Archive for the 'Supplements & Vitamins' Category

Whey Protein Vs. Soy Protein

The Colon Cleansing & Constipation Resource Center asked:




Protein has been garnering extra attention as the health conscious realize the benefits of including protein in their diets. Protein is needed to help rebuild the body’s tissue, which is particularly important to athletes and bodybuilders. In fact, the body is in need of a continual supply of protein in order to repair and to build its tissue. Protein is also essential for producing antibodies, hormones, new muscle tissue, and blood hemoglobin. All protein that is lost within the body must be replaced and protein must be present in order for new tissue to be constructed.

While athletes swear by the ability of animal protein to build muscles, researchers are concerned about the potential effects of animal protein on the liver and the kidneys, as well as the link between animal protein and osteoporosis. As a result, many are turning toward soy protein and whey protein instead. But, what are the benefits, drawbacks, and differences between these different forms of protein? And, how much should you include in your diet in order to garner the benefits you are looking for?

Soy Protein

Soybeans contain high quantities of protein (considered to be of equal quality as animal protein) and also contain substantial amounts of amino acids. In addition, soy has been observed to lower cholesterol. Even the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has stated 25 grams of soy protein per day can reduce the chances of developing heart disease.

Soy protein has also been found to reduce the symptoms of menopause, to reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis, and to help prevent a number of diseases related to hormonal issues. These include endometrial cancer, breast cancer, and prostate cancer. Soy protein has also been shown to speed up the metabolism of the thyroid, which can help with obtaining a leaner body. If you are intolerant to soy, however, its specific protein can actually have the opposite effect.

A number of soy protein products can be found at health food stores, including food bars, soy burgers, and even soy-based beverages. Those products containing soy protein isolate generally have the highest saturation. Other products containing soy protein include soy flour, whole soybeans, and tofu. Be sure to check the product label in order to determine the amount of soy protein the product contains.

Remember, however, soy isoflavones, which are sold as supplements in health food stores, are not the same substance as pure soy protein. Nonetheless, soy isoflavones possess a number of beneficial effects, such as improving kidney function and preventing bone loss.

If you are not allergic to soy, there are very few side effects to including soy in your diet. In some people, however, consuming soy on a routine basis can lead to an upset stomach and may even cause diarrhea or constipation.

Whey Protein

Like soy protein, whey protein has been shown to provide a number of benefits. For example, clinical studies have shown whey protein can:

Act as a natural antibacterial or anti-viralAssist in maintaining the proper weightReduce the symptoms of Chronic Fatigue SyndromeReduce liver damageImprove the function of the immune systemImprove blood pressureImprove athletic performanceImprove the function of the digestive systemReduce gastric mucosal injury

Whey protein is very high in biological value (BV), which is highly sought by athletes. In short, BV is the amount of protein your body can replace with 100 grams of consumed diet. The only other foods containing high levels of BV are whole eggs and egg whites. Unlike eggs, however, whey protein does not contain high levels of fat.

While soy protein is derived from soybeans, whey protein is derived from milk as a diluted byproduct of the cheese-making process. Fresh liquid whey protein contains only about 1% protein because it is mostly comprised of lactose and water. For this reason, it takes about 229 liters of milk to produce just one kilogram of high quality whey protein isolate.

While in its original form, whey protein affects the digestive tract in much the same way as yogurt. Therefore, it is considered to be a natural remedy for many intestinal issues. In fact, it is often used in Sweden to help prevent bowel problems, gas, and constipation. Nonetheless, it can have the opposite effect and actually lead to constipation for some individuals.

The amount of whey protein recommended in a person’s diet depends on his or her weight, gender, age, level of activity, and overall health. Including both soy and whey protein in your diet can be very beneficial to your health; but, since both can lead to constipation, be sure to follow a high fiber diet to help keep your bowel movements regular. Try one or both of these all-natural health supplements and discover the results for yourself!

