Guide To Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs): The Good Fats We All Need

It seems as if we’re bombarded daily with information on the harmful effects of fat. Researchers continually come up with new products to help us get rid of it and marketers make them sound like cure-alls for all life’s problems. Yes, many of us are overweight, but the truth is not all fats are created equal. For instance we need essential fatty acids (EFA), or good fat, to function efficiently.

Bodybuilders and other hard working athletes need to pay special attention to EFA intake. Among their many positive functions, they also help our bodies create healthy, well-lubricated cells that not only form strong, flexible joints but also aid in repairing them when injured. We’ll include more information about the great qualities of EFAs later in this article.

The Essential Fatty Acids

As you may recall from learning about amino acids, non-essentials are called that because the body can make them. However in the case of essentials, we need to ingest them through food or supplementation. These same labels apply to fatty acids. In lieu of a lengthy chemical formula, we’ll just say that Omega-3 and Omega-6 constitute the two essential fatty acids and they come from linolenic and linoleic acids respectively. There is a third group called Omega-9, derived from oleic acid that we can produce once the other types are present in our systems.

Omega-3 and Omega-6 are also classified as unsaturated fatty acids. Although our bodies store excesses, they first use them to stabilize metabolism and help hormones stay on an even keel. Although tasty, saturated fats which come from animals aren’t healthy. We need a certain amount for energy but the unused portions store as body fat. The worst fats of all are called “trans-fats”. They occur during cooking and when manufacturers add hydrogen to vegetable oil. They help prolong the storage capabilities of foods such as margarine, but to anyone working hard to build muscle, they’re a definite no-no.

What Do They Do?

So what makes EFAs so important? We briefly mentioned cell production and joint health, but they do so much more. Here are some other functions:

• Decrease fat – yes, it’s true, good fats in disciplined amounts actually help us lose stored body fat
• Cellular production – help with other components to form healthy and flexible cell walls, repair those damaged, and drive out wastes such as lactic acid and carbon dioxide, which in turn improves circulation. Cells deliver food and nutrients where needed
• Oxygen – bodybuilders especially need oxygen to produce energy; everyone needs it for good brain and other organ function
• Immune system – helps keep resistance to bacteria strong and also fight infection and reduce inflammation
• Fluid retention – aids in getting rid of water and sodium that cause edema
• Cholesterol – raise good cholesterol (HDL) which also helps fight the effects of bad cholesterol (LDL)
• System support – including nervous, reproductive, cardiovascular, and immune by producing prostaglandins; they control blood pressure and clotting, as well as blood pressure
• Electricity – our bodies emit electrical charges crucial to muscles and nerves, as well as at the basic cellular level. EFAs aid that processAll of these functions are important for everyone, but especially crucial to help hard-trainers remain strong, healthy, and, flexible. Essential fatty acids promote health at the cellular level as well as in the large organs including the heart, kidney, and digestive system. With all their important jobs, it’s no wonder that we’re now learning so much about them.

How They Work

The main component and most prominent essential fatty acid is Omega-6. When we’re functioning as we should, our bodies will convert it to gamma linolenic acid (GLA) and with the help of Omega-3 make eicosanoids. Even though many of us actually ingest enough linoleic acid, our diets that contain so much refined sugar and trans fats, prevent it from making GLA. Not only those things but highly processed foods, stress, smoking, infections, and disease all interrupt the natural process. EFA supplementation helps us avoid the ill effects of these factors.

Who Should Use It?

Research shows that nearly everyone will benefit from adding essential fatty acid supplements to their daily intake. In the earlier days of our civilization Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids were more plentiful in nature. That means that people and the animals they ate all had better access to nutritious plants. Nowadays we find chemicals in everything, not to mention our diets are full of processed and junk foods. Animals raised for food often spend their lives in cages feeding on processed foods and stuffed full of antibiotics. Nature no longer provides the levels of EFAs that it once did. As mentioned earlier, cooking often changes good fat into harmful trans-fats.

Here are some specific people that especially benefit with EFA supplementation:

• Bodybuilders – not only do they need healthy cells to produce lean muscle and tissue, their muscles take a beating and need good ways to recover from the stress and strain. EFA supplements promote heart health, oxygen flow, hormone repairOeall essential in rebuilding muscles subjected to catabolic harm
• Diseases and Conditions – low levels of Omega-3’s and 6’s contribute to cancers, asthma, cardiovascular disease, early aging, obesity, stroke, arthritis, depression, and Alzheimer’s among others
• All Athletes – lubricating properties and auto-immune protection help keep painful swelling and inflammation at bay. Stressed muscles require eicosanoids to heal which are found in EFAs
• Poor Digestion – EFAs reduce painful inflammation in the stomach and intestinal tract and help digest food and avoid general gut problems

Food Sources

Although many foods contain EFAs, most of us benefit by supplementing those amounts. Our diets contain so many highly processed foods as well as those treated with pesticides, antibiotics, growth hormone, and various chemical additives. Even fish once considered an excellent source of protein and beneficial fat now often has toxic levels of mercury from our polluted waters. Bodybuilders and other athletes especially need EFA supplements to help them build, maintain, and repair lean muscle tissue.

For an extra boost in EFAs some things to include in your diet are canola, flaxseed, hempseed, wheat germ, and olive oils. Nuts and seeds are rich in essential fatty acids as are the vegetables avocado, dark leafy greens such as spinach and kale, and of course fish including tuna, sardines, and mackerel. These are just a few examples of things to eat, although moderation is important. Even though these fats are healthy, overdoing them will add weight.

Forms

In addition to being naturally present in certain foods, supplementing with EFAs is simple. You’ll find it in capsule or liquid form. Oils cost less, but many people don’t like the taste or feel of it, although some find flaxseed oil, a good source of Omega-3 quite pleasant. It can be taken by the spoonful or sprinkled on grains and cereals or mixed in some recipes. For those that prefer a capsule, natural and health food store shelves and Internet sites contain a variety of fish oils in various strengths. Sometimes Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids combine in one pill, easily swallowed.

Because Omega-3 promotes the healing of stressed muscles, bodybuilders and other hard trainers need EFA supplementation for optimum performance. It also helps prevent inflammation and assists with weight loss, especially stored body fat.

Anyone using EFA supplements needs to be careful when storing them. Heat and light cause them to break down rapidly, so keep bottles in a cool dark place.Side Effects

The only reported side effect from EFA supplementation is a possible blood thinning effect. That usually only occurs when someone takes excess amounts. If you take blood thinners it would be a good idea to check with your physician before starting Omega-3 or Omega-6 essential fatty acids.

Cautions

The usual cautions apply to EFA supplements; be sure to read labels for directions on using them and check the ingredients. Some companies may add fillers. Buy from a trusted manufacturer to ensure product purity and that it was made in a clean, safe facility. Also remember that more isn’t necessarily better so follow recommended guidelines unless your healthcare professional or trainer tells you its okay to increase.

Studies

Researchers have conducted many studies on essential fatty acids and they are still ongoing. They show positive results for the conditions we’ve talked about here. Additionally some research shows that EFAs may relieve depression in some patients, help moderate insulin problems, and have a positive effect on hyperactivity and attention deficit disorder.

Good Health

We encourage you to continue to take an interest in your own health. Everyone, especially people that workout and stress their bodies in other ways, will benefit from the many types of supplements available. Essential Fatty Acids certainly sit up there at the top, or near the top of the list.

The supplementation industry is finally receiving the attention it deserves. Like any other popular segment of today’s marketplace you should use common sense as well as do a little homework before buying a new product, as there are always scammers ready to take your money. By the same token the fact that people want to live healthier and look good while doing it encourages those of us serving them.

The fact that researchers continually look for new ways to fight negative effects of our environment and improve our quality of life bodes well for the future.

Celadrin Guide: Promotes Joint Health And Mobility

These days researchers are working hard to find answers to a problem so many of us face; deteriorating joints and the tissue surrounding them. For the millions of people that suffer from osteoarthritis and other painful conditions associated with strenuous workouts like bodybuilding, as well as normal aging, and even daily exercise, this is good news. It’s great that we’re finding methods of treating these symptoms and even learning how to repair existing damage through natural means.

Our bodies contain large joints such as those at the hips and small ones like fingers and thumbs and some that are in between. One way to identify your joints is to examine your body for any places that two bones are connected. Connective tissues including cartilage keep the ends of bones from rubbing together. To function correctly these connections need to stay well lubricated. It’s the wearing and drying that causes cartilage to stiffen and dry, thus removing the moisturizing properties. At the same time the surrounding muscles, ligaments, and other tissues aren’t able to do their jobs either. These conditions result in pain, swelling, and stiffness. A Celadrin supplement halts and even reverses the effects of moisture loss.

What Is Celadrin?

Celadrin is a blend of various fatty acids or lipids and is all natural. Celadrin is patented because of the unique way that the maker’s combine the components. Celadrin makes it possible to relieve aches and pains, restore range of motion to joints, and even reduce wrinkles. That’s because the body rapidly synthesizes its lubricating properties at the cellular level. In addition you don’t need a prescription to buy it and Celadrin won’t cause the nasty side effects associated with drugs prescribed to relieve pain and inflammation. Celadrin gives back the cushioning fluids that keep out bones and joints supple and pain free. When you take supplemental Celadrin you treat the source not just the symptom.

How Does It Work?

