Sunday, May 16, 2010

Low Testosterone Levels in Women

Testosterone is widely known as being the male hormone, yet it has been so villainized by society that even its medical use in men has been made into a social taboo for many years. However, now not only has testosterone replacement therapy became more accepted for use in men, more and more doctors are now also prescribing testosterone for women. In this article I will outline the benefits for testosterone use in women for increasing libido, mood, energy, skin quality, and most importantly to Mesomorphosis readers – body composition.


A women in her late twenties, came to see me complaining about her difficulty in losing weight. After taking a medical history , it was very difficult to tell what the basis of her problem was. She was working out daily, with a balance of aerobic exercise and weight training under the guidance of a qualified personal trainer. Her diet was a basic low carbohydrate/ high protein diet. Even more perplexing, she had been taking a caffeine/ephedrine thermogenic stack and had previously experimented with some diet drugs as well. Something was obviously wrong. I did blood tests to check all of her hormone levels. When the results came back, all of her hormones were in the normal range except for, you guessed it, testosterone! She had very low free testosterone level. It was equal to that seen in a postmenopausal women. This was an obvious source of her fat loss problem .

While the role of testosterone in maintaining muscle mass and losing body fat may be obvious to bodybuilders and athletes, it is a basic hormonal fact that is often absent in the medical community. It is known that many women begin to gain fat rapidly about ten to fifteen years before the menopause and also after. The connection between low to absent testosterone production and the deterioration of a healthy body composition is rarely made. Most women are often only given estrogens and progestins as hormone replacement therapy, but not testosterone. I have found in my medical practice that giving women estrogen and progesterone and not testosterone makes it almost impossible for them to lose weight/fat. With the scourge of increasing obesity in the USA, one would expect the medical community to pay closer attention to these issues. Yet the connection between sex hormones, and body composition is highly controversial.

Why is there such a controversy? Why is a hormone commonly used by farmers to fatten up livestock given to postmenopausal women at risk for obesity? Many doctors point to a recent study showing that when postmenopausal women given estrogen actually gained less weight than those not given estrogen (Espeland, et al, 1997). In this study 875 women were either put on .625 mg of oral estrogen a day or a placebo for three years. So does this mean that estrogen is actually a good fat-loss agent? Hardly! In this study, in spite of the publicity it was given, the authors note that when you control for lifestyle factors such as physical activity the effects of estrogen replacement therapy were insignificant.

From my clinical experience I have found that on the average when a young woman goes on birth control pills a 3-5 pound gain in fat mass can be expected, and at menopause with oral estrogens 4-8 pounds of fat mass gain can be anticipated - especially when oral estrogens are used. A recent controlled study showed that oral estrogens caused a gain in fat mass and loss in muscle, with a decrease in IGF-1 levels (O'Sullivan et al, 1998). This study is more consistent with my clinical observations.

So why isn’t testosterone more commonly given for weight loss in women? The medical community actually commonly believes testosterone causes obesity. This is due to a number of studies linking upper body obesity /abdominal obesity in women to elevated testosterone levels. Once again, this is a case of blaming one hormone as a "villain". In these women, they do in fact have higher than normal testosterone levels but their whole hormonal system is out of balance. Not only do they have high testosterone levels, but they also have poor insulin sensitivity as well as high insulin levels. Often these women have a metabolic problem of insulin resistance—which is associated with obesity. There is no serious evidence that testosterone replacement therapy for women will result in greater body fat – in fact the opposite is true.

