Human Growth Hormone Supplements - The Facts

By Bethany Jordin

HGH supplements are one of the latest craze today in the
field of health and supplementation. With all the talk about
HGH supplements, let us discuss the facts and separate them
from the fiction that's been going around about HGH products
in the market.

There are of course literally hundreds of websites marketing
and selling HGH supplements. It is a huge niche market. As
you would expect, every company claims to have the best
product that out-performs all of the others. But is it true?

So how to sort out the jokers from the good guys; the good
product from the bad; those that really do work, from those
that really don't? There are some crooks out there who will
sell you a harmless but ineffective placebo because they
make more profit that way. But how can you recognize and
avoid them? One way of spotting the rogues is by the
exaggerated claims that they make about their product. So
let's have a look at a few of these wild claims and see if
any of them hold any water.

Claim: That HGH supplements add up to 8.8% of genuine extra
muscle tone, and that you will also lose 14.4% of your body
fat without having to do any physical exercise or having to
go on a calorie controlled diet. Our response: The figures
used in this claim are taken from research done by Dr Rudman
in 1990. Whilst the figures themselves are true, his
methodology was to use injections of HGH. The supplemental
product making this claim is in capsule format. Capsules
deliver a significantly smaller dose of HGH than do
injections, and therefore any comparison is invalid.
Capsules can, and do work, but it is over a longer duration,
by slow build up.

Claim: Our pill/powder/spray contains the real human growth
hormone. Fact: First, know that HGH is a prescription drug.
If you put real HGH in significant amounts, it will no
longer be considered a supplement, but a drug. A drug can
only be sold with prescription, so technically it is illegal
to market them without it. Most websites market HGH
supplements that either contain homeopathic amounts of HGH -
meaning really minute amounts (up to 2 micrograms), or HGH
boosters/releasers which contain ingredients that stimulate
the natural production of HGH in the brain.

Claim: The FDA approves the HGH used in their product. Our
response: This is incorrect. The FDA does not get involved
in any way, shape, or form, with the health food supplement
industry, of which HGH supplements are a part. This lack of
regulation is one of the reasons that there are so many
different supplemental products on the market, but in truth,
none of them can be FDA approved. If they say they are, they
lie.

So are there supplements worth taking? Although this article
outlines some of the points to be careful about when buying
HGH supplements, it does not deny the fact that many HGH
products sold by reliable websites are actually effective.
It is only a matter of choosing the right website to trust,
and staying away from sellers who make false claims just to
make a sale.

HGH supplements are worth taking if you choose the right
brand and company to buy from. As with all supplements it is
advisable to consult your professional health care provider
before adding HGH supplements to your lifestyle.

Bethany Jordin is an Information Technology professional and
aspiring writer who focuses on topics relating to herbal
supplementation. For more on the benefits and safety of
(http://www.best-hgh-releasers.com/hgh-supplements.html) HGH
supplements visit (http://www.best-hgh-releasers.com)

How To Focus On Whole Foods To Achieve Optimal Fitness & Vitality

In a world of increased awareness of natural health – achieving optimum fitness and vitality through a focus on whole foods, organic ingredients, and a natural lifestyle – more and more attention has turned to the use of natural herbs in every day life. But while they may be once again gaining popularity, the use of natural herbs dates back to prehistoric times in the use of everything from food to medicine.

A variety of cultures along the way have identified the properties of specific herbs and classified them accordingly. Throughout history more and more natural herbs have been identified as having enormous medicinal benefits and continue to be used today in much the same fashion.

Chili peppers have been shown to reduce pain; nutmeg aids digestion; ginger helps combat nausea and vomiting – the list goes on and on. Whether used to sustain health and vigor or to remedy a host of maladies, natural herbs can be a healthy alternative to many over-the-counter medications; although they should never replace prescription medication for a chronic condition without the supervision of a medical professional.

Of course natural herbs also lend themselves to inclusion in a variety of different cuisines. Depending on the culture, specific natural herbs are used to enhance flavor and augment meals. Ginger, basil, and a host of others add tremendous flavor and health to a variety of meals. The added benefit to using natural herbs in cooking is increased flavor without the use of fats. Cooking with natural herbs can be an extremely healthy way to prepare food.