To understand how Celadrin works in the body, it helps to know a little bit about cellular structure. Cells make up every part of us, including skin, organs, muscles, ligaments, tissues, cartilage, hair, nailsOeeverything. The cells themselves are separated by membranes, a specific type of tissue made up of lipids. They help control how various substances such as food, drugs, minerals, and supplements act when we ingest them.

Lipids and other fatty acids have the ability to permeate cells even though they aren’t soluble in water.

So many things we do place undo stress on our cells. Working out is a big one because we really strain muscle and joint cells. Not only that, but frequently we breathe poor air, thanks to pollution. We also ingest all sorts of harmful and unhealthy chemicals in processed foods. Our fast lifestyles create stress and anxiety which in turn take a toll on our systems and damage cells. These conditions along with free radicals and other poisoning substances cause cell membranes to dry out and become stiff and inflamed.

All of these along with other conditions contribute to the aging process by speeding it up. Not only does our environment make us age faster, it also causes arthritis and other joint ailments, heart and lung problems, gum disease, and more wrinkles than we would have if we lived calm lives in a perfect atmosphere.

Taking oral Celadrin or applying it topically helps to repair damaged cell membranes. Its chemical make-up allows it to permeate our existing cells and give them new energy and life through its lubricating properties.

Who Should Use It?

Celadrin constitutes one of those supplements that offer beneficial results for almost anyone. If you don’t suffer from painful joints but work out or lead an extremely active life, Celadrin will help you stay in good shape and avoid premature aging. We all age of course, but again Celadrin helps stave off dried out tissues and keep us young longer.

• Bodybuilders – This group puts more stress and strain on their musco-skeletal systems than almost all others. They also compromise their immune systems by working out so hard. Taking a Celadrin supplement or using Celadrin cream (or both) boosts cell life and production through its lubricating properties. Bodybuilding is hard work in itself and maintaining good health takes work too
• Athletes – Although exercise benefits us in so many ways it also takes its toll. Just as bodybuilders push the envelope, so does anyone that trains in a particular sport, does extreme sports, or engages in daily or even weekly exercise
• Inflammation – Arthritis, minor and major injuries, and back pain among other conditions all result from inflammation. Celadrin works naturally in cells to prevent it from happening and to relieve it once it occurs. Not only that but it doesn’t come with all the nasty side effects attributed to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as NSAIDS
• Psoriasis – Millions suffer from this unpleasant and uncomfortable skin condition. Patient using Celadrin cream on the affected areas reported great results in healing their inflamed skin
• Aging – Because it produces plump, healthy cells, Celadrin cream also helps reduce and prevent wrinkling, keeping skin young and firm. It helps calm painful inflammation and plumps up dried out cells through its lubricating properties
• Arthritis – Millions are diagnosed with painful and debilitating osteoarthritis each year. Bodybuilders often contract it sooner rather than later. Fortunately research into natural remedies and prevention is now on the fast track and Celadrin ranks among the top

Other conditions treated with Celadrin including hardening of the arteries, gingivitis, bruises and sprains, and many others respond well to it and new uses continue to come to light.

How To Take It

Before adding Celadrin to your supplement regimen, carefully read the label and any package inserts and follow directions. Never assume that more is better so stick with the standard dose unless advised by a professional to take more.

You’ll also see Celadrin in combination with other joint health products such as glucosamine and chondroitin and many swear by these blends. You may need to do a bit of experimenting and inquiring to find out which type best meets your needs.

Forms

In all of our articles about supplementation we remind you to buy only from sources that you trust. Always use brands you’re familiar with or get a recommendation from someone you know. The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements; only those classified as medications. You may find a good bargain offered by a company you aren’t familiar with, but they may not use pure ingredients or maintain a bacteria free production plant. As the old saying goes, “It’s better to be safe than sorry”. In most cases it’s better to pay a bit more and know the Celadrin won’t make you sick. Quality ingredients and state-lf-the-art manufacturing conditions ensure a safe and effective product.

Oral doses of Celadrin come in tablets, soft gel capsules, and hard gel capsules. Any of these provide good results, although the soft gels get into the bloodstream more quickly due to faster absorption.

Celadrin also works well as a topical anti inflammatory cream. Many patients quickly notice relief from swelling and pain when they apply it to the affected joints. In fact those using both the cream and the pills often experience greater and more comfortable mobility in knees, elbows, and wrists.

Side Effects

As with so many of the products we discuss on our site, Celadrin causes far less distress (if any) than anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) whether prescribed or purchased over-the-counter. So often these meds result in gastrointestinal problems and may lead to heart and other trouble. As with any new substance you plan to ingest, you should check with your physician if you take medications for any condition, although there are no reports of adverse interactions. Also it’s always a good idea to talk with knowledgeable people such as your trainer, coach or nutritionist to learn all you can about any supplement.

Celadrin receives high marks from many sources regarding side effects. Even after selling millions of doses all research points to its safety for both short and long term use.

Cautions

Pregnant women, nursing mothers, and those with immune deficiency or other serious conditions should exercise extra caution before trying new products, even natural ones.

Studies

Oral Celadrin and Celadrin creams have undergone intense scrutiny and study to determine how effective they are in relieving inflammation and restoring mobility. Results show that all forms work well and cause no major side effects. As with other products in this category Celadrin research is ongoing.

Good Health

We can’t emphasize enough how vital it is to seek and maintain good spiritual, mental, and bodily health. These various parts function as one system and each affects the other. If one is out of whack, the others will suffer as well. We advise you to eat a healthy, nutritious diet low in fat and chemicals used in heavy processing. In other words eat as many foods as you can that maintain their ties to Mother Nature. Get plenty of regular exercise and if you train hard, do so sensibly. Take Celadrin supplements alone or with other natural products to preserve and restore joint and bone health, and be sure to take the time and warm up and cool down before and after your routine. Get enough rest every day and don’t pack on extra pounds in the form of fat.

Once you establish good habits in life, you’ll definitely notice many positive changes in how you feel and perform.

SAM-e Guide: A Multi-Purpose Supplement

What Is It?

More commonly known as SAM-e, S-adenosylmethionine (S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine) exists in our bodies. As we know we’re filled with all sorts of substances, including amino acids that keep us working like well oiled machines. Unfortunately age or various stressors deplete stores of many of them and we need to supplement since foods alone usually aren’t enough. We’re lucky to live in such technologically advanced times that allow us to replace what we use via many fine products.

SAM-e specifically targets cell maintenance, nerve production, and helps with upkeep of emotional health. Since our site exists to promote good health, especially in people that train hard in bodybuilding or other athletic endeavors, you may wonder why we’d talk about moods. It’s important to remember that all our systems are connected and continually interact. You may notice that when you get plenty of exercise, you feel more alive and upbeat. When you overdo it you may experience stress and exhaustion that in turn lead to depression.

To boil this information down further; SAM-e specifically targets the cells that make and repair cartilage. That’s because it stimulates proteoglycans in the blood which is where cell building starts. Bodybuilders and other athletes often develop painful joint problems because they wear out the cartilage in their major joints. Not only that, but everybody most likely will suffer the ravages of osteoarthritis as they age. SAM-e offers a natural way to restore motion and stop pain without the side effects caused by non-steroidal anti inflammatory (NSAIDS) and other prescribed and over-the-counter remedies. More and more studies show that these drugs cause digestive and even heart trouble in some cases. Even that good old standby aspirin now carries label cautions. It’s much more desirable to treat our bodily ailments with substances that occur naturally in our systems.

How Does It Work?

Although every live cell contains SAM-e, most of us will benefit from supplementing with it. It plays a vital roll in many… more than 40, of our internal biochemical processes. Aging depletes our stores of valuable cell builders and dries out natural lubricants that keep our joints, ligaments, and all connective tissue moving smoothly. SAM-e is another victim of this process. Also some of us have deficiencies in B vitamins that help us properly synthesize SAM-e or in SAM-e itself. Low levels of SAM-e may lead to problems such as depression, cartilage and general cell degeneration, hormonal imbalances, and pain from arthritis and fibromyalgia.

Another benefit of taking SAM-e supplements is more glutathione. With so many toxins in our environment, including air, water, and food, we need lots of this and other antioxidants to protect us from related harmful effects. Methylation is a crucial chemical action that occurs continually in the body. Without SAM-e it wouldn’t happen. Methylation helps maintain healthy brain function and also regulates neurotransmitters and hormones. For example it aids the brain by making its cells ready for serotonin and dopamine, which create good moods and a sense of well-being. Many also believe that it helps us generate new cartilage and thus stave off the ill effects of osteoarthritis.

Who Should Use It?

Many feel that everyone benefits from taking SAM-e as it contributes to nerve, liver, brain, and heart health, as well as promoting longer lives. Some specific groups that should definitely consider adding SAM-e supplementation to their regimen are:

• Bodybuilders – As mentioned earlier, bodybuilders and power lifters put enormous strain on their joints every time they work out. SAM-e contributes to not only preserving cartilage but also helps repair that which is already damaged
• Athletes – Everyone that exercises regularly and especially those that keep a regular training schedule or participate in extreme sports need to stay in tip-top shape. Although they work out to improve their bodies, they seriously strain muscles and joints while doing so. Additionally we all age and as we do so our joints and other musco-skeletal systems deteriorate. SAM-e supplements help slow this process and rebuild structural cells already damaged
• Arthritis – Millions of us suffer the mild to severe debilitating symptoms of this painful condition. Although there are many anti-inflammatory drugs on the market to help ease the pain, most of them cause side effects that may ultimately only add fuel to the fire. Supplementing with SAM-e offers a safer, more natural alternative
• Fibromyalgia – More and more people suffer from this chronic condition that causes pain in muscles, tendons, ligaments, as well as making patients feel depressed and exhausted. Taking SAM-e has proven beneficial to many patients because it helps with both pain and depression
• Depression – SAM-e use in Europe as a treatment for depression has been going on for over twenty years. Because of our stressful lives, poor diet and exercise habits, millions of people suffer from depression. Many of them don’t like the idea of taking anti-depression medication. Others are willing to try it but don’t like the side effects. Once again SAM-e presents a natural alternative
• Liver disease – SAM-e is a recognized treatment by many healthcare professionals for liver toxicity. People with cirrhosis or low bile production often experience reversals of these conditions and restoration of healthy liver function

Forms

SAM-e is most often sold in tablet form of varying strengths. Many of them are enteric coated to allow passage directly into the intestines rather than dissolving in the stomach. This ensures getting the full benefit from the SAM-e supplement.