With the social stigma against testosterone and anabolic steroids in general, and it is difficult enough to get a study approved on testosterone in men. Imagine how difficult it is to get a human use committee to approve a study on testosterone in women! However, there is one study that helped to illuminate the potential for androgens to help women lose fat. Lovejoy et al, in 1996, compared the effects of nandrolone decanoate and the anti-androgen drug spironolactone on body composition in obese, postmenopausal women. The dose given the nandrolone group was low – 30 mg every other week. All women in the study were put on a calorie restricted diet (500 calories below lean mass maintenance), and were told not to change their exercise habits. After nine months, the women receiving nandrolone lost an average of 3.6 percent of their bodyfat while the placebo group lost only 1.8 percent and the spirolactone (an anti-androgen) only .5 percent. Nandrolone doubled the rate of fat loss over the placebo and the anti-androgen group barely lost any fat at all – the role of androgens in fat loss is clearly demonstrated. Even more impressive, the nandrolone group actually gained an average of roughly four pounds of lean mass in spite of the calorie restriction while the placebo and anti-androgen groups lost over two pounds of lean mass. Nandrolone also did not produce insulin resistance as androgens have been previously believed to do.

Lovejoy’s group were impressed by the ability of nandrolone to produce increased muscle mass in spite of overall weight loss. Keep in mind that dose was fairly small and only given every other week, and that these women were put only somewhat extreme calorie restricted diets without being put on a weight training program. Imagine the improvement in body composition had these women been put on a balanced exercise program and were given a high protein diet in addition to their nandrolone!

Despite the positive result, the authors cautioned against using nandrolone decanoate as a weight loss therapy. There was a mild abnormality of blood lipids and a slight increase in abdominal fat in the nandrolone group. While these side effects were minor, I believe that if testosterone was used in this study instead of nandrolone, these effects would be smaller or non-existent. I also think that daily use of a testosterone gel would be more effective than a bi-monthly shot, since the gel would keep testosterone at a more physiological and consistent level whereas injections lead to huge up and down fluctuations.

It is clear to me, both from my clinical practice and from research, that testosterone is vital for women to preserve their lean mass and to prevent obesity. Not only will testosterone help mobilize body fat and negate some of the fat storing effects of estrogen, it is also extremely effective in building lean mass in women - even at small doses. Hormone replacement therapy that only includes estrogen and progesterone but leaves out testosterone is a curse of many a women’s fat loss program. This is not only a concern for postmenopausal women. Young women should think twice about using birth control pills. Birth control pills elevate estrogen and progesterone levels while drastically lowering testosterone levels. This is reason why many women experience large gains in fat as well as a decreased libido when using birth control pills.

Far from being the cause of irritability and "roid rage" as widely believed, I have found that restoring testosterone levels to normal can tremendously improve energy levels and mood in women. Estrogen is sometimes believed to be energizing, but most women do not feel much of an "energizing effect" from estrogen. Natural progesterone can have a calming, relaxing effect on women, but the nasty synthetic and potent progestins like Provera (medroxyprogesterone acetate) or the more potent, nornorethindrone can actually cause irritability, aggressiveness, and even acne.

Libido is one area of use for testosterone in women that is starting to gain larger acceptability. One pharmaceutical company (Unimed) is close to getting a testosterone gel for women approved for use as a libido enhancing drug. While the thought of horny postmenopausal women may cause you to snicker, I believe that libido is a serious medical issue. The infamous study on sexual dysfunction funded by the Ford Foundation and the U.S. National Institute of Health showed that low interest in sex was the number one cause of sexual dysfunction in women (Laumann, et al, 1999, JAMA , Feb., 10, 199, Vol 281. No 6p537-544). Restoring a healthy libido in women can help bring back the spice in marriages, relationships, relieve stress and depression, and even improve body composition through increased sexual interest and activity. Testosterone is the primordial hormone for promoting both a sexy body and a better sex life.

Testosterone and Skin

Do you have dry and thin skin? This may be a sign of lack of oil production from your sebaceous glands. A lack of oil production can be related to a decline in testosterone . Also thinning, atrophy , or inflammation of the the introitus (the vaginal opening) can be from a hormone imbalance. Even painful intercourse can be due to the lack of estrogen and testosterone. I have treated young and older women with testosterone creams to thicken the vaginal entry so that they may be able to enjoy sex without pain. Using small and balanced doses of T gels and creams I have improved the quality of aging skin without the side effects of acne, hair loss or masculinizing effects.