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on February 3rd 2010 in Supplements & Vitamins

How to Choose a Colon Cleanser

Dr. Smith asked:




Conlon cleanser as substance that helps us in cleaning with all the debris and the accumulated fecal matter in our colons and intestines. Colon cleansers are extremely helpful in eradication the unwanted material that some how is left in our colon. Colon is the most important part of our digestive tract as what ever we eat is basically absorbed in this part, therefore the energy we actually derive from our food is due to the activities of the colon.

But due to the accumulation of the undigested food particles and more over the purification if the non-evacuated material leads to complete disturbance in this process causing conditions like constipation, IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), flatulence, foul smell in feces, indigestion, pain in abdomen, fatigue, lack of energy, dull skin and many more.

Well now as you have understood the importance of colon in our body, then how can you use any thing for cleaning your colon. You have to be very cautious using products that can seriously affect your health. Hence make it a point that you choose the best supplement that will enhance the activity of your colon.

Hence it is always recommended to use Triphala, the natural colon cleanser to eradicate those accumulated materials in your colon. Triphala is one of the oldest and the best natural solution to male your colon happy. It does not carry any side effects and is completely safe. Triphala also helps you in restoring all your lost powers and stamina. Triphala available at herbalcureindia.com is only Triphala that is available on internet that has been evaluated by FDA and is recommended by all the herbalists

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on February 1st 2010 in Supplements & Vitamins

Cirrhosis of Liver Prevention and Treatment

adrianna smith asked:




Cirrhosis of the liver is permanent damage to the liver by scar tissue. Although alcoholic liver disease is one of the major causes of cirrhosis, it is not the only one, accounting for only about half of the cases.

Cirrhosis of liver is a disease and problem of the liver in which scar tissues are formed. Cirrhosis of liver may result due to any injury or chronic disease. Liver has many vital and important functions to do such as it helps to make protein, fight against the infection, remove the toxins from the blood, helps in digestion and also stores energy for future use. But if your liver becomes diseased all these functions get disturbed. If not treated on time, cirrhosis of liver can become life threatening.

Cirrhosis can also be caused by numerous other diseases ranging from viral hepatitis to genetic diseases. Cirrhosis is a complication of many liver diseases that is characterized by abnormal structure and function of the liver. The diseases that lead to cirrhosis do so because they injure and kill liver cells, and the inflammation and repair that is associated with the dying liver cells causes scar tissue to form. The liver cells that do not die multiply in an attempt to replace the cells that have died.

Causes of cirrhosis

Some of the important causes of cirrhosis are:

Excessive intake of alcohol, chronic hepatitis, autoimmune disease, fatty liver disease, certain drugs, infections, diseases of bile ducts, inherited diseases such as hemochromatosis, Wilson disease etc.

Symptoms of cirrhosis

Some of the important symptoms of cirrhosis are:

Feeling of weakness and tiredness, loss of appetite, lose weight, bloating of abdomen due to accumulation of fluid, it may also lead to septicemia, increased blood cholesterol, increased blood pressure, engorged veins and major organs such as heart and kidneys may also get affected.

Prevention of cirrhosis

Once your cirrhosis or any liver disease has been diagnosed you can prevent its complications by taking some precautions. Some of the important steps that you can take to prevent cirrhosis of liver are given below:

• Healthy lifestyle and good nutritious diet helps in preventing liver disease.

• Practice some simple exercise and keep yourself healthy.

• Do not be overweight and try to maintain your weight. Overweight is a cause of many diseases.

• Avoid drinking too much alcohol and intoxicating drugs.

Complications of cirrhosis

If liver diseases is not treated on time it may lead to serious complications which can prove to be life threatening. Some of the important complications of cirrhosis of liver disease are:

• It may lead to accumulation of fluid in the abdomen called as ascitis.

• It may lead to bleeding and bruising of the skin.

• It may lead to increased blood pressure.

• It may lead to swelling of the veins.

• Jaundice is another complication of the cirrhosis.

• It may affect the nervous system; increased bilirubin may reach to the brain and lead damage to the brain cells.

• It may also cause gallstones and liver cancer.