Another benefit to using natural herbs – whether in food or for medicinal purposes – is the convenience of finding anything you need in a variety of locations. Natural herbs can be found everywhere from the grocery store to local farmers markets to health food stores. Or, if you are so inclined, you can grow your own natural herb garden right in your backyard. Nothing beats the convenience of having natural herbs right at your fingertips.

No matter how you use natural herbs, you will find the benefits to be increased health, overall enjoyment of food, and a renewed focus on a natural lifestyle.

Why Vitamin C Powder Must Be Part Of Your Daily Diet

By Richard Rosal

Vitamin C powder is a wonderful supplemental addition to the
diet, having a wide range of health benefits. Derived from
Ascorbic acid, this water soluble vitamin is important in
many bodily functions but its main use is as a preventative
measure in the degradation of LDL cholesterol (low density
lipoproteins) from causing irreversible heart damage.

The Ascorbic acid found in Vitamin C powder is necessary in
the maintenance and growth of cells in the human body.
Without it, your cells could not repair themselves. It
assists with cell and nerve growth, with the maintenance of
bones, cartilage, teeth, blood vessels and ligaments and
with wound healing and the formation of scar tissue.

A lack of this important protein in the diet can lead to all
sorts of health issues and problems, including bleeding
gums, gingivitis, rough, dry skin, slow rate of healing,
painful and swollen joints, a tendency to bruise more
easily, a penchant for nosebleeds and weakened tooth enamel.
All the more reason to make the addition of vitamin C powder
to your daily diet a regular one.

Vitamin C powder contains anti-oxidants which are useful in
the fight against free radicals. These are by-products of
our body's conversion process of food to energy.
Anti-oxidants can protect against heart disease, the
crippling effects of arthritis and even cancer.
Anti-oxidants can dramatically reduce the negative effects
of pollutants found in our air, water and food, as well as
toxic chemical and cigarette smoke.

There are a variety of available options to consider when
purchasing your vitamin C powder. Thanks to the convenience
of modern society the consumer can choose from a wide range
of products, some odorless and flavorless and some with
additional nutrients, including calcium and magnesium. The
addition of bicarbonate of soda makes for a fun and fizzy
drink. An intake of 60 milligrams of Vitamin C is
recommended for adults, an additional 35 milligrams to guard
against free radicals for smokers.

If you are looking for the best
(http://www.lifewithoutdisease.com/Heart-Disease-Treatment.html)
vitamin c powder, read up on Dr. Linus Pauling's
(http://www.lifewithoutdisease.com/No-Fool-I.html) ascorbic
acid treatment.

Science to Counter AP Biased News Against Natural Health

Listen to Gary Null today.

http://www.garynull.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/GaryNullShow061109.mp3

Null: "Criticize 54,000 deaths from Vioxx, not Oprah."

See also NHF

Support Petition to Stop Trilateral Cooperation Charter

Is Your Internal Clock Keeping You Awake At Night?

Your internal clock, or circadian rhythm, is closely
connected to many forms of insomnia. Contrary to popular
belief, circadian rhythm has more to do with the levels of
light than the time of day. This internal clock is what
tells us when to go to sleep, and when to wake up in the
morning.

The circadian rhythm IS the internal clock.These rhythms are
to some degree governed by hormones secreted by endocrine
glands throughout the day. And our body temperature and
overall mental acuity and alertness are only some of the
factors affected by the circadian rhythm.

Since the circadian rhythm influences alertness and our
energy level, for those with have a sleep disorder related
to their circadian rhythm, their internal clock is "off" and
they tend to feel alert when they should be tired or sleepy,
and tired when they should have much energy. This is very
common for those working the grave yard shift.

Light is one of the most influential factors in regulating
your circadian rhythm. When there are long periods of low
levels of light there is a tendency to feel more fatigued
and to suffer from low energy. This is very common in the
winter, especially in the northern areas where there is only
a few hours of light per day.

Correcting sleep disorders caused by, or related to, your
circadian rhythm can be done by light therapy specially
designed to slowly reset your circadian rhythm. The light is
delivered from what is called a "light box" which has the
correct wavelengths of light. 30-60 minutes of exposure to
the light in conjunction with a strict sleep schedule
explains the therapy.

The key to success with light therapy is to time the light
exposure correctly depending on your particular situation.