The role of testosterone on skin condition is often ignored, even though this should be of obvious concern to anybody using testosterone to improve overall physical appearance. Normally it is believed that testosterone can only worsen skin by causing breakouts of acne. However, low testosterone levels can only lead to worsening of skin conditions as well. Restoring testosterone to normal levels can make skin look much thicker and smoother than it was before.

Protocols for Female Hormone Replacement Therapy

Many women come to my office complaining of lack of energy, sex drive, and weight gain. They have been to other doctors who have told them that these are inevitable effects of aging and they should just learn to live with them. However, I have found that providing these women with a "hormonal makeover" can have profound effects on their lives. For postmenopausal women, I begin by placing them on "start up" small dose of a testosterone cream or gel (usually at .25 to 1 milligram every other day in the am applied to the neck area behind the jaw for best absorption capacity, or the inner non sun exposed area of the upper arm hangs next to the chest wall). The dose is individualized over time.

Next, I may redo their previous hormone replacement program. If they are currently on Provera, I immediately switch them to natural progesterone which I believe is far safer. Most postmenopausal women are on Premarin, which is an odd blend of estrogens derived form pregnant horse urine (pregnant mare urine). I reduce the dose of estrogen, and change them over to a natural bi-estrogen or a natural transdermal estradiol compounded formula. This change is significant, as one study showed that Premarin caused an increase in fat mass and loss of muscle in postmenopausal women while transdermal estradiol had no significant effects on body composition (O'Sullivan, 1998). I also encourage women to increase their intake of fiber, and phytoestrogens by taking a black cohosh containing formula and other plants that have estrogen like effects. Soy products are a must.

The goal of this program is to give women back an optimal balance of sex hormones similar to the one they had in their youthful days. Testosterone levels and sometimes progesterone levels can be restored with natural hormone replacement therapy. Balanced and safe estrogen levels can be obtained from a combination of estrogen production from the aromatization of the testosterone they are using , from phytoestrogens such as soy, black cohosh, and a small dose of natural estrogen. Once this natural balance is restored, women can often break the weight loss plateaus they previously reached and can reverse the loss of muscle and bone mass that occurs with age.

For younger women I am more hesitant to give any hormonal therapies, especially if they wish to someday have children. This is not to say that pre-menopausal women cannot benefit from higher testosterone levels. I have been using the prohormone 4-androstenediol (4-adiol) in selected women who are not wanting to have babies. It has a high conversion rate to testosterone and does not directly convert to estrogen. Since 4-adiol is short acting, I believe it can be used safely in women without causing much side effects or shut down pituitary production of the gonadotropins, if used infrequently. The only problem is that most 4-adiol products are made for men with 100 mg capsules, whereas doses for women should be anywhere form 10 to 50 mg. There are now available 12.5 mg lozenges of 4-adiol in the sublingual cyclodextrin form. Women could take 1/4 to 1/3 of a lozenge intermittently to raise their T levels.



Conclusion

While traditional "female" hormones progesterone and estrogen may have a role in preventing heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and osteoporosis, I believe testosterone replacement therapy in the near future will have a much larger effect on women’s lives. In fact testosterone replacement therapy may soon become more widely practiced by women than men.

I also believe that testosterone and other androgens may have a critical role treating some types of female obesity - the estrogen dominant type. Precious little research has been done in this controversial area, but it is obvious that a major reason why women have more difficulty losing fat than men is due to their lower levels of testosterone. Since testosterone can not only help mobilize fat but also build muscle, women can attain higher resting metabolic rates. This is in stark comparison to most diet drugs that result in loss of muscle and usually the return of lost body fat once drug use is ceased. While androgens will obviously have some side effects in women, hence the controversy, however these side effects are likely less than the often life threatening effects of Phen-Fen and other diet drugs. Testosterone as a treatment for obesity is probably much safer and actually more effective in the long term than liposuction. I really hope more research is done in this area, as I believe androgens are crucial in the war against the rapidly evolving plague of obesity in this country.

