FitSugar

Many Probiotics Short on Bacteria

FitSugar — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:09 -0800

With claims that they improve digestion, bolster immunity, and fight acne, it's no wonder that probiotic supplements are big business. Newsweek reports that sales of these supplements have more than quadrupled in the last 10 years. I will admit, I'm a fan these friendly bacteria found in yogurt and miso, but it's the quality of the supplements that's raising eyebrows.

Many popular probiotic supplements were tested by Consumer Lab, an independent agency that monitors vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements not regularly tested by the government. The lab's findings are a bit startling. Some of the products contain as little as 13 percent of the amount of "viable bacteria" claimed on the products' labels, although most products do contain one billion organisms - the amount needed to register some health benefits.

When it comes to misleading marketing with these supplements, much of the problem stems from the fact that the term probiotics has no legal definition and can be used loosely by manufactures. Of the supplements tested, ConsumerLab ranked Advocare Probiotic Restore, GNC Nature Brand Best Super Acidophilus, and Jarrow Formulas Jarro-Dophilus as having the highest quality. You can buy a full review from Consumer Lab for $12.

The Skinny on Rhodiola

FitSugar — Fri, 15 May 2009 13:30:00 -0700

In a recent Runner's World article, Jennifer Beals (actress and avid runner) said, "Rhodiola has been really helpful in terms of healing. . . . I have since discovered a lot of runners and a lot of athletes use it because it's an anti-inflammatory."

I had never heard of this supplement, but have since learned that it comes from a plant with yellow flowers and bears the full name Rhodiola rosea. It's also called arctic root since it grows at high altitudes in cold regions. It's been used in traditional medicine in Russia and the Scandinavian countries for centuries to treat a whole slew of issues including fatigue, poor attention span, migraines, and decreased memory. It may also prevent depression, enhance the immune system, and increase sexual energy. Fruit flies taking Rhodiola in a study lived 10 percent longer than fruit flies that did not, and it had anticancer effects on rats.

Athletes take Rhodiola to increase their physical endurance, combat anxiety when in stressful situations (such as a competition), and for its anti-inflammatory properties.

Rhodiola sounds like some miracle plant, but it also has some negative side effects. To hear about them read more.

Taking Rhodiola may cause headaches, an upset stomach, drowsiness, irritability, and difficulty sleeping. It's not recommended for people with bipolar disorder.

The roots of this herb are dried and sold on their own, as a powder, as a tincture, or in capsule form. Like many herbal supplements, there aren't a ton of scientific studies about Rhodiola. That's not to say it doesn't help people with various ailments and issues, but it should be taken with caution.

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Acidophilus Pearls: The Goodness of Yogurt Without the Spoon

FitSugar — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 09:00:00 -0700

I'm sure you've all heard about how the live active cultures in yogurt are excellent for your digestive tract. If you have a hard time fitting in a cup of yogurt into your diets everyday or if you just don't eat dairy products, then Acidophilus Pearls, a type of probiotic supplement, were made for you then. It offers the benefits of acidophilus without the calories, cholesterol, sugars, or lactose found in yogurt. If you have tummy troubles, taking one capsule a day can help alleviate occasional gas and constipation plus symptoms of lactose intolerance. Plus these Pearls don't need to be refrigerated like other probiotic pills - and they even made the list of the best probiotics for your money.

Want to know what else probiotics are good for? Then read more

When it comes to your belly, probiotics assist the body's naturally occurring gut flora (useful microorganisms that live in the digestive tract) that often get out of whack because of the foods we eat, and they help maintain a balance of healthy bacteria. Not only that but they also support your immune system and benefit your skin. Taking probiotics can also reduce inflammation, lower cholesterol, lower blood pressure, improve mineral absorption, prevent yeast infections, and improve symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome, and Colitis. Wow. All I know is that when I take them, I feel so much better.

Who knew they did all that. Do any of you take Acidophilus Pearls or another kind of probiotic?

Glucomannan: A Safe Way to Lose Weight?

FitSugar — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 07:30:00 -0800

There is no shortage of crash diets and diet pills when it comes to losing weight fast and easy. Companies are even pushing natural supplements that they claim will help melt away pounds, like this one called Glucomannan. It's a water-soluble dietary fiber made from the corm (underground stem) of the Asian plant known as konjac. People take it because it slows down digestion and delays the absorption of glucose from the intestines. This supplement also absorbs a lot of water so it swells in your stomach, giving you a full feeling. Since it's natural, people think it's healthy and safe.