Get more information and treatment on Liver Cirrhosis Symptoms and Liver Cirrhosis Prevention and Liver Cirrhosis Complications at Ayurvedicherbalcure.com/health-products/liv-52.html

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on October 22nd 2009 in Supplements & Vitamins

Colon Cleanser Tablets

The Colon Cleansing & Constipation Resource Center asked:




Colon cleanser tablets are an excellent way to keep your colon clean and healthy. To ensure good results and to keep your body safe, you need to know how to select the right colon cleanser tablets from the many available on the market.

Reasons for Using Colon Cleanser Tablets

As the name implies, colon cleanser tablets are used to clean out the colon. Cleansing the colon should be a part of your regular health routine to help keep your overall health at its optimum level.

You may be surprised to realize the importance of the colon regarding overall health. The reasons are very simple. In response to the foods you eat, your colon naturally produces mucus and sludge to protect itself during the digestive process. The more unhealthy foods you eat, the more mucus and sludge your colon produces. Unfortunately, this mucus and sludge tends to become built up on the inner colon wall and makes it difficult for waste to pass through. Thereafter, constipation may develop.

In addition to causing constipation, the accumulated sludge releases toxins into your bloodstream. These toxins spread throughout your body, causing your immune system to weaken, ultimately leading to many illnesses such as allergies, skin rashes, and general fatigue.

To help keep the colon clean and prevent the spread of toxins within your system, you should use colon cleanser tablets. Using the right colon cleansing tablets will flush out your system and remove the waste from the walls of your colon.

Selecting Colon Cleansing Tablets

If you have been searching for colon cleansing tablets already, you have probably discovered literally dozens of different tablets are available. How are you supposed to determine which colon cleanser tablets are right for you?

You should consider several factors when shopping for colon cleanser tablets. The first thing you need to consider is whether or not the colon cleanser tablets are oxygen-based. Oxygen-based colon cleansers, such as Oxy-Powder®, are capable of liquefying the waste built up on your colon wall. This allows it to be released more easily from your body while also leaving your colon cleansed and healthy.

Many colon cleanser tablets can be detrimental to your health. For example, colon cleanser tablets relying on a laxative effect should be avoided. These types of colon cleanser tablets do not actually cleanse the colon. Rather, they soften the stool that was going to be released anyway. As a result, the mucus and sludge that has built up on your colon walls is not removed. Also, your colon can become dependent upon the supplement, which means you will not be able to eliminate waste properly unaided. On the other hand, oxygen-based colon cleanser tablets are not addictive.

You also need to be careful to select colon cleansing tablets made with fresh ingredients. To save money, some manufacturers use ingredients that are nearly expired or they use parts of plants containing less of the active ingredient than the actual source. This results in tablets that are not potent or that do not provide the proper effect. In some cases, the ingredients may expire and can actually upset your colon or make your digestive problems worse.

Colon cleansing tablets including a variety of ingredients are more effective than those relying on a single ingredient. In fact, some single ingredient colon cleansing tablets can be too abrasive and can damage your digestive system. Those colon cleansing tablets (made solely from Psyllium husks for example) can be detrimental if used too frequently.

Recognizing When Colon Cleansing Tablets are Effective

There are a number of ways to determine whether or not your colon cleansing tablets are effective. First, the appearance of your stool can help you determine if you are achieving success. If your colon cleanser tablets are cleansing the mucus from your colon, you will notice that your stool is shiny. It will probably be dark in color as well, which will help you differentiate between colon cleanser tablets that cause diarrhea and those that are actually cleansing the colon.

You may also lose some weight after using quality colon cleansing tablets. This weight is not fat. Rather, it is weight lost from finally emptying the accumulated waste from your colon. Some people lose as much as 20 pounds after cleansing their colons. Even if you don’t lose weight, most people feel lighter after a successful colon cleansing.

Colon cleansing tablets are beneficial to your digestive system as well as your body. Just choose the right tablets in order to obtain the results you desire.

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on August 19th 2009 in Supplements & Vitamins

Is Colon Cleansing Safe?

