Monday, March 14, 2011
Monday, January 24, 2011
Amla -Best natural source of vitamin C
The use of Amla fruit (Emblica officinalis, Phyllanthus emblica) has been a fundamental part of India's practice of Ayurvedic Medicine for centuries, and is one of the planet's most concentrated sources of natural vitamin C.1 And despite centuries of use in Ayurvedic medicine, most health-savvy consumers are still unaware of just how concentrated it truly is. So to help put things in better perspective, let's do some simple comparisons.
It has been estimated that, gram for gram, Amla fruit extracts contain as much as 35 times as much vitamin C as limes, 30 times more than oranges, and a mind-boggling 160 times more than apples. That said, 100 grams of Amla will typically yield over 500 mg of vitamin C.2 What's even more impressive, the vitamin C found naturally occurring in Amla is non-acidic and therefore won't cause the discomfort that many have experienced when taking traditional vitamin C supplements.3
This helps illustrate two very powerful points of interest. First, Amla appears to be an extremely potent antioxidant that utilizes a natural source of vitamin C. The vitamin C in Amla bonds with tannins, thus preventing it from being destroyed by light and heat. This helps ensure better utilization within the body. Next, supplementing Amla makes it possible for people with various stomach and digestive sensitivities to reap the life-enhancing benefits of a compound they might otherwise be unable to take.4
As mentioned earlier, these high concentrations of vitamin C have made Amla a staple among Ayurvedic practitioners. And while much of this can be attributed to the extract's strong antioxidant properties, Amla's potential extends far beyond healthy cells. Research continues to show that, based on its unique profile of active constituents, Amla seems to offer a number of beneficial effects that could not be achieved via synthesized natural-form vitamin C. We now know that Amla contains notable amounts of cytokine-like substances, such as zeatin, z. nucleotide and z. riboside, amid rich concentrations of minerals and amino acids.5
Based on its cooling, antipyretic, antiseptic and rejuvenating properties, Amla has been equally revered for the role it plays in digestion. So much in fact, that it is one of the three main fruits that comprise Triphala, a digestive tonic that contains Amla, Harada and Behada fruits. Long before it piqued the interest of vitamin C researchers, the use of Amla was considered by many Ayurvedic practitioners to be highly effective in rejuvenating the digestive system.6 It has mild laxative properties that encourage normal digestion, assists in the utilization of fats and cholesterol, modulates immune function, facilitates the elimination of toxins, fortifies the liver, supports normal cholesterol balance and prevents lipid peroxidation. And because of its strong antioxidant properties, Amla can help fight free radicals within the GI tract.7,8
Regardless of how you choose to look at it, Amla's complex profile of naturally occurring compounds makes it one of the most versatile extracts available to ever hit the consumer market. Be sure to look for a formula that contains Phyllanthus emblica extracts yielding at least 50% natural ascorbic acid, by weight.
It has been estimated that, gram for gram, Amla fruit extracts contain as much as 35 times as much vitamin C as limes, 30 times more than oranges, and a mind-boggling 160 times more than apples. That said, 100 grams of Amla will typically yield over 500 mg of vitamin C.2 What's even more impressive, the vitamin C found naturally occurring in Amla is non-acidic and therefore won't cause the discomfort that many have experienced when taking traditional vitamin C supplements.3
This helps illustrate two very powerful points of interest. First, Amla appears to be an extremely potent antioxidant that utilizes a natural source of vitamin C. The vitamin C in Amla bonds with tannins, thus preventing it from being destroyed by light and heat. This helps ensure better utilization within the body. Next, supplementing Amla makes it possible for people with various stomach and digestive sensitivities to reap the life-enhancing benefits of a compound they might otherwise be unable to take.4
As mentioned earlier, these high concentrations of vitamin C have made Amla a staple among Ayurvedic practitioners. And while much of this can be attributed to the extract's strong antioxidant properties, Amla's potential extends far beyond healthy cells. Research continues to show that, based on its unique profile of active constituents, Amla seems to offer a number of beneficial effects that could not be achieved via synthesized natural-form vitamin C. We now know that Amla contains notable amounts of cytokine-like substances, such as zeatin, z. nucleotide and z. riboside, amid rich concentrations of minerals and amino acids.5
Based on its cooling, antipyretic, antiseptic and rejuvenating properties, Amla has been equally revered for the role it plays in digestion. So much in fact, that it is one of the three main fruits that comprise Triphala, a digestive tonic that contains Amla, Harada and Behada fruits. Long before it piqued the interest of vitamin C researchers, the use of Amla was considered by many Ayurvedic practitioners to be highly effective in rejuvenating the digestive system.6 It has mild laxative properties that encourage normal digestion, assists in the utilization of fats and cholesterol, modulates immune function, facilitates the elimination of toxins, fortifies the liver, supports normal cholesterol balance and prevents lipid peroxidation. And because of its strong antioxidant properties, Amla can help fight free radicals within the GI tract.7,8
Regardless of how you choose to look at it, Amla's complex profile of naturally occurring compounds makes it one of the most versatile extracts available to ever hit the consumer market. Be sure to look for a formula that contains Phyllanthus emblica extracts yielding at least 50% natural ascorbic acid, by weight.