I hope the medical establishment can soon move away from the concept of the ancient and antiquated model of male hormones are for men and female hormones only for women into a universal concept of optimum hormonal balance of all the sex hormones in both sexes. I really hope to see more studies on testosterone replacement therapy as testosterone becomes more accepted. As controversial as this is, the medical establishment is just as rigid in its approach to male hormone replacement therapy. I hope to help change this with my next article, which will deal with the controversial area of progesterone and estrogen replacement therapy for men.

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Breast Lifting Exercise

The breast is not just a part of a woman’s physical feature; its importance has a far deeper meaning. The breast is the fountain of life and the cradle that nourishes life. After the womb, the breast is perhaps the purest aspect of a woman. Through ancient times, a fulsome breast was considered to be the sign of health, which can partly explain the male infatuation towards ‘full’ breasts. As can be seen in the depiction of mother in early paintings and sculptures, they all come with heavy breasts. However, due to the sexual imagery, the aesthetic significance of breasts is lost in the background. While many women are not shy to admit that a firm breast is a lure for men, men are also quite brazen about pinpointing their disdain for women with sagging breasts.

That is why women attach considerable importance to their breasts. Perfect well-shaped breast is a confidence booster and no women would like to see their breasts sagging due to age or disease. Thousands of women spend considerable amount of money just to make their breast firm. All these can be prevented if you do exercises that focus on toning the breasts. These exercises will not only keep your breasts in top shape but you can also be justifiably proud of making your bosom look perfect. To know more on these exercises read the article given below.
Exercises For Lifting The Breast 
  • Lie down on the floor on your back. Extend the arms out to the sides of the body. Take 2 to 3 lb. weights in your arms and lift them off the floor, straight up so that they from the point of a ‘V’. Repeat this exercise 10 to 15 times.
  • Stand at least 2 feet away from a wall. Join the hands to form a triangle by joining the thumbs and pointer fingers. Lower the hands slowly so that they are directly in front of your breasts. Now, extend the hands so that they touch the wall. Lean forward on your toes so that your forehead touches the wall and then push yourself using the arms and upper chest so that you are upright again. During this exercise, keep the entire body firm. Do this exercise 5 to 10 times so that you experience pressure in the chest and upper chest.
  • Get down on your hands and knees. Take care to support the knees in a comfortable mat. Now move the hands outwards and upwards while lifting the upper body weight. Then lower the upper body until the forearms are parallel with the floor and then lift the upper body again until the arms are straightened. Do this exercise 5 to 10 times to increase the strength of the upper body.
  • Stand two feet away from an open doorway and place the hands at shoulder height on either side of the doorway. Lean on your toes, forward, until the chest is in line with the doorway opening. Then push yourself up again until you are upright. Repeat this at least 10 times.
  • Extend one of the arms straight in front of the body. Using the other arm, squeeze the extended arm to your chest so that you feel the pectoral muscle squeezing. Repeat this exercise for 10 times on each side.
  • Lie flat on the floor holding a five-pound dumb bell in each hand. Bend the arms in a semi circle like a hugging motion. Then open the arms and bring them to the side till the shoulder level. Breathe in while doing the hugging motion and exhale when returning to the starting position.
  • Lie on the floor on your back. Keep the knees bent and the feet flat on the floor. Keep the arms at your side at the shoulder level holding a 5-pound dumb bell at each hand, with an overhand grip. Bend the elbows at 90 degrees so that the weight is directly over the shoulders. Press the weights up till the elbows are straight then lower the elbows after a pause. While pushing the weights up, exhale, and while lowering, breathe in. Do three sets of 8 to 15 repetitions.
http://lifestyle.iloveindia.com/lounge/breast-lifting-exercise-9169.html

    How to do Real Effective Upper Ab Workouts

    Upper Ab Exercises

    In order to get a firm abdomen you not only need to strengthen the abdominal muscles but also burn calories as well.  The following exercises will help you make your upper abdominal muscles stronger, and when combined with proper nutrition and a good cardio routine they can result in amazing abs.