The Colon Cleansing & Constipation Resource Center asked:




Colon cleansing is the process of introducing gentle jets of water into the large intestine for washing away waste matter and toxins. But is colon cleansing safe and what exactly does it involve? Preserving colon health is imperative for many reasons, with the most important being the role of the large intestine in evacuating organic waste from the body. Roughly the shape of a large letter “M”, the colon ranges in length from between four and a half to five and a half feet and is about two and a half inches wide. While the small intestine is wedged between the stomach and liver, the colon stops at the anus.

The colon is the portion of the digestive tract responsible for temporarily holding waste before it exits the body. Substandard colon health can impede the body’s ability to properly dispose of waste. In fact, a contaminated colon can potentially lead to other medical conditions including:



Digestive DisorderConstipationDiarrheaProblem Skin (acne)Fatigue

When properly administered, colon cleansing has proven to be very safe, especially with recent updates in equipment and technique. Enemas were the old-fashioned answer to the colon cleansing dilemma. Unfortunately, enemas are also to blame for many concerns over colon cleansing safety. Enemas differ from bowel irrigation in their value; enemas typically cleanse only the lower 20% of the colon. With roughly eighty percent of the large intestine left untreated by an enema, the procedure doesn’t provide the same effectiveness as modern colon hydrotherapy. Some of the health benefits associated with colonic irrigation:



Removal of Trapped Fecal MatterExpulsion of harmful bacteriaEncouraged growth of beneficial intestinal floraImproved colorectal muscular activityExpulsion of harmful organisms



Other than water irrigation, many variations of digestive health treatments have emerged with colon cleansing being the chief aim. In fact, you can now obtain colon cleansing supplements featuring organic compounds to help the colon cleanse and heal itself. For example, Oxy-Powder® works by activating oxygen within the intestinal tract and is an excellent choice for helping to maintain colon efficiency along with your colon hydrotherapy sessions. Even though colon hydrotherapy has existed for years, the ultimate question remains—is colon cleansing safe?

Frequent Colon Cleansing Safety Concerns

When it comes to the question of safety, there are a number of common colon cleansing concerns:



Pain: Some individuals base their decisions on a simple idea—does it hurt? Colon hydrotherapy is routinely described as “reinvigorating” or “refreshing.”Penetration of Treatments: Just how deeply the colon cleansing apparatus enters the body is another top safety concern. Enemas affect only the first eight to twelve inches of the colon. Colon cleansing treatments penetrate more deeply so as to provide a thorough cleansing for the entire length of the colon, but are relatively safe if administered by a hydrotherapy specialist.Risk of Infection: Perhaps one of the biggest concerns with colon cleansing concerns potential exposure to harmful bacteria and viruses. Modern advances in colon cleansing equipment, like the use of disposable pre-sterilized hoses and tips, help ensure a germ-free colon cleansing experience.

But Is Colon Cleansing Safe?

Colon irrigation promotes no direct side effects. Nonetheless, the process of eliminating toxins can cause some minor intestinal problems. Once the mucous buildup begins to leave the body, minute amounts may be reabsorbed along the way. The toxin absorption can result in cold or flue like symptoms (which may include nausea, headaches, and dizziness) but will ultimately reverse itself once the outflow diminishes. In fact, getting rid of all that toxic debris can lead to increased energy, mental clarity, and overall feelings of wellbeing.

Proper Colon Cleansing

Variations in bowel irrigation techniques also promote increased safety. For example, modern hydrotherapy systems, like colon cleansing board kits, utilize temperature-controlled water for cleansing the colon. Recent developments include a specially designed speculum to assist in delivering the water into the large intestine gently to reduce the possibility of tissue damage. Additionally, colon hydrotherapy equipment also maintains the water pressure and temperature so the cleansing is conducted at a uniform rate. Therefore, via a combination of advancements in material technology and the application of the cleansing by a professional, you can be assured colon cleansing can be a very safe procedure indeed!

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on July 13th 2009 in Supplements & Vitamins

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