For March 10, 2010

• Fat Loss in a Bottle
  Fat Loss in a Bottle

  Here are some nutritional supplements on the market that can help your weight-loss process along.

  Originally featured in: Men's Fitness May, 1999

  It may sound like something out of a sci-fi novel, but thermogenesis could be the secret to losing your love handles.

  Literally meaning "the creation of heat," it involves cranking up the calorie- and fat-burning processes in your body. While exercise and diet are the keys, many of us are genetically limited as to how much fat we can burn.

  This is where modern science comes to the rescue: There are nutritional supplements on the market that can help the process along. The products discussed below won't work without a sound weight program and plenty of cardio, but they might be worth a try.

  Citrus aurantium

  This fruit, also called "bitter orange," contains a naturally occurring fat-burner called synephrine. Citrus aurantium can increase your body's ability to burn fat and may exert a mild hunger-suppressant effect. It has only recently been introduced in supplement form and should be widely available toward the end of the year.

  "Citrus aurantium is the ideal fat-loss aid for guys who have plateaued in their workout programs," says Douglas Kalman, RD, director of clinical research at Peak Wellness, a Greenwich, Connecticut�based health-care facility. The latest study performed at Peak Wellness on citrus aurantium showed no signs of potential side effects. Stay tuned.

  7-keto DHEA

  You've probably heard of DHEA, a hormone-replacement therapy that some guys use to gain muscle mass and lose body fat. Unfortunately, DHEA is not very effective in guys under 35, and it's associated with some nasty side effects, including prostate enlargement, acne and premature baldness.

  Earlier this year, an altered version of DHEA was introduced. It's called 7-keto DHEA, and research indicates that it works by preventing your metabolic rate from dropping when you're on a calorie-restrictive diet.

  Kalman believes 7-keto holds great promise. "When individuals diet to lose body fat, their progress stops after a period of a few weeks," he says. "This version of DHEA can prevent this without the hormone-like side effects."

  Caffeine and ephedra

  These two controversial stimulants are thermogenic on their own but have an even greater effect on fat loss when combined. They are added to several ready-made drinks or pills found in health-food stores, sometimes referred to by their respective herbal names, guarana and ma huang.

  The problem, again, is side effects. Overuse of caffeine and ephedra has been associated with increased heart rate, insomnia, nervousness and even death. "Scientific studies have shown that [the combination] works, but I'm not crazy about the potential for side effects," Kalman says. If you're on antidepressant medication, ephedra is not an option.

  Pyruvate

  A recent study demonstrated that as little as 6 grams of pyruvate per day can enhance fat loss and increase muscle mass in guys who exercise regularly and follow a reasonably low-fat diet.

  "I like this one because it basically has no side effects, it's all natural, and data shows pyruvate can not only effect fat loss, but can make you exercise harder and longer," says Kalman.

  Yohimbine

  Yohimbine is a natural substance derived from the bark of two African trees. It is a potent vasodilator that first became popular because it increases the blood supply to the penis. In fact, yohimbine was the pre-Viagra impotence treatment for millions of men around the world.

  Yohimbine also increases levels of norepinephrine, which has a marked effect on fat utilization by the body. However, it may cause stimulatory-type reactions such as dizziness, irritability, headaches, anxiety and increased heart rate.

  "The side effects are pretty common," says Kalman. "Also, it can have negative interactions with antidepressant medications." If yohimbine strikes your fancy, stick to the prescription brand Yocon, or make sure over-the-counter varieties declare that they are standardized for yohimbine activity. Ask your doctor before trying it.

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• Can This Herb Reduce Aging?
  Can This Herb Reduce Aging?

  Does Ginkgo Biloba Reverse Aging?

  (From MSN Health by WebMD, October 18 1999)

  Question: I read in an article that ginkgo biloba reverses aging. Is this true?

  Answer: Ginkgo biloba is an herb that has received acclaim as a memory enhancer and anti-aging product. It's now among the ten most popular dietary supplements sold in the United States.