It's true that fiber is great to include in your diet, because it helps with constipation, and can lower total levels of cholesterol in the body, but is adding fiber in the form of glucomannan a good idea? To find out read more

Limited studies have been carried out to test whether this supplement really affects body weight. Not only that, but people taking glucomannan have suffered from intestinal and esophageal obstruction, and for that reason, it has been banned in several countries. Yikes!

So if I were you, I'd steer clear of glucommanan until more research can be done. I know it's not easy to lose weight the good old fashioned way of eating right and exercising regularly, but it really is the most effective way to lose pounds and keep them off.

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What's the Deal With: Melatonin

FitSugar — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 16:35:00 -0700

Lack of sleep getting you down? It seems like a fair amount of you don't feel like you get enough sleep. That is a bit worrisome since a good night's sleep is a vital ingredient for good health. So if you're plagued by insomnia, you might want to know about melatonin. It is a hormone that helps to control the sleep wake cycle, and it is derived from the amino acid we most commonly associate with sleep, tryptophan. Since darkness triggers the release of melatonin, natural levels of the hormone are highest just before bedtime. While melatonin has been proven only mildly effective as a sleep aid for insomniacs, it may play a stronger role in overcoming jet lag.

Melatonin comes in a synthetic supplement form, however, it can cause a few side effects, which can include: daytime sleepiness, dizziness, headaches and abdominal discomfort. The optimal dose of melatonin has not been determined, and its long term effects have not been tested either. I did find the sleep aid drink Dreamerz, which contains melatonin, tasty and effective.

Fit's Tip: If you are using melatonin to fight jet lag, you should take it on the first day of travel close to the bedtime of your destination. You must take it every 24 hours for several days for it to help alleviate the symptoms of jet lag.

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DrSugar Answers: Are Herbal Supplements Safe?

DrSugar — Fri, 08 May 2009 08:00:00 -0700

DrSugar is in the house and he's answering your health questions.

Dear DrSugar,
I've never taken herbal supplements, but I know many people do. I read about herbal supplements that reduce body fat, specifically belly fat, and possibly stress. I was wondering if you could answer a few questions for me? What do you think of herbal supplements in general? How does someone find quality herbal supplements . . . do you recommend any? I would love some advice on the matter.
- Herb Curious

This is an increasingly popular subject. Learn what the doctor has to say on the matter when you read more.

There is a tremendous amount of misinformation out there surrounding the use and efficacy of herbal supplements. If you go to a local herbal supplement store, as I have recently, and read the bottle labels, you will see a wide variety of claims such as "stress reducer," "sexual enhancer," "ultra fat burner," and more. Most of these claims have not been validated by scientific studies and compared with a placebo. In some instances, product claims have been completely debunked. Vitamin E, for instance, has been proven to not reduce the risk of cancer despite its antioxidant content. Regarding supplements claiming to reduce belly fat and stress: if they really worked and were safe, who wouldn’t be taking them? Can you imagine a safe pill that took five pounds off the belly and relieved stress? If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Some supplements and vitamins are effective and safe. Calcium supplements and vitamin D promote long-term bone health and can reduce risks of developing osteoporosis. Fish oil has been shown to have beneficial effects on lowering cholesterol. St. John's Wort has provided some benefits in treating mild depression, but not severe depression. A multivitamin can be beneficial for people who do not eat a well rounded diet due to dietary restrictions or other health problems. The list goes on.

The key is to be skeptical of herbal supplements claims and to research specific supplements from a reputable source. The Mayo Clinic's Drugs and Supplement site has an extensive review of supplements and highlights the supporting data (or lack of) for each use. Keep in mind that not all supplements are safe. Heavily advertised Hydroxycut, for example, was recently pulled from shelves for causing liver problems. Other "fat burners" were just stimulants and were pulled off the market for causing heart problems. Many herbal medicines can also interact with traditional medicines, so always talk to your doctor first if you’re already on other medicines.

DrSugar's posts are for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Click here for more details.

Mineral supplement combination (By mouth)

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 20:09:59 -0700

Overview

Introduction
Brand Name(s)
When This Medicine Should Not Be Used
How to Use This Medicine
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Warnings While Using This Medicine
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Introduction

Supplies your body with minerals if you are not getting enough through your regular diet.

Brand Name(s)

Calcium/Magnesium/Zinc, Florical, Monocal, Mineral Compleet, Magnebind 200, Nonamin, Mineral Compleet Chelated, Life-Pack Women's, Slow-Mag, Mag64, Mag Delay, Mag-SR Plus Calcium, Nutra-Support Bone, Tonsiline, 666 Preparation w/Quinine

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to any of the minerals that are in the specific supplement you are using. The label on the package should list all of the minerals that the supplement contains.

