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True, liposuction removes fat cells from trouble spots on your body. However, it does nothing to shrink the size of the remaining fat cells or get rid of fat throughout the entire body. If you do not change your eating or exercise habits that originally caused the fat gain, your body will simply accommodate the new fat in unusual places. In my personal experience I've seen several people who have had lipo years before, only to have unsightly rolls of flab above and below where the "spare tire" usually rests.
Source: Newsweek June 28, 2004
The omega-3 fatty acids found in most fish have a long list of benefits, including reducing risk of cardiovascular disease, improving cholesterol profiles, increasing fat burning (via the activity of uncoupling proteins in the mitochondria), and lubricating joints. New studies have discovered there is something remarkable about the effect of fish protein on insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is essential for nutrient uptake, but too much of it results in fat gain and a host of other negative health consequences. Rats who were fed cod protein for 28 days had lower fasting blood glucose and insulin levels than rats fed two other types of protein. The cod-fed rats also displayed the lowest insulin response to a glucose load. The report suggests that the amino acids in cod help stimulate glucose transport more effectively.
Fish, unlike vegetable (and soy) proteins, is a complete protein. This means every essential amino acid is present in its molecular structure and the body can utilize the protein immediately. Try to include fresh fish in your diet as often as possible. The fish highest in omega-3 fats are salmon, cod, mackerel, herring, and sardines. As always, opt for wild caught versus farmed fish.
Source: Am J Physiol Endocrinol. Metab. 278: E491-E500
Inorganic arsenic is classified as a human carcinogen, associated with skin, bladder, and prostate cancers, in addition to causing other ailments. It might surprise you then, to learn that the Minnesota Dept. of Health analyzed young chickens slated for the grocery store sale and found that they contained unusually high levels of arsenic. It turns out that an arsenic based drug called Roxarsone is routinely added to chicken feed to control intestinal parasites. Interestingly enough, the government has approved arsenic as a dietary supplement for chickens. The chickens were thought to excrete most of the arsenic, but in fact they are retaining 3-4 times more than other poultry and meats. The same study also found that 88% of chickens tested from local supermarkets tested positive for campylobacter, an organism associated with food poisoning. The lesson here is not to stop eating chicken, but how imperative it is to buy only organic, free range chicken, raised without antibiotics and other additives. Source: Lasky, T., et. al. (2004). Mean total arsenic concentrations in chicken 1989-2000 and estimated exposure for consumers of chicken. Environ Health Perspect. 112:18-21.
Iron plays a vital role in our bodies, especially in the area of blood and energy production. Iron is needed to manufacture hemoglobin, which enables red blood cells to transfer oxygen to the body's tissues. Iron is also used to help convert glucose into energy (ATP), which fuels muscles.
The US RDA for iron fluctuates from 8mg -27mg, depending on age and gender.
Those engaged in strenuous exercise programs lose substantially more iron than sedentary people. Increased energy demands, heavy sweating, and the breakdown of blood cells though heavy exercise are all causes of iron loss or excretion. Females who experience heavy menstruation are also at risk for iron deficiency. Anemia, fatigue, hair loss, slowed mental response, and dizziness are all symptoms of iron deficiency. A 10% drop in hemoglobin levels can cause a 25% decrease in athletic performance. A hard training male athlete requires a minimum of 36mg of iron daily; females need 41 mg.
Good dietary sources of iron include beef, fish, eggs, whole grains, dried beans and peas
(chickpeas, lima beans, kidney beans), dried fruits (apricots, dates, prunes, raisins), and green leafy vegetables (broccoli, spinach, kale). Another good idea is to cook with an iron skillet. Iron particles are leached from the pan into the food. Don't forget that Vitamin C and folate are necessary for the body to properly absorb iron.
However, more does not equal better. The most common immediate side effect of iron supplements is gastrointestinal distress, a symptom that often occurs when a high-dose iron supplement is taken on an empty stomach. Excess iron is difficult for the body to excrete, and encourages bacterial infections.
Analysis of athlete's diets show they contain about 6 mg of iron per 1000 calories. Unfortunately, only 10% of the iron in a good diet is bioavailable. At this ratio, 20-25 mg of supplemental iron should prevent deficiency.
Source: Colgan, Michael, Optimum Sports Nutrition. Advanced Research Press, NY 1993.
ConsumerLab.com, July 2004.
Human Growth Hormone (hGH) is secreted by the pituitary gland, and promotes the development of skeletal bones and organs. HGH peaks in adolescents, then production tapers off, at a rate of roughly 14% for each decade we age. Several well designed studies have proven the benefits of injecting human growth hormone in older men (age 61-81). Results include decreased body fat, increased lean muscle and bone density, and a general rejuvenating effect on the other systems of the body.
Supplement makers have seized upon the publicity of these studies and the tantalizing promise of a "fountain of youth". There are dozens of products out now which claim to naturally boost hGH levels, either through precursory amino acids, homeopathic dilutions of the hormone, "nanogram-strength" hGH, or nasal sprays. According to an analysis of 12 leading products by ConsumerLab.com, not one of them is effective. Some of the products showed a small spike of hGH 60 minutes after ingestion, but not at 30 or 90 minutes- too brief to have a significant impact.
The fact is, hGH is a complex molecule that is quickly broken down in the body. Injection is the only effective method of delivery. Real hGH is only available by prescription. Other than that, the best way to raise growth hormone levels is to exercise and get a good night's sleep. These lifestyle changes will naturally boost hGH, also make you feel better, look better, and stay youthful. These supplements may seem an attractive short cut, but it might be wiser to save your money for a gym membership.