Side Effects

We all experience different reactions when we take supplements or even try new foods. It’s always important to follow label directions and not operate on the belief that more is better. SAM-e shows few side effects, but may include nausea and gastric distress. In some instances those taking higher than normal doses have suffered headaches, dizziness, and insomnia, in addition to digestive problems.

It’s always wise to seek advice from your doctor, nutritionist, trainer, or other healthcare professional when starting something new. With SAM-e it’s especially true if you have depression or other mental or physical problems or if you take prescribed medication.

Disclaimer: These uses are suggestions resulting from various studies. They are not to be considered medical advice. If you experience symptoms related to these conditions or wish to improve any functions, consult a healthcare professional.

Cautions

The United States and Canada differ from Europe in that no government agency regulates products considered supplements. That means if you want to try SAM-e you’re somewhat on your own in finding the best brand. In other countries many of our natural remedies, including SAM-e supplements are considered drugs and must be prescribed by a medical professional. Doctors recommend it to patients suffering from arthritis, depression, and liver ailments.

We urge you to research SAM-e and other natural remedies before you buy them. Federal Drug Administration (FDA) regulation doesn’t guarantee that a specific treatment will workOein fact sometimes the agency adds cautions or withdraws approval as problems arise. At least their endorsement offers a semblance of a safety net. When you explore the world of supplements it’s smart to listen to others using them, carefully read labels to make sure the ingredients come from good sources and don’t contain a lot of sugar and fillers, and buy from companies you’re familiar with.

People use SAM-e for serious ailments that are often treated with prescription medications. If you’re under a doctor’s care, be sure to let him or her know that you want to use SAM-e supplements. They may need to lower your dose of prescribed meds or take you off of them altogether. Also, pay close attention to your body. Many of us are so busy that we go through our lives somewhat oblivious to all the chemistry going on inside us. Notice what makes you feel good and what doesn’t. Ultimately each of us is in charge of our own organism and it’s up to us to be as fit and healthy as possible.

Some researchers worry that SAM-e converts into homocysteine. It’s an amino acid that helps cells function correctly and builds protein. Too much homocysteine may increase blood clotting and harm blood vessels thus triggering heart disease. Ingesting B vitamins prevents homocysteine from building up in the blood and converts it into methionine.

To sum up then; we must use common sense. Alcohol related liver damage won’t improve, even with SAM-e supplementation unless the person rectifies their alcohol abuse. However SAM-e will reduce toxin levels in the liver as it’s known for its cleansing abilities. If you want to try SAM-e for depression, don’t just arbitrarily think of it as a mood booster or mix it with existing medications. Yes, most of us would rather take a substance our bodies are already familiar with, but we need to do so responsibly.

Good nutrition, exercise, plenty of rest all contribute to our health. Supplements, including SAM-e are like icing on the cake. They enhance our already good habits. It’s important to be aware that supplements aren’t miracle workers. We need to do our part to get the full effects from them.

Studies

Although SAM-e use in Europe has been ongoing for years, the US lags behind in research and clinical trials. As with so many other natural products, public demand for alternative care is prompting further studies.

Medical doctors often remain skeptical of supplements that mimic natural substances because they receive so much information from the major drug companies. They are basically trained in medical school to prescribe lots of chemicals. Thankfully times are slowly changing. Many physicians advise caution when taking SAM-e but agree that studies to date show excellent results.

Hyaluronic Acid Guide: The Body’s Natural Lubricant

The Advantages of Using Hyaluronic Acid Supplements

As is true of so many supplements used today, hyaluronic acid (HA) lives naturally in our bodies. It’s mainly found in synovial fluid, which we’ve talked about in other articles. In order to keep our joints, tendons, and all connective tissue well lubricated so we can move freely, some of our membranes release it into those needed areas. That means that HA is another crucial substance in our quest for health and fitness. It also aids in muscle growth, keeps our immune systems functioning with its lubricating properties that fight free radicals and other harmful intruders, and helps us absorb certain vitamins. Additionally we find it in our eyes and heart valves.

Since it is also a protein, it helps form the very structure of our bodies because every cell contains amino acids and proteins. This valuable substance also goes by the names “sodium hyaluronate” and “hyaluronan”. As is true of so many components or our bodies, HA levels tend to decrease as we age. Bodybuilders and other people that put significant stress on their musco-skeletal system also use up their HA reserves at an accelerated rate. Thankfully we live in an age that provides supplementation to so many of our inner resources.

How/What Makes It Work?

Hyaluronan coats cartilage cells. It then takes part in a chemical process that lets them absorb water; thus cartilage remains flexible. When there isn’t enough moisture in these cells the cartilage dries out and we lose flexibility.

Another area where it works for us is in our skin. In fact the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) approved hyaluronan in 2003 as a wrinkle reducer. These days many people focus on youth and beauty and products that help stave off aging practically jump of the shelves. HA injections offer temporary smoothness because of its moisture retaining properties. It plumps up facial or other wrinkled skin areas and creates a smooth surface. It’s also available in creams and serums.

Who Should Use It?

The big answer is that everyone needs it, although some groups benefit more from HA supplementation than others.

• Bodybuilders – and any other athletes who routinely put major stress on their joints should consider using hyaluronic acid supplements. In addition to stressing their musco-skeletal structure, these folks also compromise their immune systems by lowering their resistance to free radicals, bacterial infections, and viruses. Taking a regular dose of an HA supplement will provide the antioxidant effect of fighting off the damage. When we compromise our immune systems through excessive exercise, workouts, or stress, we open ourselves up to all sorts of health problems, including sport’s injuries
• Osteoarthritis – arthritis plagues most of us as we age, but when we continually work our bodies to higher levels of endurance it generally comes on earlier. Keeping those joints, muscles, ligaments and all connective tissue well lubricated will help delay the onset. In fact some studies show that maintaining high levels of hyaluronan will even repair damaged cartilage. Those with severe joint pain often receive injections of HA to stimulate new tissue production and repair sustained damage
• Immune System – because of its infection fighting properties, HA benefits those with suppressed immunity problems
• Eye Health – HA promotes healthy eye tissue and is even frequently administered after cataract removal surgery. Doctors also use it for other ocular surgeries such as cornea transplant, detached retinas, and glaucoma
• Skin – hyaluronic acid keeps skin supple and moist. Its hydrating qualities make it a popular anti-aging supplement
• Heart Valve – HA works to keep the heart pumping efficiently so that blood will deliver oxygen and nutrients where they are needed in the body
• Muscles, Tissue, Joints n HA is crucial to keeping the musco-skeletal system well-oiled and working smoothly. Because it enhances every tissue, its ability to attract water plumps up every cell
• Vitamins – another benefit of using HA is that it helps us assimilate vitamins

Disclaimer: These uses are suggestions resulting from various studies. They are not to be considered medical advice. If you experience symptoms related to these conditions or wish to improve any functions, don’t do so without consulting a healthcare professional.

How Should I Take It?

As with any supplement or medication, anyone using HA should carefully read the label directions. It’s also wise to buy hyaluronic acid supplements from a manufacturer that you’re familiar with. The FDA doesn’t regulate how these products are made and some companies may use unhealthy fillers or not keep their factories sterile and safe.

You should also tell your doctor that you plan to use HA supplementation, especially if you take prescribed medications. Other people to talk with about hyaluronan include your coach or trainer, nutritionist, and fellow athletes. We learn a lot about effective products by sharing our experiences with one another.

Also since everyone has different chemistry, some trial and error is usually called for when setting up our training and supplementation routines. Always remember that more isn’t necessarily better. Sometimes it’s fine to take more than a recommended dose of a product but only if our research and discussions show that it’s safe to do so.

There are a couple of recommendations concerning HA supplements. Sufficient levels of magnesium are necessary for it to work properly, so hyaluronic acid users should also add some magnesium with it. Also too much vitamin C will break down the HA so if you take a lot of C, cut back while you take HA.

Forms

Manufactures of HA often combine it with other substances that promote and maintain good joint health. For example glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM supplements often contain hyaluronic acid as well. Each of these substances help to keep us limber and arthritis free because they lubricate our joints, keep cartilage healthy, and boost our immune systems. These combinations are usually sold as capsules or tablets.

Because HA moisturizes both internally and externally, you’ll often find it as a serum or cream. This of course goes directly on the skin to reduce wrinkles and repair damage from UV rays and other atmospheric conditions that age us prematurely.

Some people with severe joint pain also receive HA injections directly into the painful areas.