    Here are some simple moves that you can do at home to get your abs in shape.

    The Bicycle Crunch
    The bicycle crunch is a very effective upper abdominal exercise.  To properly perform the bicycle crunch, begin by lying on your back with your hands behind your head.  Raise your knees to a 45 degree angle.  Bring your left elbow to your right knee while straightening your left leg.  Then bring your right elbow to your left knee while straightening your right leg.  Do 12 to 16 reps.

    The Captains Chair
    For this exercise you will need a chair.  Begin by sitting on the edge of the chair with your feet flat on the floor.  Elongate your spine by sitting straight up.  Grab the sides of the chair by either hip.  Keeping your back straight, slowly lift your knees toward your chest while exhaling.  Hold the position for two seconds before inhaling and slowly lowering your legs.  You can make this exercise more difficult by using your arms to lift you off straight up off of the chair while lifting your legs.

    The Hip Lift
    Begin by lying on the floor with your hands out to the side, palms facing down.  Bring your feet up so that the soles of your feet are parallel to the ceiling.  Lift your hips upward off of the floor toward the ceiling.  Make sure that you are using your abs to lift with rather than your hands.  Slowly lower your hips back to the floor and repeat several times.

    In order to get the most out of your abdominal workout, there are a few things that you should remember.  First, do each exercise slowly.  You should always take two to three seconds to rise, hold each exercise for one to two seconds, and take two to three seconds to release the exercise.  Aim to do 15 repetitions of each exercise per set, and try to do three sets.  If 15 repetitions are too difficult, simply do as many quality reps as you can.  As you progress in your workout routine you will able to add more reps.

    These are just some of the many abdominal exercises out there.  Keep at it and you will see results soon.

    Article written by Jason Byrd of Ultimate Fitness Gear, your top source for Shaun T's Insanity Workout online.

    Monday, May 3, 2010

    HERBS FOR WEIGHT LOSS

    A large percentage of the American population is overweight, and many people sincerely wish to be slimmer. Fat is a national obsession, and marketers of everything from breakfast cereal to carbonated beverages to books want a piece of the overweight pie. The struggle to achieve or maintain a desired weight is fraught with fad diets, crash diets, diet pills of every description, and ten thousand contradictory recommendations. And while there is no magic bullet, no single product that can bust away all body fat, herbal supplements can help. In conjunction with regular exercise and a wise diet, the following three herbs can assist in the achievement of healthy weight goals.

    Rhodiola rosea
    Also known as golden root or arctic root, Rhodiola contains several compounds which researchers believe imbue the plant with special health promoting powers. The compounds rosavin, rosin, rosarin and salidroside each appear to be biologically active. Of these agents, rosavin especially appears to assist the body in shedding unwanted fat.

    As you may know, body fat gets stored in adipose tissue. Once fat is stored in this tissue, it is hard to get rid of. That’s why some people just can’t seem to get rid of certain fatty spots, including “love handles” or a fatty “tire” around the abdomen. The body does possess an enzyme called hormone-sensitive lipase that is capable of breaking down fat stored in adipose tissue. But this enzyme is not especially active. This is where rhodiola rosea comes in. Extracts of rhodiola rosea have the capacity to activate hormone-sensitive lipase, thus increasing the breakdown of fat stored in adipose tissue.

    Apparently, the compound rosavin specifically contributes to fat breakdown. And when an extract of rhodiola rosea is taken in conjunction with moderate exercise, fatty tissue breakdown increases. In human clinical studies, administration of rhodiola rosea extract, in combination with moderate exercise, produced significant weight loss. What is the moral of this story? Extracts of rhodiola rosea, standardized to a specific level of rosavin, in combination with regular exercise, can help to promote weight loss.