What Your Healthy Whole Body & a Well-Tuned Car Have In Common

By Deborah Lindholm

It's a common occurrence for us to use our body in order to
identify ourselves. We use labels such as tall, short, thin,
muscular, curvy, healthy, and unhealthy and so on. There are
very few people who are able to take that step outside of a
particular definition and consider our body as what it is in
reality - a blessed vehicle carrying us through times of
joy, troubles, victory and challenges.

Instead of defining it and thus letting the definition rule
the way you treat your body, because there really is more to
a body than size or shape, why not seize the opportunity to
take ultimate care of it? Treat it as the beautiful vehicle
it actually is.

There is a common metaphor often used when discussing the
human body and it just happens to be a car. Both being
vehicles we depend on to get us where we need to go,
properly taken care of they can both be counted on and
reliable in their own way.

How Do You Treat Your Car And How Do You Treat Your Body?

More often than not, many of us tend to treat our cars
better than our own bodies. Our cars get the best gas in the
tank, even if it's more expensive than regular gas.
Following this act of generosity towards our car, we proceed
to fueling our bodies with food void of any nutritional
value. We begin a ritual of washing our cars every week,
with the metaphor being a car spa but yet we rarely spend
time or money on any ritual of basic self care.

We ignore the knocks and pings the very loud signals our
body gives us when it needs something and yet the slightest
shimmy or gurgle from under the hood of our car sends us to
the auto mechanic for a diagnostic.

You might be thinking "but it's dangerous to ignore these
sounds from your car." This is true, squeaking brakes or a
grinding noise from the rear axle could cause an accident.
However, the sounds and signals your body gives you are just
as dangerous. We've all heard the horror stories about a
friend or family member who ignored the signs and then it
was too late.

Instead of continuing to follow this path, appreciate
whatever shape, form and situation your body is in. It has
taken you where you have needed to go, and so far hasn't let
you down. Embrace your healthy whole body as of right now,
because while you are much more than your body itself, you
just can't exist and experience life without it.

Think About Consider These Questions:

Your car will be unable to run or take you where you want to
go without putting in the right grade of fuel. Are you
running on empty? Using the best fuel? If you're not, begin
today to make small changes. Drink more water, replace empty
calories with nutrients. Feed your body well and it'll take
you far.

There's a blinking 'check engine' light on your dashboard,
trying to be noticed. We are talking about self care here.
Have you scheduled in some time for yourself, for checkups
and some personal down time? Taking a walk or hike with
family and friends, or a weekly date night with your
sweetheart - there are many options available for taking a
step away to enjoy the life you have been given, find the
balance to make it all happen, and first and foremost, start
paying attention to the signals your body is sending you.

It makes sense to take care of yourself in all the ways that
you know how and are able to. You can wait until your car
breaks down to get it repaired or you can choose regular
maintenance, following up right away when you notice a
rattle, a chug in the engine, wiper blades that don't clear
the windshield, any malfunction.

Last but not least, when you find the tread wearing thin on
your tires, you replace them right? Each of us needs to take
time out to evaluate the steady running of our lives, where
we are and where we want to be. It's normal for our needs to
change over time and ignoring these changing needs results
in us ignoring who we really are - and this is not good for
our health or our happiness.

So, next time you're at the gas station or washing your car
step back and remember that you wouldn't be able to do any
of those tasks if it weren't for the divine vehicle you're
residing in - your body. Take great care of it; it's the
only one you get.

How To Cleanse Your Colon With Food

Frequently people rely on a healthy diet to keep their colon
clean. A healthy diet is an alternative to more invasive
therapies, such as colonics, or colon hydrotherapy, but a
combination of diet and some form of colon flushing remedy
is a better alternative. There are many foods that help keep
the colon clean, consumed in combination they can have a
more powerful effect.

Juice Fasting. One of the most effective ways that foods can
cleanse the colon is really the lack of foods, or a fast.
You can fast and refrain from eating most foods to help the
body purge itself of built up feces in the colon. Juice
fasts are popular, as they will provide you with the
nutrients your body needs during the fast. Make sure to
consult your doctor before going on any type of diet or
fast.

Leafy Green Vegetables. There is a reason your mother
tried so hard to persuade you to eat your spinach.
Studies show that leafy green vegetables such as broccoli,
spinach, and kale can have a positive effect on the colon.
You can eat these types of fresh vegetables in a salad or add
them to your favorite meal.