  

  Although it has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine for lung disorders, ginkgo extract has more recently been used in Europe and North America against the symptoms of aging. It is believed to stimulate circulation and oxygen flow to the brain, which can improve problem-solving and enhance memory.

  Effects of ginkgo

  • May increase blood flow in cerebrovascular disease
  • May improve poor circulation in the limbs
  • Improves memory and alertness
  • Improves communication, orientation and mobility
  • Improves symptoms of vertigo and tinnitus

  In a group of older people with mobility problems, ginkgo improved pain-free walking distance by as much as 30 percent. Long-term ginkgo use appears to reduce cardiovascular risks. It has also been shown to improve the cognitive function of Alzheimer's Disease patients.

  Differences in the production, labeling and marketing of this extract make it essential that consumers scrutinize the products they buy in order to maximize positive benefits while minimizing risks.

  Before purchasing a product, you should inspect the label. Manufacturers are now required to label their products with nutritional labeling that lists ingredients in descending order. Look for information on the label that indicates that a standardized extract of 24 percent ginkgo flavonglycosides and 6 percent terpenes has been used to prepare the product. The flavonoids are antioxidants. Both flavonoids and terpenes are believed to help protect brain function. Because herbal medicines are made from crude extracts of plants, look to see if there is any indication that the manufacturing process has removed any pesticides that may have been used in the plant cultivation. In addition, the product should have an expiration date.

  Don't expect to feel it right away. It may be several weeks before any effect will be noticeable. Many people also believe that it's a good idea to give the body a rest periodically by taking some time off from using the extract, for example, by taking one month off after six months of use.

  It is also important to be aware that herbal medicines can have drug interactions with other herbal preparations you may be taking, or with other over the counter or prescription medicines. For this reason, you should consult with your physician or pharmacist before taking any herbal preparation. For example, ginkgo diminishes the blood's ability to clot. It should definitely not be taken with anticoagulants such as coumadin or aspirin. With very large doses, side effects of ginkgo can include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, irritability and restlessness.

  The American Botanical Council has recently published the Complete German Commission E Monographs, which describe the potential therapeutic applications of a variety of herbal medicines.

  Copyright 1999 WebMD, Inc.

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• New Diet Drug Is No Cure-All
  New Diet Drug Is No Cure-All

  (Medical Tribune, July 30 1999) - Recent information in the news has suggested that a new medicine has been approved that lets you eat all the fat you want and still lose weight!

  Orlistat, sold under the brand name Xenical, acts in the intestinal tract to stop the gut from absorbing part of dietary fat. Like other diet drugs, it must be used along with changes in eating habits and physical activity. It has been used in Sweden as a "reminder" to teach people to limit dietary fat � if fat consumption goes too high, a person gets a stomach ache and diarrhea.

  While studies have shown that the medicine can promote weight loss of 5 to 10 percent, a commitment to re-learning how to make good food choices is vital, or weight will be regained. Besides, fat consumption is not the whole problem. Americans have decreased fat consumption, yet obesity has increased because calorie consumption from other sources has increased and physical activity levels remain low.

  People who turn to food for emotional reasons will continue to do so despite this medicine until the basic misuse of food is treated. In blocking fat absorption, absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and beta-carotene are also impaired, so it is important to take a multivitamin with beta-carotene each day at least two hours away from the medication.

  So the lesson is, don't rely on a wonder drug to lose weight. Stick to the basic principles of eating right and exercising and you will have much greater success!

  Source: American Institute for Cancer Research.

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• No-Guilt Chocolate Cake Recipie
  No-Guilt Chocolate Cake Recipie

  Cocoa Angel Food Cake

  (Prevention, September 1999) - Lose weight and have your cake, too -- as long as it's an angel food cake. Angel cakes are low in calories because they're made from egg whites and no added fat. This chocolate version is a delicious departure from the usual.

