HowToDoThings.com Vitamins & Supplements

How To Learn About Acai

Staff468 — Wed, 04 Apr 2007 13:17:00 -0500

The Açai berry, pronounced ah-sigh-ee, comes from the Açai palm native to the Amazonian rainforests. The Açai tree is the same tree that yields the heart of palm sometimes used in salads. The Açai berry itself is small, round and blackish-purple. Because they deteriorate rapidly after being picked, Açai berries used to be available only in the Amazon region. Now Açai berries are usually juiced or made into a fruit pulp that gets dried, frozen or freeze-dried before transport and then used in a variety of beverages, including juice blends and smoothies, as well as in supplements and other food products.

Here is some information about the benefits of the products and supplements made from Açai berries:

How To Choose Glucosamine Supplements

H550 — Fri, 16 Feb 2007 20:41:00 -0600

Glucosamine builds the "cushion" in our joints and has been found to rebuild damaged joints, restore function and reduce pain in arthritic joints. While it is often expensive, when compared to the risk of pain medications geared towards bone pain, plus the expense and loss of enjoyment of life due to impaired functioning, many people are anxious to consider spending a couple dollars a day for glucosamine supplements. Many with arthritis or bone-related pain report increase in function and decreased pain when using glucosamine. For some, it restores the actual damaged joint cartilage, while for others it reduces the need for pain medications. Some report that it restores function.

How To Choose Fiber Supplements

H550 — Fri, 16 Feb 2007 19:07:00 -0600

Dietary fiber found in fruits and vegetables is considered the best form of fiber. Cereal fibers (bran, oats) and whole grains are the next best fibers. What makes these fibers better is that the fiber "scrubbing" action (along the inside of the colon) is better with the nutrients found in food, rather than just from the fiber only. Both types of fiber are beneficial for digestive health, weight control, building muscle, enhancing your immune system, bone health and a host of other benefits. However, most people only get about half of the recommended 20 - 35 grams per day of dietary fiber, so supplementation is sometimes necessary. Fiber supplementation is also a great way to lose weight without losing muscle mass.

How To Choose Thyroid Supplements

Kimberly579 — Fri, 09 Feb 2007 04:53:00 -0600

If you're researching thyroid supplements, you most likely suspect, or have received a diagnosis of, hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism is a condition where the thyroid produces too few hormones to maintain proper metabolism. It is more common in older women than in men and may initially cause few symptoms. Over time however, hypothyroidism can cause symptoms such as intolerance of cold, elevated cholesterol, weight gain, stiffness, constipation, depression, and dry skin and nails. While there is no cure for hypothyroidism, it can be successfully managed with thyroid supplements. Follow these five steps to start your own treatment course.

How To Choose SAM-e Supplements

Staff468 — Wed, 07 Feb 2007 15:54:00 -0600

Creator of neurotransmitters, mother of antioxidants, strengthener of cells - it's hard to believe that one amino acid is capable of so many physiological feats. S-Adenosyl methionine - or "Sam-e," as it's affectionately called - has been shown benefit for those suffering from a variety of conditions, such as depression, osteoarthritis and liver disease. But there are some guidelines you should know before you decide to take SAM-e. Consult our other article to learn more about the benefits of taking SAM-e, as well as some of the risks. Read on for tips on choosing an effective SAM-e supplement and properly planning your supplement routine.

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How To Benefit From SAM-e

Staff468 — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 18:18:00 -0600

Afraid of taking the supplement that sounds like "Sammy?" When looking at the unabbreviated name of SAM-e - S-Adenosyl methionine - you might be more frightened. Methionine? It sounds unpleasant, maybe even dangerous! In truth, SAM-e (or just SAM) is naturally produced by our bodies and can be found in some foods. When taken properly as a supplement, it can be a great friend to you. It's no wonder that we stick to the friendly title that sounds more like a proper noun than a toxic gas.

As a methyl donor in our bodies, SAM-e protects against cellular damage and is present throughout the entire body. But if our bodies produce it, and we consume it in foods, why would we want to take SAM-e supplements? For starters, food is not a reliable means of increasing our levels of SAM-e. Here are some other compelling reasons.

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How To Choose Collagen Supplements

H550 — Fri, 02 Feb 2007 21:12:00 -0600

Collagen is essential for the underlying structure of our muscles, tendons, cartilage, ligaments, and bones. Collagen supports the skin, which is why the loss of collagen results in sagging skin and wrinkles. Collagen also supports the body's natural movements.

Many people with arthritis or bone-related pain report increased function and decreased pain when using collagen as a supplement. If you are considering orthopedic surgery or are in pain, strongly consider a collagen supplement program to see if you can improve your functionality, endurance and reduce pain levels.

Many people also use collagen topically and via supplementation for improving the appearance of hair, skin and nails. Currently many lip plumpers, skin products and other collagen supplements increase collagen upon application and tout this because collagen is thought to create a more youthful appearance.

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How To Choose Lycopene Supplements

H550 — Thu, 18 Jan 2007 20:05:00 -0600

Lycopene is a derivative from tomatoes that is responsible for giving many fruits and vegetables a ripe red color. Lycopene is an important and powerful antioxidant in that it not only provides whole-body antioxidant benefits, but also can help people with specific conditions like exercise-induced asthma, pre-eclampsia, prostate cancer, sunburn and macular degeneration. Taking lycopene can possibly help to prevent atherosclerosis, reduce your risk of cancer and improve immune function.

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How To Choose Potassium Supplements

H550 — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 22:43:00 -0600

Potassium is needed for maintaining a normal fluid balance, muscle action, proper transmission of nerve impulses; it assists in the conversion of glucose to glycogen, and in the synthesis of muscle protein from amino acids. It is found naturally in bananas, potatoes, orange juice and other fruits and vegetables. However, as you sweat while exercising, your generally loose potassium, so it needs to be replenished after exercise.

Potassium can also be lost or stored in your system due to the diuretic effect of certain medications; this is referred to as sparing and non-sparing drugs. Long term anti-inflammatory use, heart medications, diuretics used for high blood pressure, and certain birth control pills (such as the Yaz brand) all lower potassium levels. The estimated requirement for an otherwise healthy individual who is building muscle or exercising rigorously is 2000 mg for an adult.

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How To Use Muscle Recovery Sports Supplements

H550 — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 21:43:00 -0600

Over-training or overreaching is of concern to exercisers, so the use of muscle recovery supplements is a common technique to help resume your program faster. There are four key supplements and two key antioxidants to enhance your body's recovery from exercise by boosting the various systems of the muscles' recovery process after overexertion. Since these are unique supplements, look for them at GNC or a similar vitamin shop that deals expressly with the needs of athletes, as they are generally unlikely to be found in the typical vitamin aisle of drug stores. It is important to combine this program with sufficient sleep to process glucose and produce energy, as well as to avoid the side effects of sleep deprivation, including increased cortisol production, which attacks muscle tissue and halts muscle recovery.

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