Side Effects

Hyaluronic acid produces few if any side effects, although it may not be safe for people with certain heart valve problems. As we mentioned earlier, if you take medications or have health problems, always consult with your health care provider before starting something new.

Those using injectible HA sometimes experience pain, bruising, itching, or other problems at the injection site. Also anyone using products that sometimes cause bleeding should stop taking them a week or so before their hyaluronic acid injection. These include aspirin, vitamin E, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDS) meds among others. These substances contain anti-coagulating properties. Again we advise you to talk to your physician before starting an HA regimen.

Cautions

As with any supplement or medication, pregnant and nursing women should avoid them until they get the okay from their doctor or midwife.

Studies

HA has been used in studies and clinical trials for a number of years. As we all know more and more people use supplementation to increase their endurance and stimulate new tissue growth. Researchers now spend more time than ever before examining products bodybuilders and other athletes use, as well as those with potential for use in the future. In time more benefits of HA supplements will surely be discovered.

Good Health

Our bodies, minds, and spirits all work together in a synergistic relationship. It’s important to keep all systems in the best possible shape. Hyaluronic acid and other supplements help us maintain a healthy balance so that we function at the highest possible level.

MSM Guide: A Great Source of Sulfur for the Body

What Is It?

Methylsufonylmethane, more commonly known as MSM works much the same way as glucosamine and chondroitin in promoting, preserving, and repairing joint and connective tissue health. Also a natural substance, it lives in our bodies… in fact it resides in all living things. Hormones, enzymes, antioxidants, all our bodily fluids, and every type of tissue all contain MSM.

MSM consists of over 30% sulfur which is important because most of our molecules contain sulfur. It also occurs in the proteins that make up our joints, skin, nails, and hair. Of all the elements found in nature, sulfur is among the top ten. Most of us have heard of collagen, important for keeping our skin young, but it also is part of the structure of cartilage which works in conjunction with connective tissue to support our musco skeletal frames.

Another important function that MSM contributes to is increasing blood circulation and cleaning out toxins… meaning that it allows the good things such as nutrients and supplements to do their jobs more effectively. It enhances digestion by coating the intestines so that parasites can’t imbed themselves in our digestive systems.

Any bodybuilder, power lifter, triathlon candidate, or for that matter any hard training athlete will tell you how difficult it is to build and maintain healthy lean muscles. All of us naturally stress our bodies just living our lives; these people beat themselves up by continually stretching, straining, and working joints, cartilage, bones, and every muscle and tissue cell. Protein powders and other supplements help everyone stay fit but athletes really need them to counteract all that abuse. We need to remember that we are actually complex structures that rely on internal chemical actions and reactions. MSM supplementation can play a critical role in keeping joints and tissues working as they should.

How/What Makes It Work?

As is true with so many naturally occurring substances, it’s difficult to get enough MSM from food alone, even though milk, meat, fish, and raw fruits and veggies all contain it. Luckily we can supplement with MSM and other materials to improve our health.

As we mentioned MSM contains a great deal of sulfur. Remember that amino acids are the building blocks of protein, which in turn builds every one of our cells. Several amino acids (especially methionine) contain sulfur meaning that some proteins do too. This is a long way of saying that sulfur must be present in order to us maintain good health. By the way you won’t find sulfur in fats and carbs, another reason to take in enough protein.

Although MSM resides in many foods, unless we live on a raw diet we won’t get enough of it. Thankfully we live in an age that provides us with all kinds of wonderful and natural supplements.

Some of the other functions that sulfur helps carry out are cell protection because of its strong antibacterial capabilities; keeping people younger longer by protecting against free radicals such as pollen and other pollutants; helping to keep skin lubricated and elastic. Because it keeps our blood free from infections by fighting off harmful bacteria and safeguards our cell structure, using MSM contributes to longer life and a more youthful appearance.

Who Should Use It?

We believe that anyone will benefit from taking an MSM supplement. Following are some specific people and conditions it targets:

• Bodybuilders – MSM contributes to joint preservation and often works along with glucosamine and chondroitin. Bodybuilders and other athletes stress and strain their bodies on a daily basis. As they work out they build up their lean muscle mass only to have it start breaking down when they stop. This causes pain, exhaustion, swelling, and cell degeneration. As it helps build new cells and preserve joint flexibility MSM supplements bring welcome relief and healing to the hard trainers using it
• Osteoarthritis – Millions suffer from this debilitating breaking down of joints, cartilage, and connective tissues. Although exercise and a nutritious diet help hold off the effects, most people will experience arthritis at some point in their lives. Standard treatment often includes non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) which can cause serious side effects including digestive distress and heart problems. Some researches even believe that they eventually exacerbate arthritic symptoms. Obviously, using naturally occurring substances such as MSM supplements are preferable, especially since they have few if any side effects
• Low Energy – MSM boosts energy naturally as it cleanses the blood making it easier to absorb oxygen. This attribute along with its detoxifying properties stimulate and increase our get-up-and-go.
• Allergy Sufferers – Since MSM contains free radical fighting properties, it naturally helps prevent the negative effects of pollens and foods
• Parasites – Although we don’t like to think about it, many of us house parasites in our intestines and urinary tracts. Some research shows MSM supplements actively fight these organisms
• Constipation – All jokes aside; this condition causes all kinds of real trouble. In addition to holding toxins in the body, it’s painful, exhausting, and even depressing. Using MSM supplementation daily shows excellent results in relieving these symptoms and promoting healthy elimination
• Acid – If you look on the shelves of your pharmacy or super market you’ll see multiple brands and forms of antacids. All the stress we experience in our lives gives many of us a stomach ache and other digestive problems. Rather than using these over-the-counter or prescription drugs, avoid potential side effects by using an MSM supplement. It’s always preferable to use natural products
• Skin, hair, nails – MSM acts as both a skin healer and a skin preserver. Using MSM supplements or applying it topically as a lotion or gel keeps our largest organ pliant and minimizes pain, itching, and redness due to such conditions as eczema, psoriasis, bug bites, sunburn, and poison ivy just to name a few. It also strengthens finger and toe nails and leads to beautiful, shiny hair
• General – Due to its sulfur content, many researchers believe that MSM supplements contribute to relief from menstrual cramps, migraine headaches, asthma, and emphysema. Additionally, because it stimulates healthy cell growth, it even helps some cancer patients

Besides fostering overall joint flexibility and fighting off osteoarthritis, MSM relieves symptoms caused by related conditions such as bursitis, tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and general abuse of muscles, tendons, and ligaments.

Disclaimer: These uses are suggestions resulting from various studies. They are not to be considered medical advice. If you experience symptoms related to these conditions or wish to improve any functions, don’t do so without consulting a healthcare professional.

How Should I Take It?

We urge you to follow labeled instructions on MSM or any supplemental product. Also, talk with your doctor, trainer, coach, nutritionist, or other professional that you trust for advice on what supplements will best compliment your activity level and diet. You’ll find all kinds of useful information on the Internet as well as learn tips from those you train or work out with.

Forms

MSM mainly comes in the form of capsules, tablets, or powder and is often combined with glucosamine and/ or chondroitin. They make a powerful combination for healing damaged joints and preserving healthy ones. MSM supplements work well in conjunction with various vitamins, amino acids, essential fatty acids and other substances that Mother Nature gave us. Because of strenuous workouts, hectic lifestyles, and poor nutrition we often need to help her by supplementing with natural and organic materials.

You’ll also find MSM in many lotions, oils, and liquids.

Side Effects

MSM is virtually free of negative side effects. It has no toxins and any unused amount is usually eliminated naturally. Even those with food allergies report no symptoms from ingesting a high quality MSM product. This natural supplement is safe and beneficial.

Cautions

The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t monitor nutritional supplements since they aren’t medications. For that reason you should use care when reviewing and purchasing products. Some ways to protect against a less than pure MSM supplement are to carefully read labels and buy from manufacturers you know. MSM may be crystallized or distilled. Many companies use crystallization because this process costs them less. Unfortunately it may create a poor quality MSM. The difference results from the solvents and other materials used and the general hygienic practices the business employs. Be skeptical of MSM made in countries where water purity may be questionable.

Studies

As with most supplements, MSM studies continue. Only the last few years have we seen a phenomenal growth in the field of supplementation. As the demand for naturally occurring and organic products grows, we’ll see more and more data to support what many of us already know. That is that we don’t need all those chemicals to feel better and live longer and healthier lives.

Good Health

Even though MSM occurs in nature it’s important to note that it easily evaporates. Because it’s bound to moisture molecules, when food products are stored or shipped, once they start drying out, the sulfur does too. This makes another important reason to supplement with MSM.

Eczema: Causes and Treatment

Eczema is a form of dermatitis, which is inflammation of the upper layers of the skin. People often use the term eczema for a wide variety of persistent or recurring skin rashes characterized by redness, itching and dryness. This includes possible crusting, flaking, blistering, cracking, oozing or bleeding. Areas of temporary skin discoloration sometimes characterize healed lesions, though scarring is rare.

Common Types of Eczema

Atopic eczema (aka infantile e., flexural e., atopic dermatitis) is believed to have a hereditary component, and often runs in families whose members also have hay fever and asthma. Itchy rash is particularly noticeable on face and scalp, neck, hands, inside of elbows, behind knees, and buttocks. It is a very common condition in all developed countries, and continually rising.