References
1. Kaviratna AC, Sharma P (translators), Caraka-Samhita, Second Revised Edition [volume 3], 1996 Indian Books Centre, Delhi
2. Arora, BB. Development of Unani Drugs from Herbal Sources 1985, P.234 Vitamin C from Amla in equivalent to Vitamin C from Synthetic sources.
3.Ghosal S, Triethi VK, and Chauhan S, Active constituents of Emblica officinalis: Part 1.-The chemistry and antioxidative effects of two new hydrolysable tannins, Emblicanin A and B, Indian Journal of Chemistry 1996; 35B: 941-948.
4. Anonymous, Case Study on Amla-related patent, Technology Information, Forecasting & Assessment Council (TIFAC) Bulletin, 2001; 7(3-4): 6-6.
5. Williamson EM (editor), Major Herbs of Ayurveda, 2002 Churchill-Livingstone, London.
6. Maharashtra Medical Journal June 1980 Volume XXV No. 35
7. International Journal of Indian Medicine July 1985 P.56.
8. Journal Research Ayurveda Sidhha 1985-6(3), P. 137-138.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Alcohol V/s Erectile Dysfunction
It is clear that the statistics on erectile dysfunction cases is far from being precise. Nevertheless, the number of men with erection problems tends to increase due to both medical states and people’s style of life. Moreover, the issue is becoming a rather widespread one for all the countries of the world. The situation is even more complex as too often men have difficulties in discussing their state with a professional. But gradually people become more tolerant to the realities of erectile dysfunction, ready for various forms of treatment that are offered for solving the problem.
The increased risk of erectile dysfunction is often associated with health problems connected with stress. Among the most common reasons of inadequate erection are diabetes, hypertension, injuries and some other medical conditions. Another key aspect of healthy sexual life is the man’s psychological state. Depressive disorders and excess anxiety may lead to erection issues. At the same time, alcohol and alcoholism have been long known as the factors that are directly connected with erectile dysfunction.
The role of alcohol in erection problems is widely covered in specialized literature and publications. It is a proven cause of certain risk factors, which in their turn may result in erectile dysfunction. Almost everyone knows that alcohol increases erotic attraction, but at the same time it affects sexual performance negatively, making it difficult to achieve and maintain a firm enough erection.
Sexual reactions of the body depend on our nervous system greatly. Being a depressant, alcohol changes reactions and stimulations in brain. Constant or large doses of alcohol inhibit nervous activity. As a result, it becomes problematic to sustain sexual intercourse after alcohol intake. Alcohol in the blood system expands or widens the blood vessels of the penis. Consequently, even a strong erection would not maintain as the blood flows off rapidly making the penis relaxed again. Even if not totally impossible, sexual intercourse becomes awkward and hardly brings satisfaction to any of the partners. Moreover, toxins from alcohol remain in the body for hours after drinking.
Erectile dysfunction is able to worsen the man’s life and health considerably. Good news is that erection problems can be overcome when they depend on one’s attitude to alcohol. Alcohol-related issues with sex will be gone as soon as the way of life changes. To begin with, go for a medical consultation to analyze possible interrelation between drinking and erectile dysfunction. Your physician might recommend a course of medicines along with professional consultations regarding drinking.
To free from erection problems, try new approaches to your lifestyle. Healthy habits will help to get rid and/or to prevent causes of erectile dysfunction, or at least to make them manageable. Moreover, drinking modestly is good not only for sexual life but for general state of health and condition. And vice versa, alcohol ruins the reproductive system along with other key organs.