    The best way to use Rhodiola? Buy capsules containing a standardized extract of 3% rosavins. Take 200 – 600 milligrams per day.



    4-hydroxyisoleucine from Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum)
    The novel free amino acid 4-hydroxyisoleucine, has been identified in tiny quantities in the common spice fenugreek seed, for over a decade. But 4-hydroxyisoleucine was never concentrated into a commercially available product, due to difficulties of manufacture. More recently, this technology barrier has been broken, and standardized 4-hydroxyisoleucine extracts are now available on a commercial scale. Thus you will now see this ingredient making its way to market in various diet formulas.

    Several studies show that the free amino acid 4-hydroxyisoleucine plays a valuable role in insulin-promotion and glucose regulation. 4-hydroxyisoleucine stimulates insulin secretion, thereby limiting the extent to which blood glucose (the glycemic index) is elevated. Elevated blood glucose after meals leads to increased production of body fat. 4 hydroxyisoleucine promotes insulin secretion and inhibits the rise of blood glucose, thus helping to reduce body fat production. 4 -hydroxyisoleucine exhibits a specific effect on the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas. These cells are directly responsible for insulin production.

    Most significantly, the effect of 4-hydroxyisoleucine is glucose dependent. The higher the level of blood glucose, the greater the insulin-promoting response elicited by 4 hydroxyisoleucine. Thus 4-hydroxyisoleucine exhibits a significant regulating effect, which corresponds with the insulin needs of the body at any given time. This makes this compound “adaptogenic,” responding to the particular needs of the body at any given time.

    Fenugreek has a long history of folk use throughout Asia and the Middle east as an anti-diabetic, to soothe stomach ulcers, to eliminate catarrh in the upper respiratory tract, to promote lactation, and as a poultice for treating various skin conditions. Much science on fenugreek has focused on the cholesterol-lowering, blood lipid-lowering and anti-diabetic activities of the seed. These activities appear directly linked to the presence of soluble fibers, most notably galactomannans. The galactomannans have additionally been shown to possess fat-sequestering properties, thereby binding directly to dietary fat and reducing its absorption into the body. Furthermore, anti-diabetic properties of fenugreek seed are linked to the presence of a novel free amino acid, 4 hydroxyisoleucine.

    In addition, 4-hydroxyisoleucine prove a significant insulin-promoting material of benefit to anyone who desires to regulate blood glucose. In non insulin-dependent diabetics, standardized 4-hydroxyisoleucine extracts can help to maintain a stable glucose level. Additionally, 4-hydroxyisoleucine is of use to those who wish to reduce weight gain, and for athletes whose insulin demands typically exceed those of non-athletes.
    What is the best way to use fenugreek? Drink a cup of fenugreek tea after each meal.




    Yerba Mate’ (Ilex paraguariensis)
    The leaves of this plant contain both caffeine and theobromine, two methylxanthines which boost metabolism. Originating from South America, Yerba Mate’ is a tree cultivated in Paraguay, Brazil and northern Argentina. The leaves of Yerba Mate’ are made into a tonic and stimulating beverage, due to the presence of both caffeine and theobromine. Decoction of Yerba Mate’ is drunk both hot and cold, to alleviate fatigue, suppress appetite, stimulate body and mind, and boost metabolism.

    Current science on Yerba Mate’ shows that a decoction of the leaves enhances bile flow and speeds intestinal transit time. Yerba Mate’ also demonstrates 5-lipoxygenase inhibitory activity, thereby making the herb of use in some cases of mild to moderate asthma.

    Analytical studies show that dried Yerba Mate’ naturally contains approximately 0.56% caffeine. Yet some standardized extracts contain 2% caffeine, approximately four times the caffeine of dried Yerba Mate’. Most significant is the theobromine value of concentrated extracts. Like caffeine, theobromine is a central nervous system stimulant alkaloid, though it is appreciably weaker than caffeine. But theobromine is a stronger cardiac stimulant, smooth muscle relaxant, and diuretic.