There are two types of Contact dermatitis: allergic (resulting from a delayed reaction to some allergen, such as poison ivy or nickel), and irritant (resulting from direct reaction to, say, a solvent). Some substances act both as allergen and irritant (e.g. wet cement). Other substances cause a problem after sunlight exposure, bringing on phototoxic dermatitis. The irritant type, which is the most common occupational skin disease, makes up for about three quarters of cases of contact eczema.. Contact eczema is curable provided the substance causing it can be avoided, and its traces removed from the environment.

Xerotic eczema (also known as asteatotic eczema, eczema craquele or craquelatum, winter itch, pruritus hiemalis) is dry, cracked skin that becomes so serious it turns into eczema. It often worsens in dry winter weather, and the limbs and torso are most often affected. This disorder is very common among the elderly. Ichthyosis is a related disorder.

Seborrhoeic dermatitis (also known as cradle cap in infants) causes dry or greasy scaling of the scalp and eyebrows. Scaly pimples and red patches sometimes appear in various adjacent places. In newborns it causes a thick, yellow crusty scalp rash called cradle cap which seems related to lack of biotin, and is often curable.

Less common eczemas

Dyshidrosis (also known as dyshidrotic e., pompholyx, vesicular palmoplantar dermatitis, housewifeis eczema) only occurs on palms, soles, and sides of fingers and toes. Tiny opaque bumps called vesicles, thickening, and cracks are accompanied by itching which gets worse at night. A common type of hand eczema, it gets worse in warm weather. Discoid eczema (also known as nummular e., exudative e., microbial e.) is characterized by round spots of oozing or dry rash, with clear boundaries, often on lower legs. It is usually worse in winter. The cause is unknown, and it tends to come and go.

Venous eczema (also known as gravitational e., stasis dermatitis, varicose e.) occurs in people with impaired circulation, varicose veins and edema, and is particularly common in the ankle area of people over 50. There is redness, scaling, darkening of the skin and itching. The disorder predisposes to leg ulcers.

Dermatitis herpetiformis (also known as Duhringis Disease) causes intensely itchy and typically symmetrical rash on arms, thighs, knees, and back. It is directly related to celiac disease, and can often be put into remission with appropriate diet.

Neurodermatitis (also known as lichen simplex chronicus, localized scratch dermatitis) is an itchy area of thickened, pigmented eczema patch that results from habitual rubbing and scratching. Usually there is only one spot and it is often curable through behavior modification and anti-inflammatory medication. Prurigo nodularis is a related disorder showing multiple lumps.Autoeczematization (also known as id reaction, autosensitization) is an eczematous reaction to an infection with parasites, fungi, bacteria or viruses. It is completely curable with the clearance of the original infection that caused it. The appearance varies depending on the cause and it always occurs away from the original infection.

Eczema Diagnosis

Eczema diagnosis is generally based on the appearance of inflamed, itchy skin in eczema sensitive areas such as face, chest and other skin crease areas. To determine whether an eczema flare is the result of an allergen, a doctor may test the blood for the levels of antibodies and the numbers of certain types of cells. In the test, blood is mixed separately with many different allergens and the antibody levels measured. High levels of antibodies in the blood signify an allergy to that substance.

Another test for eczema is skin patch testing. The suspected irritant is applied to the skin and held in place with an adhesive patch. Another patch with nothing is also applied as a control. After 24 to 48 hours, the patch is removed. If the skin under the suspect patch is red and swollen, the result is positive and the person is probably allergic to that substance. Occasionally, the diagnosis may also involve a skin biopsy: removal of a small piece of affected skin for microscopic examination in a pathology laboratory. Blood tests and biopsies are not always necessary for eczema diagnosis. However, doctors will at times require them if the symptoms are unusual, severe or in order to identify particular triggers.

Treatment

Eczema severely dries out the skin, and keeping the affected area moistened can promote healing and retain natural moisture. This is the most important self-care treatment that one can use in atopic eczema. Anything that may dry out the skin should be avoided, including normal soaps and bubble baths that remove the natural oils from the skin.

Below is a list of products that all contain natural ingredients that treat eczema.

• Health From The Sun Black Current 1000*
• Health From The Sun Borage Oil 300*
• Jarrow Formulas Coconut Oil (100% Organic)*
• New Chapter Supercritical Omega 7*
• Aubrey Organics Mandarin Magic Ginkgo Leaf & Ginseng Root Hair Moisturizing Jelly*
• Shikai Borage Dry Skin Therapy Lotion*
• Resting In The River Healing Body Butter*
• Outer Body Experience Milk Bath – Oats And Honey

Shampoo Ingredients and How They Work

Shampoo is a hair care product used primarily for the removal of oils, dirt, skin particles, environmental pollution and/or other contaminant particles that gradually build up in hair. The goal is to remove the unwanted build-up without stripping out so much as to make hair unmanageable. Shampoo, when lathered with water, is a surfactant, which, while cleaning the hair and scalp, also acts to remove the natural oils (sebum) which lubricate the hair shaft. Shampooing frequently for some people may be too harsh as these oils are often needed. This is why there are different methods for dry hair and more oily hair. Each person has to use their own regime to maintain the best care for their hair. Usually this comes from practice, until you find what works for you. Often, shampooing is followed by conditioners which increase the ease of combing and styling.

The word shampoo modern English use dates back to 1762, meaning “to massage”. The word was borrowed from from Hindi word champo (imperative of champna), “to smear, knead the muscles, massage”. It itself comes from Sanskrit/Hindi word “champa”, the flowers of the plant Michelia champaca which have traditionally been used to make fragrant hair-oil. Before the creation of shampoos, people typically used soap for personal care in all areas. However, soap had the distinct disadvantages of being irritating to the eyes and incompatible with hard water. This resulted in it leaving a dull-looking film on the hair. In the early 1930s, the first synthetic detergent shampoo was introduced, but not without initial complaints. The 1960s brought the common detergent technology used today, though many companies come up with their own alternatives to make products cleaner, more natural, and more attractive to consumers.

Over the years, many improvements have been made to shampoo formulations. New detergents are less irritating to the eyes and skin and have improved health and environmental qualities. Also, materials technology has advanced, enabling the incorporation of thousands of beneficial ingredients in shampoos, leaving hair feeling cleaner and better conditioned.

Indians have been using different formulations of shampoos using herbs like neem, shikakai or soapnut, henna, bael, brahmi, fenugreek, buttermilk, amla, aloe, and almond combined with aromatic components such as sandalwood, jasmine, turmeric, rosemary, and musk. Rainforests are also a particularly rich source for minerals and scented plants, and are often looked to for new ideas to use in cleansers and bathing products.

How shampoo works?

Shampoo cleans by stripping sebum from the hair. Sebum is an oil secreted by hair follicles that is readily absorbed by the strands of hair, and forms a protective layer. Sebum protects the protein structure of hair from damage, but this protection comes as a cost: it tends to collect dirt, styling products and scalp flakes. Surfactants strip the sebum from the hair shafts and thereby remove the dirt attached to it.

While both soaps and shampoos contain surfactants, soap bonds to oils with such affinity that it removes too much if used on hair. Shampoo uses a different class of surfactants balanced to avoid removing too much oil from the hair. The chemical mechanisms that underlie hair cleansing are similar to that of traditional soap. Undamaged hair has a hydrophobic surface to which skin lipids such as sebum stick, but water is initially repelled. The lipids do not come off easily when the hair is rinsed with plain water. Shampoo applied to wet hair is absorbed into the oil/hair interfaces. The anionic surfactants substantially reduce the interfacial surface tension and allow for the removal of the sebum from the hair shaft. The non-polar oily materials on the hair shaft are solubilised into the surfactant micelle structures of the shampoo and are removed during rinsing. There is also considerable removal through a surfactant and oil “roll up” effect.

New shampoos are initially created by cosmetic chemists in the laboratory. These scientists begin by determining what characteristics the shampoo formula will have. They decide on aesthetic features and consider how thick it should be, what color it will be, and what it will smell like. They also consider performance attributes, such as how well it cleans, what the foam looks like, and how irritating it will be. Consumer testing often helps determine what these characteristics will be. Once the features of the shampoo are identified, a formula is created in the laboratory. These initial batches are made using various ingredients. In the personal care industry, nearly all of the ingredients that can be used are classified by the Cosmetic, Toiletry, and Fragrance Association (CTFA) in the governmentally approved collection known as the International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI). The more important ingredients in shampoo formulations are water, detergents, foam boosters, thickeners, conditioning agents, preservatives, modifiers, and special additives.

Ingredients

Water

The primary ingredient in all shampoos is water, typically making up about 70-80% of the entire formula. Deionized water, which is specially treated to remove various particles and ions, is used in shampoos. The source of the water can be underground wells, lakes, or rivers.

Detergents

The second most abundant ingredients in shampoos are the primary detergents. These materials, also known as surfactants, are the cleansing ingredients in shampoos. Surfactants are surface active ingredients, meaning they can interact with a surface. The chemical nature of a surfactant allows it to surround and trap oily materials from surfaces. One portion of the molecule is oil compatible (soluble) while the other is water soluble. When a shampoo is applied to hair or textiles, the oil soluble portion aligns with the oily materials while the water soluble portion aligns in the water layer. When a number of surfactant molecules line up like this, they form a structure known as a micelle. This micelle has oil trapped in the middle and can be washed away with water, thus giving the shampoo its cleansing power. Surfactants are derived from compounds known as fatty acids. Fatty acids are naturally occurring materials which are found in various plant and animal sources. The materials used most often to make the surfactants used in shampoos are extracted from coconut oil, palm kernel oil, and soy bean oil.