Fruit. Fruit is one of the best foods that cleanse the colon
quickly and efficiently. The natural fibers found within
fruits help to promote regularity. Many fruits, including
prunes and grapes, actually serve as a laxative and can help
break up constipation.

Whole grains. Whole grains act like little brushes in the
colon. To get the cleaning action from whole grains, add
whole grain breads, and whole wheat pasta, or any other
whole grain to your diet.

Avoiding the wrong foods is as much a part of colon
cleansing as adding healthy foods is. You should eliminate
fried or fatty foods including fast food, burgers and french
fries. Cook with olive oil instead of vegetable oil or
butter and use sparingly.

High calorie foods devoid of nutrients such as ice cream,
cakes, cookies and candy should be avoided as well. By
avoiding some unhealthy foods, adding some healthy foods,
and getting regular exercise you'll come along way in
keeping your colon clean.

Diet and Lifestyle Best Cures for Worst Afflictions

Isn't this called "Back to the Future"?

A number of decades ago, I was much younger then, it used to be that the simplest approach was best, and least expensive.

Sound nutrition was the first place to start and then other more simple and health promoting changes were applied. And this approach has been flourishing in this country since before the Eclectics back in the 1800's. The approach really dates back to the B.C. era and was once a part of mainstream medicine until it was decided that we could make up a drug then make up a disease to go with it.

The last resort was always what has become today's health care SOP driven by profit, insurance and pharmaceutical industry motives.

People have also been left out of the loop. And sadly this has become a stanchion of "alternative medicine" whether from an integrative MD, holistic nurse, or licensed naturopath.

Still nothing has changed because everyone still wants control, and the same old mentality is being schmoozed over "alternatives".

And where in this equation is the "patient"?

I have been involved in "integrative, holistic, and natural health" since 1958. I see many things not observed by others, and I'm not sure I like it. I am also a health care professional with a very in depth background, and a lot of experience.

I am not convinced that this approach is "alternative" and I know it should not be relegated to licensing and more control.

After all, no self-respecting traditional healer on any reservation is going to fall for the licensing scam.

This reminds me of the crazy attitude held by Gritman Hospital in Idaho. Their definition of integrative care is massage.

My idea is certainly much broader than that expressed in this article, but it will work for starters.

JANUARY 9, 2009 'Alternative' Medicine Is Mainstream'
The evidence is mounting that diet and lifestyle are the best cures for our worst afflictions.
By DEEPAK CHOPRA , DEAN ORNISH , RUSTUM ROY and ANDREW WEIL

In mid-February, the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences and the Bravewell Collaborative are convening a "Summit on Integrative Medicine and the Health of the Public." This is a watershed in the evolution of integrative medicine, a holistic approach to health care that uses the best of conventional and alternative therapies such as meditation, yoga, acupuncture and herbal remedies. Many of these therapies are now scientifically documented to be not only medically effective but also cost effective.

President-elect Barack Obama and former Sen. Tom Daschle (the nominee for Secretary of Health and Human Services) understand that if we want to make affordable health care available to the 45 million Americans who do not have health insurance, then we need to address the fundamental causes of health and illness, and provide incentives for healthy ways of living rather than reimbursing only drugs and surgery.

Heart disease, diabetes, prostate cancer, breast cancer and obesity account for 75% of health-care costs, and yet these are largely preventable and even reversible by changing diet and lifestyle. As Mr. Obama states in his health plan, unveiled during his campaign: "This nation is facing a true epidemic of chronic disease. An increasing number of Americans are suffering and dying needlessly from diseases such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease, asthma and HIV/AIDS, all of which can be delayed in onset if not prevented entirely."

The latest scientific studies show that our bodies have a remarkable capacity to begin healing, and much more quickly than we had once realized, if we address the lifestyle factors that often cause these chronic diseases. These studies show that integrative medicine can make a powerful difference in our health and well-being, how quickly these changes may occur, and how dynamic these mechanisms can be.

Many people tend to think of breakthroughs in medicine as a new drug, laser or high-tech surgical procedure. They often have a hard time believing that the simple choices that we make in our lifestyle -- what we eat, how we respond to stress, whether or not we smoke cigarettes, how much exercise we get, and the quality of our relationships and social support -- can be as powerful as drugs and surgery. But they often are. And in many instances, they're even more powerful.