  Times:	Standing: 30 min.; Prep: 20 min.; Baking: 30 min.; Cooling: 1 1/2 hr.
  Per serving:
  Calories:	121
  Fat:	0.6 g. (4% of calories)
  Fiber:	2.5 g.
  Cholesterol:	0 mg.
  Sodium:	76 mg.
  Makes:	12 servings

  INGREDIENTS

  1 1/2 cups egg whites (about 12 egg whites)

  3/4 cup sifted whole-wheat pastry flour or sifted unbleached flour

  1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

  1 tsp cream of tartar

  1 tsp vanilla

  1/2 cup honey

  Fresh fruit (such as strawberries, raspberries, blueberries or peaches)

  DIRECTIONS

  Place the egg whites in a 5- or 6-quart bowl. Let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes.

  Meanwhile, sift the flour and cocoa powder together 4 times; set aside. Using an electric mixer, beat the egg whites on high speed until foamy. Add the cream of tartar and vanilla. Then beat on medium speed until the egg whites form soft peaks. Add the honey, 1 tablespoon at a time, and continue beating on medium speed until the egg whites form stiff peaks but are not dry.

  Sift 1/4 of the flour mixture over the egg whites and fold in using a wire whisk or large spatula. Repeat sifting and folding in the flour 3 more times.

  Spoon the batter into an ungreased 10" tube pan with a removable bottom. Use a thin knife to cut through the batter to remove any large air pockets. Bake at 350 degrees F for 30 to 35 minutes or until the cake springs back when lightly touched. Invert the pan onto a wire rack and let cool for at least 1 1/2 hours. Then remove the cake from the pan. Slice and serve with the fresh fruit.

  Chef's note: To differently flavor this cocoa cake, use 1 teaspoon of a flavor extract (such as almond, cherry, peppermint or orange) instead of the vanilla.

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• Notes On Nutrition And Supplements
  Notes On Nutrition And Supplements

  By BOB MYHAL

  • ** When using a thermogenic product (such as Ripped Fuel, Hydroxycut, EPH 833, etc.) to stimulate fat loss, be sure to take in sufficient amounts of protein�at least 20 grams every 3 hours�to prevent your body from cannibalizing muscle tissue. The easiest, most effective way to do this is with a low-fat protein powder or MRP.
  • *** If you frequently experience painful muscle cramps during or after your training, then you should try taking 1 or 2 grams of the amino acid taurine approximately 2 hours prior to training�it has powerful and proven anti-cramping properties.
  • *** As far as thermogenics or so-called fat-burners are concerned, ephedrine is still the king of the hill, but when you�re deciding on your weightloss supplementation program don�t overlook hydroxycitric acid (HCA).
  HCA is derived from the tamarind fruit and seems to work by inhibiting excess carbohydrates from being stored as bodyfat. MuscleTech�s Hydroxycut is a popular product containing HCA.
  • *** The chemistry of 19-norandrostenedione is telling. Basically, 19-norandrostenedione is structurally identical to a testosterone molecule right up the chain with two key exceptions: first, it is missing the hydrogen atom in the 17th position and second, it also lacks a carbon atom in the 19th position.
  What happens is that when the liver processes the norandrostenedione molecule it adds a hydrogen atom in the 17th position. The liver, however, has no mechanism for adding the carbon atom in the 19th position.
  What results is virtually a testosterone molecule missing the carbon atom. This molecule has the anabolic properties of testosterone (it may in fact have 2 or 3 times the anabolic effect of testosterone) without the level of androgenic side effects typically seen with extended testosterone use.
  • *** If you�re looking to drop fat and get lean, you�ll benefit from 3-5 cardiovascular training sessions per week. Ideally, each session should be 30-45 minutes in duration.
  For fat burning, it�s actually more beneficial to train at a consistent level of intensity throughout the session rather than using some sort of interval training (as with some of the machines which stimulate a series of inclines and declines).
  It�s also crucial for you to do your cardio training on an empty stomach�otherwise you�ll simply be burning up glycogen stores (sugar rather than fat). First thing in the morning is the best time for cardio training. If this isn�t possible, at least try not to eat for 3 or 4 hours prior to your cardio session�that way you�ll be primarily burning fat stores.