Some common primary detergents used in shampoos are ammonium lauryl sulfate, sodium lauryl sulfate, and sodium lauryl ether sulfate. The reason that these common detergents occur in such an abundance is due to being very cheap for the manafacturer to purchase. Their production is so widely used that you might find them in common household cleansers. Also, SLS is so strong that itis also used to scrub garage floors. Worse, it has been proven to cause cancer in the long run. And the American College of Toxicology says SLS stays in the body up to five days. Other studies show it easily penetrates the skin and enters and maintains residual levels in the heart, liver, the lungs, and the brain.

Propylene Glycol (PG, Polyethylene Glycol (PEG), and Ethylene Glycol (EG) are all petroleum derivatives that act as solvents, surfactants, and wetting agents. They can easily penetrate the skin, and can weaken protein and cellular structure. In fact, PG penetrates the skin so quickly that the EPA warns factory workers to avoid skin contact, to prevent brain, liver, and kidney abnormalities. PG is present in many stick deodorants, often in heavier concentration than in most industrial applications. This is something that people should really look at. Would you put a chemical that is used in anti-freeze on your head!

Foam boosters

In addition to cleansing surfactants, other types of surfactants are added to shampoos to improve the foaming characteristics of the formulation. These materials, called alkanolamides, help increase the amount of foam and the size of the bubbles. Like primary detergents, they are also derived from fatty acids and have both water soluble and oil soluble characteristics. Typical materials include lauramide DEA or cocamide DEA. DEA and its derivatives are used in personal-care products and some detergents to neutralize acids making them non-irritating. Slow to biodegrade, they react with natural nitrogen oxides and sodium nitrite pollutants in the air to form nitrosamines, a potential carcinogen.

Thickeners

To some extent, the alkanolamides that make shampoos foam also make the formulations thicker. However, other materials are also used to increase the viscosity. For example, methylcellulose, derived from plant cellulose, is included in shampoos to make them thicker. Sodium chloride (salt) also can be used to increase shampoo thickness.

Conditioning agents

Some materials are also added to shampoos to offset the sometimes harsh effect of surfactants on hair and fabrics. Typical conditioning agents include polymers, silicones, and quaternary agents. Each of these compounds deposit on the surface of the hair and improve its feel, softness, and ability to comb, while reducing static charge. Shampoos that specifically feature conditioning as a benefit are often called 2-in-1 shampoos because they clean and condition hair in the same step. Examples of conditioning agents include guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride which is a polymer, dimethicone which is a silicone, and quatemium 80, a quatemary agent.

Preservatives

Since shampoos are made from water and organic compounds, contamination from bacteria and other microbes is possible. Preservatives are added to prevent such growth. Two of the most common preservatives used in shampoos are DMDM hydantoin and methylparaben. Many preservatives contain or release formaldehyde which is a carcinogen, neurotoxin, irritant and sensitizer and has been discovered to cause breast cancer.

Modifiers

Other ingredients are added to shampoo formulas to modify specific characteristics. Opacifiers are added to make the formula opaque and give it a pearly look. Materials known as sequestering agents are added to offset the dulling effects of hard water. Acids or bases such as citric acid or sodium hydroxide are added to adjust the pH of a shampoo so the detergents will provide optimal cleaning.

Special additives

One of the primary factors that influence the purchase of a shampoo is its color and odor. To modify these characteristics, manufacturers add fragrance oils and governmentally approved and certified FD&C dyes. Other special additives can also have a similar effect. Natural materials such as botanical extracts, natural oils, proteins, and vitamins all impart special qualities and help sell shampoos. Additives such as zinc pyrithione are included to address the problem of dandruff. Other additives are dyes which can color the hair.

Shampoo formulas seek to maximize these attributes: easy rinsing , good finish after washing hair, minimal skin/eye irritation, no damage to hair, feels thick and/or creamy,smells good, low toxicity, good biodegradability, slightly acidic ph, since a basic environment weakens the hair by breaking the disulfide bonds in hair keratin. Many shampoos are pearlescent. This effect is achieved by addition of tiny flakes of suitable materials, eg. glycol distearate (a wax).

Surfactants, also known as wetting agents, lower the surface tension of a liquid, allowing easier spreading, and the interfacial tension between two liquids. The term surfactant is a contraction of “Surface active agent”. The major types of surfactants used in shampoos include: Anionic, Cationic, Nonionic, Amphoteric . In the USA, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) mandates that shampoo containers accurately list ingredients. The government further regulates what shampoo manufacturers can and cannot claim as any associated benefit. While the claims may be substantiated, the testing methods and details of such claims are not as straightforward. For example, many products are purported to protect hair from damage due to ultraviolet radiation. While the ingredient responsible for this protection does block UV, it is actually not present in a high enough concentration to be effective. Though sun rays can damage hair, there is no proof that any illness or disease can grow in the hair. Dandruff Shampoos are specifically for those who have dandruff. These contain fungicides such as zinc pyrithione and selenium sulfide which reduce loose dander by killing Malassezia furfur. Coal tar and salicylate derivatives are often used as well.

All-natural shampoos

Some companies use “all-natural”, “organic” or “botanical” ingredients (such as plant extracts), often combining these additions with a typical surfactant.

Alternative shampoos

Alternative shampoos, sometimes labeled SLS-free, have fewer harsh chemicals – typically none from the sulfate family.

Solid shampoos

Shampoo is also available in solid form, allowing it to be rubbed onto the hair. This has the advantage of having the shampoo easily carried, but also has the disadvantage of working less efficiently on longer hair.

Hard & Soft Water

Rainwater is soft and mineral free, but as it seeps through the ground it picks up minerals from the soil and rocks, which give it its character. By definition, if water passes through hard rock or peat, it maintains its softness; conversely, the softer the rock the harder the water as it collects minerals, principally calcium and magnesium, along the way.

We have all experienced the difference in the application of product & the condition and manageability of our hair in varying water areas. Simply put, hard water makes it more difficult to get a lather encouraging excess product. As a result, hair tends to be drier and more prone to damage. In soft water areas, you need minimal amounts of product and more rinsing, and the effects are that the locks can be flatter and more difficult to style. You must explore and try to find a shampoo that works with the water you are using, and continue using it until the water situation changes, if at all.

It’s no surprise that the occurance of cancer has increased over the last one hundred years with all of these chemicals being introduced to products due them being cheap for the manafacturers. But yet, we as humans have been cleaning our hair thousands of years without them. Try and get away from the foam and lather craving. They are just empty bubbles of trouble. The truth is the cosmetics industry is very poorly regulated. With the exception of a handful of extremely toxic chemicals, manufacturers can put almost anything in their cosmetics without testing to see if the ingredients are harmful. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) can only make suggestions or recommendations to manufacturers about cosmetic products or their ingredients, but the manufacturers donit have to follow them. Here are a few products that are great and safe.

I like Burt’s Bees Color Keeper Green Tea & Fennel Seed Shampoo for color treated hair. This natural formula has Coconut and Sunflower oil to create a cleansing complex that is effective, gentle, and richly foaming. Green tea extracts provides natural protection from sun damage. Fennel Seed and Jewelweed extracts moisturize and repair color-treated hair, and leave hair shiny, vibrant, and maintaining color.

I also like Avalon Organics shampoos. They are a natural company that has different types of shampoos for all different hair types. Lavender for nourishing effects, peppermint for revitalizing, lemon for clarifying, rosemary for volume, tea-tree for scalp, ylang-ylang for shine & luster, mango for moisture, and B-complex for strengthening. The B-Complex is specifically designed to rejuvenate and restore thinning hair. This thickening shampoo is fortified with an elixir of biotin, saw palmetto and wheat protein to control hair loss, while nourishing follicles and restoring thinning hair. It will also strengthen hair strands and boost body and volume for a healthy scalp and thicker, fuller hair. Made with a healing complex of B vitamins to heal and stimulate the hair and scalp. With biotin to provide body and shine to hair, niacin to heal and nourish the hair while increasing scalp circulation and stimulating hair follicles, and Panthenol to deeply moisturize the hair. This thickening shampoo is formulated with aloe and jojoba in addition to biotin, B vitamins, health-promoting saw palmetto and smoothing, softening wheat protein.All of these products are natural and very effective.

Chondroitin Guide: Glucosamine’s Synergistic Partner

What is it?

If you’ve heard of chondroitin chances are good that it was in conjunction with glucosamine, as they’re often sold in combination. Chondroitin works synergistically with glucosamine to help keep cartilage elastic and soft rather than dried out and brittle. Chondroitin comes from animal cartilage; often shark or beef and also from beef trachea and some pork by-products.

First processed back in the 1960’s chondroitin benefits people with osteoarthritis and joints damaged by other stressors including bodybuilders. Some studies show that it actually helps reverse cartilage decay by providing the building blocks to make more in addition to arresting it. There is even some evidence that chondroitin contributes to general bone health.

A complicated term for chondroitin is “glycosaminoglycan” and it normally resides in the tissues that connect our skeletons together. Ligaments, tendons, musclesOeall connective tissue need to stay pliable and well lubricated. It blocks the enzymes that break down cartilage and stimulates water retention in its cells. Even though it doesn’t absorb as quickly as glucosamine because its molecules weigh less, it still provides positive results to those suffering from joint pain and limited range of motion. Some manufacturers now make chondroitin with less molecular density to improve absorption rates.

What Makes It Work?