    While dried Yerba Mate’ naturally contains approximately 0.03% theobromine, some extracts on the market today contain .2% theobromine. This six-fold increase in theobromine gives concentrated extracts of YerbaMate’ enhanced metabolic, diuretic, and appetite-suppressing properties. Yerba Mate’ and concentrated extracts of this plant are for those who wish to suppress appetite, boost metabolism and achieve a leaner body.
    What is the best way to use Yerba mate? Drink a cup of yerba mate prior to each meal.

    Remember that there is no free ride in the weight loss game. There is no pizza and ice cream diet with a slender ending. And there is no single botanical or other agent that can make accumulated pounds magically disappear. Just as weight gain takes time, real weight loss is slow and steady, a couple of pounds per week. But in a few months, you can have a distinctly less plump, more pleasing body, if that is your goal. The above herbs can help to get you there.

    10 Chinese Herbs for Weight Loss
    Herbs are generally mixed together to treat ailments, including weight loss in Traditional Chinese Medicine. While each of the herbs listed below contributes to weight loss, it is widely believed in the TCM community that no one herb will be effective in weight loss. Instead, a combination of herbs must be used.
    1. Ginseng – Ginseng is very beneficial for weight loss because it reduces the blood sugar levels. Ginseng has numerous other health benefits as well.
    2. Wolfberry – Also known as Goji or Goji Juice, Wolfberry increases energy and curbs the sweet tooth. Goji berries or Goji juice can be used.
    3. Cinnamon – Cinnamon reduces cholesterol and blood sugar levels. It is the effect on the blood sugar that makes it beneficial for weight loss.
    4. Ephedra – Ephedra raises the metabolism and increases energy. It was one of the most effective weight loss herbs in existence, but it has been banned for use in the United States.
    5. Laminaria – Laminaria contains iodine and regulates the thyroid gland. This is essential for weight loss.
    6. Crataegus – Also known as Hawthorne, Crataegus reduces water retention, which contributes to added weight.
    7. Ginger – Ginger reduces the acidity in the stomach and essentially cleans the digestive tract, purging the body of stagnate foods which can contribute to added weight.
    8. Peppermint – Peppermint is a natural appetite suppressant. It also helps to improve overall digestion.
    9. Loquat – Loquat is known for regulating the blood sugar levels, which decreases the appetite and aids in weight loss.
    10. Green Tea – Green tea has numerous health benefits, but for weight loss, it helps the body to burn fat by boosting the metabolism.
    While a combination of these herbs should be used, it is important to realize that most practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine will only recommend and mix the herbs that the individual requires to bring their bodily systems into balance. It is also important to realize that for each herb used in a mixture, specific amounts are used not only for safety, but also to achieve the overall goal effectively. It can be detrimental to your weight loss to start randomly mixing herbs together and taking them.

    How Chinese Herbs are Used for Weight Loss

    First it is important to note that there are no herbs that are considered miracle cures for obesity. The herbs that are recommended by a practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine to help a person lose weight are recommended not based on the fact that the person is overweight, but in an effort to bring all bodily systems back into harmony, which in turn causes the weight to drop.

    What this means is that while there are many products that already contain numerous herbs marketed for weight loss, these products do not work for everyone. You need your own recommendation from a practitioner of TCM, based on the disharmony in your body.

    A Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner will ask you a number of questions and give you an actual examination to determine where the disharmony in your body exists, and then recommend herb or herbal mixtures to bring harmony back to your body. The TCM Practitioner may mix the herbs for you as well, but they may also give you a written recommendation, concerning the herbs to select, the amounts to use, the way to mix the herbs, and the way that you should consume the herbs. These instructions should be followed implicitly.