Wellness is key to overall health
BY DR. YONG H. TSAI, ON CALL
Wellness, or good health, has traditionally been viewed as freedom from disease; thus, if you were not sick, you were considered healthy. This perspective is changing. The absence of illness is just one part of being healthy, and, in fact, does not indicate that you are in a state of well-being. Wellness is more, including the sense of total physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. It is a proactive, preventive process designed to achieve optimum levels of health, as well as social and emotional functioning. Wellness is the integration of body, mind, and spirit, and emphasizes the whole person.
Wellness research shows that people who take care of themselves and properly manage their lifestyles are healthier, more productive and have fewer absences from work. Studies have also shown that this "wellness" approach, which focuses on a self-care education program, resulted in less total medical visits and, additionally, a significant decline in medical visits for minor illness.
While traditional medicine concentrates on alleviating or curing disease, the wellness approach encourages patients to take personal responsibility for their well-being. Integrating advanced medical treatment options along with a wellness approach will not only improve medical effectiveness, but eventually decrease medical costs as well. Prevention of illness is an integral part of comprehensive medical care. Optimal outcomes can be achieved by prevention, early diagnosis and treatment of illness.
The new Affordable Health Care Act includes annual wellness exams for senior citizens through the Medicare beneficiary program. It is a new comprehensive preventive health exam that kicks in this year. This new benefit can be used every year and is free to seniors. Furthermore, the exam includes the usual evaluations of vital signs, height, and weight, yet also establishes a schedule for recommended screenings (such as bone density testing, colonoscopy, mammograms and cholesterol screenings) and a medical nutritional consultation. Through the exam physicians also seek to identify cognitive impairment, functional ability, and depression, three problems common to us seniors as we age.
Wellness is closely associated with your lifestyle. Each person has a responsibility to provide for himself or herself such health essentials as good nutrition, proper weight control, exercise and management of risk factors such as smoking, alcohol and drug abuse. Each of these factors play a role in wellness. Sometimes, it is difficult to initiate a wellness lifestyle yourself. There are many types of wellness programs including nutritional and mental health counseling, massage therapy, Tai chi, yoga and other exercise programs. Programs may even involve acupuncture or other alternative medicines. Entering a wellness program is critical to helping people identify their wellness problems and improving their overall well-being. This New Year's resolution need not be just a slogan, but an important first step to following the wellness lifestyle.
Dr. Yong H. Tsai is board-certified in rheumatology, allergy and clinical immunology and has been practicing in this area since 1993.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Five exercises for better sex
Sex is a physical activity, as we already know. Therefore, getting in shape, being fit and having a fabulous body will definitely improve your sex-life. Not only this, working out regularly will help increase your stamina and strength to perform.
People who regularly exercise are more healthier, fitter and tend to have more attractive bodies. This should be enough motivation for folks who think that their weight is normal and hence, do not need to exercise. If the prospects of better health doesn't motivate you, perhaps exercising for the sake of better sex might. Here are some exercises that will help you to enhance your prowess in bed:
Push-ups:
Push-ups are great for obvious reasons. They help to strengthen the arms, shoulders and stomach muscles. Sporting a paunch might be a major turn off for quite a lot of people. Having firm, sexy abs is very attractive physical attribute. Having strong abs is very useful for males especially when it comes to the man-on-top position.
Squats:
Doing squats, a lot of muscles are put to work producing greater amount of hormones, which in turn will boost your sex drive. They improve one's strength and stamina of gluteus muscles and the upper legs thereby helping to improve one's performance. Doing squats also helps one achieve a firm and attractive bottom.
Bench press:
Doing bench presses, helps to strengthen the chest and shoulder muscles. Women find chest muscles sexually appealing and it will help men to support themselves longer without getting exhausted easily. As for women, doing bench presses will make the breasts firm and seem full.
Cardio:
Whether it is doing aerobics, running or swimming, doing cardio-vascular exercises help increase blood circulation in the body. Having a good blood flow and circulation helps in the process of arousal, which is especially essential for men performance-wise. Also, doing cardio helps release of endorphins in the brain, which are known as the happy hormones.
Kegel's exercise:
Last but not the least, Doing Kegel's exercise can help make a remarkable difference in your sex life. Pubococcygeal muscles also known as PC muscles are the muscles used to stop urinating midstream. That's because, for men, regularly doing Kegel's exercises will help them to control the muscles that contract during ejaculation and therefore prolong ejaculation. As for women, doing Kegel's exercises will help you gain gain control over the vaginal muscles, thereby getting greater sexual satisfaction.
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