Some people remain skeptical about chondroitin (as well as glucosamine) because not all studies have shown conclusive results. On the other hand numerous people taking it give it rave reviews. Those who promote its use report as much relief from using a chondroitin supplement as they get from aspirin, or other NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Since it occurs naturally in our bodies, they don’t experience the adverse side effects these drugs often cause. Because use in the US is fairly new, numerous studies and more testing are still being done on chondroitin.

Cartilage doesn’t receive blood as other tissues do. Chondroitin supplements carry water, nutrients, and other molecules to these areas. These all combine to give the cartilage and connecting tissues structure and pliability to do their job of supporting the joints and padding the ends of bones.

Who Should Use It?

Chondroitin is one of those supplements that anyone using it will benefit from. It particularly helps weight lifters, bodybuilders, and all serious athletes, but let’s face it, we all age. As we do so our synovial fluid tends to dry out a little more with each passing year. This important lubricant mimics the consistency and texture of egg white and it lubricates the cartilage which in turn cushions the ends of bones. When we stop producing enough fluid and the cartilage dries up, movement causes the joints to rub together producing pain, swelling, and inflammation. The resulting condition is osteoarthritis and it affects millions the world over. Natural supplements such as chondroitin are far more preferable than over-the-counter or prescription medications. They frequently cause severe stress to our gastrointestinal systems and may even contribute to heart disease.

Here are some people who are especially good candidates for chondroitin:

• Bodybuilders – actually all hard training athletes benefit from taking a chondroitin supplement. Normal daily life takes a toll on our joints and extra activity involving them makes it that much worse. Many claim that chondroitin not only slows the breakdown of cartilage but stimulates new production. This is outstanding news for athletes as they continually put pressure and stress on all the key joints
• Blood vessels and bladders – chondroitin lives in their linings and helps keep urine, blood, and other substances flowing smoothly and not penetrating cellular walls
• Osteoarthritis – chondroitin effectively improves movement and lessening of pain in inflamed finger, knee, hips, spine, and other joints. Unlike NSAIDs and other pain medicines, only minor side effects (if any) link back to chondroitin
• Skin – some studies suggest that chondroitin serves as a treatment for the skin condition known as psoriasis
• Eyes – some eye drops used to treat conjunctivitis, maintain ocular pressure, and preserve corneas contain chondroitin
• Others – researchers continually explore other possible uses for chondroitin, including heart and circulation problems, kidney stones, osteoporosis, low iron levels, leukemia, severely dried eyes, and malaria. One other interesting use is in preventing early labor during a pregnancy.

Chondroitin shows promise in treating atherosclerosis. This condition often leads to strokes and coronary artery disease as it’s a type of arteriosclerosis. These medical terms basically mean that fat and cholesterol collect on artery walls. Several studies to date show that chondroitin may lessen or alleviate these fatty deposits.

Glucosamine Guide: Natural Support for Joint and Cartilage Tissues

What is it?

Like so many other things that are good for us, we produce glucosamine in our bodies. This essential amino sugar, as well as some others literally holds everything together. Tendons, skin, mucous membranes, ligaments, cartilage, and the fluid in our joints all rely on them to stay lubricated and function as they should. Glucosamine especially benefits bodybuilders because they continually stress out their joints. Also, most people contract osteoarthritis at some point in their lives, and glucosamine restores mobility and eases the pain when taken regularly.

Cartilage pads the ends of bones so that when they rub together it won’t just be bone against bone. Arthritis, overusing, and other joint stressors wear the cartilage down causing joint pain. Studies show that glucosamine actually helps rebuild cartilage, something that was thought impossible for years. Its healing properties also help calm wounds and produce synovial fluid which lubricates joints as well as providing them with nourishment. Without lubrication and healthy cartilage these joints become dried out, swollen, inflamed, and painful.

In the 1980s glucosamine became a popular supplement in Europe, but Americans were slow to embrace it. Gradually the word spread and we now find it on many health food and pharmacy shelves and of course on numerous websites. Glucosamine is often combined with chondroitin, MSM, and EFAs, which we cover in separate articles.

Natural supplements become increasingly popular and important as more and more pain relieving drugs bite the dust. Prescription anti-inflammatory medication proved dangerous for hearts and digestive systems, and now the FDA requires special labeling on over-the-counter drugs such as aspirin. Most of these meds when prescribed by doctors are known as NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) or COX-2 inhibitors. They take a heavy toll on many stomachs. The naturally occurring glucosamine doesn’t include these negative aspects and studies show it to be safe and without side effects.

Another plus for glucosamine is the fact that we absorb it quickly. The molecules making it up are so small that it enters the bloodstream and starts its building and healing almost immediately. Animals are equally prone to joint pain as they age and glucosamine also benefits our pet companions.

To sum it all up, glucosamine stimulates the production of synovial fluid which keeps our underlying skeleton well lubricated, builds new cartilage as the original dries out and even disappears, eases joint pain, restores mobility, and just generally maintains joint health.

What Makes it Work

Two of the cartilage builders, glycosaminoglycans, glycoproteins, and proteoglycans are the culprits when it comes to aging or damaged joints. When we remain on a moderate exercise routine the body manufactures enough of them to keep that cartilage lubricated and ready to support all those joints, ligaments, tendons, and other components of our musco-skeletal frames. Trouble steps in when we workout or train excessively, get older, or inherit genetically passed on problems. In other words most of us need more glucosamine. Those conditions among others make it important to supplement with glucosamine so we can avoid some of the pain and remain as mobile as possible into our senior years.

We need always remember that everything in our bodies is connected and it’s up to us to keep things in good working order. We live in a marvelous age that allows us to improve on Mother Nature by using so many of the fine protein powders and other supplements that are now at our disposal.

Who Should Use it?

Nearly everyone will benefit from using glucosamine supplementation at some point in their lives. As we mentioned most of us contract arthritis causing us to stiffen and experience pain. Additionally bodybuilders and other hard training athletes put even more strain on their joints, causing the cartilage to dry out, crack, and eventually disappear. At the same time they’re stressing out their muscles and all the connective tissues. Let’s look at some specific instances where glucosamine helps us:

• Bodybuilders – these people constantly stress their muscles, joints, and wear down cartilage as they weight train and do other exercises. Glucosamine effectively helps repair damage in all these areas as well as building a new and healthy structure
• Arthritis sufferers – joints, cartilage, connective tissue, and synovial fluid all deteriorate with the onset of osteoarthritis, which by the way can occur at any age. Before glucosamine supplements came along most people relied on pain medication
• Athletes – not only bodybuilders and weight trainers, but everyone that exercises puts extra strain on joints and other “framework”. Exercise in some has a sort of “Catch 22″ quality to it… it’s both good for us and it can cause us pain
• Other conditions – Glucosamine has been tested in a number of conditions and many studies continue. Many of these don’t show conclusive medical evidence, but tribal knowledge supports its use for a number of illnesses or conditions including AIDS and other immuno-deficient diseases, migraine headache, sports injuries, congestive heart failure, diabetes, depression, all sorts of joint pain, including fibromyalgia, spondylosis and osteoporosis, and healing of sores

It should be noted that glucosamine tests especially well in arthritis of the knee and hips, but the benefits certainly aren’t limited to those large joints.

Forms of Glucosamine

Glucosamine either alone or in combination with chondroitin or other supplements is most often taken in pill or capsule form. However, it also comes as a liquid. Many people believe that liquid supplementation is best whenever possible as it enters the bloodstream more quickly. If you prefer pills, once the levels are built up maintaining your dosage will stabilize them. It would be ideal to inject it directly into the affected joints, however so far this isn’t an option for self-administration.

Ever since glucosamine began catching on in the US we’ve seen countless brands producing it. With so many choices, picking the right product may seem daunting. Needless to say your goal should be to find the purest and most cost effective. That means among other things reading labels. For one thing glucosamine comes in different strengths.

The recommended dosage is generally 1,000 to 1,500mg per day. Some prescribe much higher doses. So if you decide to buy capsules and pick up a bottle that contains 500mg in each, you’d need to take a minimum of 2 per day. However if you found some that were 1,000mg each, one might do it. When you’re looking at costs, be sure to take the dosage and strength into account to determine exactly how much you’d need to spend per month.

As for quality, if you see a brand name that you aren’t familiar with, find out all you can about the company. You can learn a lot by visiting their websites. Also see what other ingredients are combined with glucosamine. Chondroitin, MSM, and omega 3 fatty acids all work well with glucosamine. If you see things listed that you aren’t familiar with, read about them before you spend your money. Also beware of fillers that do nothing. You want to get the most for your dollars, but you don’t want to buy something just because it’s cheap. By the same token you don’t want to buy a product and assume it’s the best just because it costs the most. As with vitamins, protein powders, and other supplements it’s important to use common sense as well as taking some time to research them. In addition to the Internet, talk with people who use glucosamine, your trainer or coach, health care professionals, nutritionists, and knowledgeable people working in the field of supplementation.

Side Effects

People have been using glucosamine for years now and in general it’s proven very safe to use with few side effects. As with anything, including food, too much usually isn’t a good thing. Unless someone knowledgeable and qualified to give advice, stick to the labeled instructions. It often takes weeks before you realize the positive effects of it so don’t be in a hurry and give up before it has a chance to work.

