. It is also another option to treat acne with natural remedies. If you are tired of using acne medications and still not getting the results you wanted, then another option is natural remedies. Natural method are also helpful in keeping acne away.

By: Gerry Restrivera

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In 1994, Congress past a law that defined dietary supplements, also called nutritional supplements, or supplements for short. It basically says that a dietary supplement is a product that contains vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids, enzymes, and/or other ingredients intended to supplement the diet. Are you using Hoodia as a dietary supplement?

This article provides basic information about the herb hoodia or oodia gordonii–common names, uses, potential side effects, and resources for more information. Hoodia is a flowering, cactus-like plant native to the Kalahari Desert in southern Africa. Its harvest is protected by conservation laws.

So, what is it used for? Kalahari Bushmen have traditionally eaten hoodia stems to reduce their hunger and thirst during long hunts. And today, hoodia is marketed as an appetite suppressant for weight loss.

Hoodia is used by taking the dried extracts of hoodia stems and roots which are used to make capsules, powders, and chewable tablets. Hoodia can also be used in liquid extracts and teas. Hoodia products often contain other herbs or minerals, such as green tea or chromium picolinate.

Hoodia’s safety is unknown. Its potential risks, side effects, and interactions with medicines and other supplements have not been studied. Acording to the National Institutes of Health, there is no reliable scientific evidence to support hoodia’s use. No studies of the herb in people have been published.

Hoodia may in fact work for you, but you should use caution and realize that the quality of hoodia products varies widely. News reports suggest that some products sold as hoodia do not contain any hoodia at all. Tell your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.

By: Joan Martin

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Being physically fit has many advantages. You remain healthy and are more resistant to different diseases. Some people think that remaining physically fit requires you to join a fitness center or a gym. If that’s not the point then you will need some expensive equipment that will be necessary for your workouts. This is not true as there are different exercises that don’t require any special equipment. Here are some body weight exercises that you can perform at your home.

1. Push ups: a simple exercise that helps you to build your shoulders, all you need is a small chair that can help to elevate your feet and then you can try different positions for your push ups.

2. Inverted rows: these are somewhat like normal pushups but they don’t focus on your chest or shoulders. You will feel the main effect on your back.

3. Single leg: for this exercises you can use a chair or a table on which you can easily place your leg. All you have to do place on leg on the platform making a pistol shape. Now try to bend down as much as possible and feel the tension in your hamstring and thigh.

4. Crunches: for this exercise all you need to is lie down on the floor facing upward. Now bend your knees and place you hand under your head. When you are in this position try to get up and touch your knees, make sure that you are using your arms to lift your head. This will increases the effectiveness of your crunches and you will have a well shaped stomach.

5. Roman Chair: this is another simple exercise. All you have to do is stand next to a wall and bend down in a sitting position. This will create a tension on your thighs and you will strengthen your muscles there.

6. Leg lift: lie down on the floor facing upward and place your hands under your buttocks. Now lift both of your feet a little bit in the air and spread them as much as you can. Then bring them back into there original position and put them on the floor. Repeat this exercise for at least ten times.

Body weight exercises are best suited for those people who cannot afford special equipment but love to exercise. You can find a large number of other exercises while searching the internet or asking a fitness trainers.

By: Jesse Miller

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