How to Use This Medicine

Tablet, Chewable Tablet, Coated Tablet, Long Acting Tablet, Capsule, Liquid Filled Capsule, Long Acting Capsule, Liquid, Powder

Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
If you are using this medicine without a prescription, follow the instructions on the medicine label.
Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.
Some minerals, such as calcium, may need to be taken with food or milk. Read the package label to find out if you need to take your supplement with food or milk.
Some oral liquid supplements can be mixed with water or juice. Read the package label to find out how to take your supplement if you want to mix it in water or juice.

If a dose is missed:

Missing a dose of a mineral supplement is usually not a problem.
If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Some oral liquid supplements need to be stored in the refrigerator. Read the package label to find out how to store your liquid supplement. Do not freeze.
Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Some medicines contain minerals. For example, many antacid medicines (such as Tums®) contain magnesium and calcium. Read the label on any medicine to make sure you are not getting too many minerals.
Some minerals can interfere with other medicines. You might need to take your mineral supplement at a different time than you take other medicines. If you are using any other medicine, ask your pharmacist or doctor about this.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Some minerals should not be used if you have certain health problems. If you have an on-going disease or other health problem, do not use this medicine unless your doctor says it is okay. Some health problems that could be affected by minerals are cancer, diabetes, kidney disease, kidney stones, food allergies, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), or problems with your hyperparathyroid gland.
If you are using a mineral supplement that contains iron, it might have enough iron to poison a small child. Be very careful to keep this medicine out of the reach of children. If a child does swallow some of this medicine, call a doctor or poison control center right away.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Diarrhea or constipation
Nausea, loss of appetite, or upset stomach

Review Date: 8/4/2008

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

A.D.A.M. Copyright

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997-2009 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

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Label Able: USP Verified Supplement Mark

FitSugar — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 07:30:00 -0700

When shopping for supplements you want to select a brand that has the USP Verified seal. The seal is awarded to dietary supplements that have been tested by U.S. Pharmacopeia an independent not-for-profit organization. Although their standards are enforceable by the FDA.

For a supplement to bear the USP's stamp of approval the vitamin manufacturer voluntarily submits (and pays for) their product to be tested. All supplements are tested on the following criteria:

What's on the label is in fact in the bottle-all the listed ingredients in the declared amount.
The supplement does not contain harmful levels of contaminants.
The supplement will break down and release ingredients in the body.
The supplement has been made under good manufacturing practices.

The mark is a lot like a "clean bill of health" for your supplements. Let's be clear here, the seal assures the quality of the product not the effectiveness of the supplement's health benefit claims.

Fit's Tip: Be sure that the supplements you buy have the USP mark/seal/logo. If the product has just the word "USP verified" on its label the manufacturer thinks their product would pass inspection, but the supplement has not been actually tested.

The Skinny On: Mercury and Fish Oil Supplements

FitSugar — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 03:00:00 -0700

Eating fish is a great way to get your fill of essential omega-3 fatty acids. This healthy fat can help fight obesity, improve your mood, prevent chronic aches and pains, and keep your heart healthy. If you're not a fan of preparing or eating fish, then you may opt for the convenience of fish oil capsules instead. You may have wondered how safe these supplements are when it comes to mercury levels or toxic pollutants found in some species of fish.

To find out, read more.

Studies show that most fish oil supplements contain little or no mercury since they're made from cod, anchovies, and sardines. These types of fish are lower on the food chain, so they live shorter lives and accumulate less mercury. Most companies distill their fish oils too, which helps remove any contaminants such as dioxins or PCBs. So if you're worried about getting too much mercury from eating fish, taking fish oil supplements is a safe choice. Also, look for the USP seal on your nutritional supplements.

Antioxidants: Food IS Better Than Supplements

FitSugar — Thu, 01 Mar 2007 17:30:00 -0800

Have you all seen the report that antioxidants don't help you live longer? First let me clarify that the study was on supplements.
An analysis of dozens of studies illustrates that supplements of Vitamins A, C and E as well as beta carotene and selenium do not help people live longer. Yep, it is better to get your nutrients from food not supplements.

Not all experts agree that folks should stop taking their vitamins. Meir Stampfer, professor of nutrition and epidemiology at the Harvard School of Public Health, said the new analysis hasn't discouraged him from taking his vitamins. He believes the studies were not consistent enough to convince him that supplements have no value.

Fit's Tip: I have a love/hate relationship with vitamin supplements, so I strongly suggest eating healthy, well balanced meals to get your antioxidants. If you feel like you're not quite getting all that you need, then by all means, take a supplement. Try to eat more winter squash it is really high in vitamins A and C as well as beta carotene.