These studies often used high-tech, state-of-the-art measures to prove the power of simple, low-tech, and low-cost interventions. Integrative medicine approaches such as plant-based diets, yoga, meditation and psychosocial support may stop or even reverse the progression of coronary heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, prostate cancer, obesity, hypercholesterolemia and other chronic conditions.

A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that these approaches may even change gene expression in hundreds of genes in only a few months. Genes associated with cancer, heart disease and inflammation were downregulated or "turned off" whereas protective genes were upregulated or "turned on." A study published in The Lancet Oncology reported that these changes increase telomerase, the enzyme that lengthens telomeres, the ends of our chromosomes that control how long we live. Even drugs have not been shown to do this.

Our "health-care system" is primarily a disease-care system. Last year, $2.1 trillion was spent in the U.S. on medical care, or 16.5% of the gross national product. Of these trillions, 95 cents of every dollar was spent to treat disease after it had already occurred. At least 75% of these costs were spent on treating chronic diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes, that are preventable or even reversible.

The choices are especially clear in cardiology. In 2006, for example, according to data provided by the American Heart Association, 1.3 million coronary angioplasty procedures were performed at an average cost of $48,399 each, or more than $60 billion; and 448,000 coronary bypass operations were performed at a cost of $99,743 each, or more than $44 billion. In other words, Americans spent more than $100 billion in 2006 for these two procedures alone.

Despite these costs, a randomized controlled trial published in April 2007 in The New England Journal of Medicine found that angioplasties and stents do not prolong life or even prevent heart attacks in stable patients (i.e., 95% of those who receive them). Coronary bypass surgery prolongs life in less than 3% of patients who receive it. So, Medicare and other insurers and individuals pay billions for surgical procedures like angioplasty and bypass surgery that are usually dangerous, invasive, expensive and largely ineffective. Yet they pay very little -- if any money at all -- for integrative medicine approaches that have been proven to reverse and prevent most chronic diseases that account for at least 75% of health-care costs. The INTERHEART study, published in September 2004 in The Lancet, followed 30,000 men and women on six continents and found that changing lifestyle could prevent at least 90% of all heart disease.

That bears repeating: The disease that accounts for more premature deaths and costs Americans more than any other illness is almost completely preventable simply by changing diet and lifestyle. And the same lifestyle changes that can prevent or even reverse heart disease also help prevent or reverse many other chronic diseases as well. Chronic pain is one of the major sources of worker's compensation claims costs, yet studies show that it is often susceptible to acupuncture and Qi Gong. Herbs usually have far fewer side effects than pharmaceuticals.

Joy, pleasure and freedom are sustainable, deprivation and austerity are not. When you eat a healthier diet, quit smoking, exercise, meditate and have more love in your life, then your brain receives more blood and oxygen, so you think more clearly, have more energy, need less sleep. Your brain may grow so many new neurons that it could get measurably bigger in only a few months. Your face gets more blood flow, so your skin glows more and wrinkles less. Your heart gets more blood flow, so you have more stamina and can even begin to reverse heart disease. Your sexual organs receive more blood flow, so you may become more potent -- similar to the way that circulation-increasing drugs like Viagra work. For many people, these are choices worth making -- not just to live longer, but also to live better.

It's time to move past the debate of alternative medicine versus traditional medicine, and to focus on what works, what doesn't, for whom, and under which circumstances. It will take serious government funding to find out, but these findings may help reduce costs and increase health.

Integrative medicine approaches bring together those in red states and blue states, liberals and conservatives, Democrats and Republicans, because these are human issues. They are both medically effective and, important in our current economic climate, cost effective. These approaches emphasize both personal responsibility and the opportunity to make affordable, quality health care available to those who most need it. Mr. Obama should make them an integral part of his health plan as soon as possible.

Dr. Chopra, the author of more than 50 books on the mind, body and spirit, is guest faculty at Beth Israel Hospital/Harvard Medical School. Dr. Ornish is clinical professor of medicine at the University of California, San Francisco. Mr. Roy is professor emeritus of materials science at Pennsylvania State University. Dr. Weil is director of the University of Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine.

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