    Saturday, May 1, 2010

    Tylenol Recalled By McNeil Consumer Healthcare

    The image “http://imagegallery.taragana.com/images/ya/2010/05/01/tylenol_151133_M.jpg” cannot be displayed, because it contains errors.WASHINGTON (GaeaTimes.com)- In a recent development, McNeil Consumer Healthcare has issued voluntary recall of a number of children’s medicines that has created sensation among the parents and the medical community at large. The over-the-counter medicines affected by the recall are liquid as well as tablets, as the company has confirmed. Several variants of the popular drug Tylenol and Motrin fall under this recall. The company has said that they are not recalling the products after receiving complaints of side effects from the patients and users at all. The products according to the company fail to meet the desired quality standards. The company has warned the parents to refrain from using the recalled drugs for some time.

    According to the information released by McNeil Consumer Healthcare the products that have been called back have excess amount of active ingredients than what should be used. The FDS held a discussion with the company management following which the company decided to issue the recall. The drugs recalled by the company are at present sold and used in nations like Kuwait, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Canada, and Dubai along with the USA. Tylenol is used in a wide number of households in these countries.

    The FDA is responsible for carrying out safety tests on medications and when it finds something wrong with a product it asks the company making it to issue recall. McNeilConsumer Healthcare has asked the users who have already administered the recalled products to their kids not to worry as they are not necessarily harmful. The Tylenol recall has made parents concerned as they are at a loss to understand what should they use now.
    resource:   http://blog.taragana.com/health/2010/05/01/tylenol-recalled-by-mcneil-consumer-healthcare-22366/

    McNeil expects to have the problem corrected very quickly without adverse effects and advises people not to be alarmed. No adverse effects have been reported.

    If further information is needed, go to the website www.fda.gov/medwatch or www.mcneilproductrecall.com. You can also call 1-888-222-0036. If adverse reactions occur you may report them at 1-800-FDA-0178.tylenol-recall-mcneil1

    Autom, a robot diet mentor keeps track of calories and weight loss progress


    (Credit: Intuitive Automata)
    You say you've tried every diet fad but still can't lose the flab. Maybe your will is as soft as your one-pack. Perhaps only the merciless resolve of an inhuman coach can whip you into shape.
    Lucky for you, a Hong Kong-based start-up is preparing to release Autom, a robot diet mentor with a deceptively pleasant demeanor.


    Users can talk with the 15-inch-tall Autom and, by using its LCD touch screen, indicate what they've had to eat and how long they've exercised on a given day. The machine, which is linked to the Internet, is designed to automatically keep track of calories and weight loss progress. It also tries to look cute by batting its eyelashes.

    Cory Kidd, an alumnus of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Media Lab and developer of Autom, said his company, Intuitive Automata, is preparing to launch Autom in the United States at the end of the year.
    According to a report in The Standard, Autom's price will start at $400, a lot more than that of the Wii Fit, and according to a Plastic Pals interview with Kidd, a monthly fee will also be part of the package.


    Kidd said more than 80 million people are trying to diet in the States, according to the Standard report, but they stick to their latest diet for an average of only three weeks. A study by Kidd comparing 45 dieters in the Boston area, keeping track of their calories and exercise either by computer, on paper, or with Autom, found that the robot helped people stick to their regimen for nearly twice as long as the other tracking methods.


    The bot's ability to engage users, as well as its embodied form, makes all the difference, Kidd explained. Some people in the study tried to humanize the droid by dressing it up and giving it names (Intuitive uses female pronouns in reference to Autom). A key factor in its success or failure will be whether users will continue to interact with it after the novelty wears off.


    Autom may well be a great coach, if it had the ability to give diet cheaters a nasty guilt trip. Or perhaps access to food in the fridge could be under Autom's control. Better yet, incorporate Autom into the fridge itself! Now that would make you think twice about those midnight sandwiches.
    resource:  http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-20003706-1.html