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• New Drug Fights Osteoporosis
  New Drug Fights Osteoporosis

  Raloxifene regrows thinning bone

  (MSNBC News, Aug. 17 1999) � It is dramatically good news for the 22 million American women at risk for fractures from the bone-thinning disease osteoporosis � a drug that actually regrows bone.

  "WOMEN WHO ALREADY have osteoporosis can take a treatment that will markedly reduce their risk of fractures � reduce that fracture risk by 40 percent," said Dr. Bruce Ettinger of Kaiser Permanente's Division of Research in Oakland, Calif. "So even women in their late 60s who already have fractures can get a tremendous benefit for their health." The findings in the largest study to date of the drug raloxifene were published in Wednesday's Journal of the American Medical Association. The research was funded by Eli Lilly and Co. of Indianapolis, which sells the drug as Evista.

  The news comes only a month after data from the same women revealed that raloxifene appears to lower breast cancer risk by 70 percent. That is a major advantage for postmenopausal women who fear using estrogen for its bone-strengthening benefits because it slightly increases breast-cancer risk with long-term use.

  The drug is already on the market to prevent osteoporosis and it will now join the three other drugs that can treat the disease. Ettinger said the four approved osteoporosis drugs should not be considered competitors, because their benefits and limitations are so different. Doctors say each drug carries risks and benefits, but with the growing number of treatments, almost everyone should get help.

  "We can approach the patient with many choices," explained Dr. Joseph Lane of New York's Hospital for Special Surgery, "There is usually one drug or more than one drug that we can use."

  The four approved osteoporosis drugs are:

  • Alendronate, marketed as Fosamax, is the strongest bone builder and the only drug shown to protect against hip fractures. But it offers no other health benefits and causes many women stomach upsets severe enough to discourage them from taking it.
  • Estrogen, which is almost equal to alendronate as a bone-builder, and research suggests it also protects against heart disease and even mental decline for women past menopause. It relieves menopause's hot flashes and night sweats, but it commonly causes breast tenderness and a resumption of menstrual bleeding, unacceptable to many women.
  • Raloxifene, which has about two-thirds the bone-building power of alendronate but does not relieve menopausal symptoms and may worsen some, such as leg swelling. But it seems to lower "bad" cholesterol levels in the blood and is well tolerated.
  • Calcitonin, marketed as Calcimar, which is the least powerful of the bone-boosters but is offered in an easy-to-take nasal spray.

  Osteoporosis strikes women four times as often as men, usually after menopause. Women with thinning bones can suffer compression fractures in the spine that make them shorter and hunched over � and they are at great risk for debilitating hip fractures if they fall. "One in 20 women in the hospital are recovering from a hip fracture," said Lane. "It leads to profound loss of function."

  As important as treatment is, doctors say it is crucial for women in their 30s, 40s and 50s to start thinking about getting lots of calcium in their diets and taking other steps to prevent osteoporosis. "I think it is actually critical to start as soon as possible," said Lane. "Once you start losing bone we can replace it, but when we replace it we never rebuild the architecture the way God gave it to you and it is always weaker."

  A $150 test called a bone scan is an important way to make sure your bones are not getting weaker. If it shows a woman's bones are weakening, doctors can start her on one of the drug regimens. Four months ago when a bone scan revealed that Anna Borruso, a patient at the Hospital for Special Surgery, was starting to get osteoporosis, her doctor put her on Evista. When she suffered a bad fall, it was not nearly as bad as it could have been. "I was elated that I did not break my arm or my hip or my ribs," Borruso said.

  Doctors say the new drugs could give similar protection to millions of women � sharply reducing one of the worst dangers of aging.

  The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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