When you take aspirin, acetaminophen, NSAIDS, or COX-2 inhibitors, which are all prescribed for joint pain, you’re merely masking the pain. At the same time you’re also risking permanent damage to your gastrointestinal system. Glucosamine, in addition to occurring naturally in our bodies rather than acting like a foreign invader, also heals rather than just covering up the discomfort. The fact that it builds cartilage and provides lubrication for damaged joints, makes a strong argument for replacing all those drugs with it. There are however some specific conditions that you should be aware of if you’re considering trying it. Some of them are:

• Lactating or pregnant women – there is no definitive proof that glucosamine will harm mother or baby, but it may be best to avoid during that time.
• Shellfish allergies – since many glucosamine products come from shellfish, be sure to check with your doctor before trying it. Chances are good that you’ll be fine since glucosamine comes from a part of the shell that doesn’t normally cause a reaction like the meaty portion does. Also some manufacturers take it from vegetable products. The bottom line is that you should exercise common sense and learn all you can about different brands of glucosamine.
• Diabetes – if you’re diabetic, we encourage you to speak with your doctor or nutritionist before taking glucosamine. Since it’s a type of sugar, it’s possible, although not definite, that it could cause changes in insulin levels.
• Skin – glucosamine helps produce hyaluronic acid in the blood, which is crucial to healing injuries, including surgical incisions. Some believe it also slows wrinkling because of its lubricating properties.

Studies

Unlike some newer products, glucosamine has been used in numerous clinical trials. That’s because it’s one of the older supplements out there. These studies show over and over again that glucosamine safely helps hundreds of thousands of people. One of the greatest things going for it is that like amino acids and proteins, it occurs naturally in our bodies. When we supplement with these products we’re not introducing harmful foreign substances into our systems.

Disclaimer: These uses are suggestions resulting from various studies. They are not to be considered medical advice. If you experience symptoms related to these conditions or wish to improve any functions, don’t do so without consulting a healthcare professional.

Types of Glucosamine

We most commonly see glucosamine sold as glucosamine sulfate or salt and this form has been the most widely studied and tested.

Another that we hear about sometimes is n-acetyl glucosamine, which has produced positive results for some people suffering from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), certain ulcers, or Crohn’s disease. That’s because this type of glucosamine aids in production of mucous. Many gastrointestinal diseases and conditions occur because the lining in the digestive tract stops protecting the system for various reasons, including just drying out.

The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) regulates drugs in the US. Although glucosamine is an approved medical treatment in Europe, so far it’s still considered a supplement here and therefore not subject to FDA scrutiny. Whether you believe this to be good or bad news, you should at least be aware that this fact allows manufacturers to add unnecessary ingredients and greatly vary strengths. That just means it’s another good reason to read labels and know what you’re getting for your money.

L-Glutamine Guide: Uses and Benefits

Amino acids serve as an important part of our chemistry. Every part of us is constructed of cells which require protein to work correctly and to reproduce. Amino acids promote protein growth and help break it down to form different proteins. Specific groups or chains of amino acids work as units that perform various functions. We naturally produce certain non-essential amino acids, while others called essential, must come from our diets or supplements. Although Glutamine generally lands on the list of non-essential amino acids, some people refer to it as conditionally essential. That’s because although we do produce it, there are times when supplementation is beneficial because our activities use it up before we can manufacture more.

For example bodybuilders or other intense athletes tend to use all their L-glutamine stores when they work out. Although our bodies normally make it as we need it, extreme muscle use depletes the reserve before it has a chance to catch up. Also, it helps the body metabolize or absorb the protein, and bodybuilders burn a lot of protein. Much of it resides in skeletal muscles, which experience extreme stress during training. It also helps protect the immune system. Because of the high demand put on the body and depletion of amino acid and protein reserves during strength training and other major forms of exercise, athletes put themselves in jeopardy of infection on a daily basis. A protein powder or other delivery method containing L-Glutamine can dramatically help them avoid getting sick.

To give you an idea of its importance, Glutamine constitutes somewhere in the neighborhood of 50% to 60% of amino acids in muscle tissue. It also lives in the brain, liver, blood, and lungs.

Different Forms

As with most protein and amino acid supplements, L-Glutamine comes as a powder with various degrees of granularity, capsule, tablet, or liquid. It’s most commonly used in capsule or powder form. It’s easiest to swallow a pill, but if you want the extra nutrition that juice provides you can just stir in some L-Glutamine powder. Whichever form you choose, look for a pure product with no additives. Not only is it better for you, but it will dissolve easily.

Who Should Use It

Bodybuilders

Bodybuilders often exist in a sort of “Catch 22″ world. They spend hours working to grow lean, strong, big muscles but in the process they also partially destroy them. They constantly go through the anabolic (building up) and catabolic (breaking down) stages. These men and women and others that continually strain their muscles through exercising and working out greatly benefit from protein powders containing L-Glutamine (or other forms of it). Since muscle isn’t the only tissue that needs this amino acid, strenuous exercise causes muscles to take it from other areas.

Some studies show that heavy training depletes the glutamine levels of athletes by up to 50%. Unless it’s replaced, this puts not only their muscle tissue in jeopardy, but also can compromise their immune systems and tax other organs. Bodybuilders are especially prone to various infections because they’re so hard on their bodies.

L-Glutamine also promotes growth hormone levels, so important to those working to get big. Additionally, it helps muscle cells to retain water which in turn increases their size. Since it also helps preserve muscles during the catabolic state, taking L-Glutamine supplement improves the quality of the workout by cutting down on fatigue.

All Athletes

A number of studies have been done using all sorts of athletes, such as regular runners, marathon participants, rowers, cyclers, and others. Results show that L-Glutamine reduces occurrences of illness and the effects of overtraining, both conditions frequently experienced by those participating in extreme exercise.

Digestion

More studies on amino acids and proteins, as well as general nutrition and supplementation, are taking place now than at any other time in history. It’s true that in the US we have a serious obesity problem, even among children, but many are beginning to realize how important health is and how easily eating poorly and not exercising cause it to deteriorate.

L-Glutamine makes up as much as 60% of our amino acids so it’s pretty obvious how important it is. One important discovery shows that it brings many benefits to our gastrointestinal tract. For example it helps prevent “leaky gut” a condition in which the intestinal lining is unusually porous, allowing toxic substances into our bodies instead of being eliminated. Researchers now believe that much of the glutamine we make and ingest works in the intestinesOemore so than the other aminos and therefore it’s responsible for digestive health. Additionally many believe that it helps level out the alkaline acid balances and thus diminishes lactic acid, which causes distress to a lot of people.

To add insult to injury, we live in a fast-paced, stressful age. We’re always on the go so we eat junk food or skip meals. We also smoke, drink coffee, and use too much alcohol. All of these negatively contribute to overall digestive health. We’re not saying you should stick with these habits if you have them and just take supplement. The point is we aren’t always aware of what we’re doing to ourselves on a daily basis. We need to tune into how we treat ourselves and improve our mental and emotional health by learning to relax and slow down; and help our physical health by eating right and using protein and amino acid supplements.

Surgery

Surgery patients, especially those undergoing abdominal operations tend to recover more quickly and comfortably when taking L-Glutamine supplements. In fact some hospitals, especially in Europe, give L-Glutamine to all trauma patients.

Brain Function

L-Glutamine becomes glutamic acid in the brain a substance we all need to enhance our mental abilities. It also helps control nitrogen levelsOetoo much creates ammonia toxicity. When glutamine bonds with the nitrogen it makes glutamic acid that allows the body to excrete it.

Immunity

We mentioned the fact that bodybuilders and other athletes tend towards infections such as colds, flu, sore throat, and other ailments. This happens because exercise causes the depletion of glutamine levels in the blood, leaving tissues and organs ripe for illness because they can’t work the way they should. Additionally, as the globe shrinks, we are continually exposed to new strains of flu’s and infections. Supplementing with L-Glutamine can help us stay healthy in spite of this.

Elderly

L-Glutamine helps prevent painful muscle cramping in the legs. In addition to benefiting athletes, it’s also useful to all of us as we age. As our natural stores of amino acids deplete and muscles and bones dry out and become brittle, we become more prone to this condition.

Others

Actually there are numerous conditions and uses for L-Glutamine that various studies highlight. Some of them are more conditions relating to digestion such as irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease, ulcers, as well as HIV/ AIDS and other autoimmune deficiencies, stress, exhaustion, severe burns, alcohol abuseOein short anything that severely stresses any part of the body.

We’re made up of many different systems and organs and each depends on the whole body maintaining good health. When something goes wrong in one area, the rest of this complex system is compromised. The traumatized portion pulls energy from the healthy places and pretty soon the entire body suffers.

That’s why L-Glutamine and other amino acids as well as protein powders and supplements do so much good. They not only help when there’s distress, they also prevent severe catabolism and other effects of heavy training. Additionally they help promote general good health even during rest or low activity.

Disclaimer: These uses are suggestions resulting from various studies. They are not to be considered medical advice. If you experience symptoms related to these conditions or wish to improve any functions, don’t do so without consulting a healthcare professional.

Foods

L-Glutamine constitutes one of the most popular supplements, but it also exists in certain high protein foods such as fish, poultry, red meat, beans, and dairy products. We do need to be aware though that many of our food sources are polluted by pesticides, hormones, antibiotics, and other substances harmful to our health. Using an L-Glutamine protein powder or other form of the supplement can help restore our natural balance.

Side Effects

L-Glutamine causes no side effects if used correctly. It’s natural to our bodies so it’s easily absorbed. However, overdoing anything can cause problems. Be sure to look for a quality product without sugars and other fillers and follow the advice on the label.

Also anyone thinking about using supplementation should discuss it with their trainer, coach, nutritionist, doctor, or other healthcare professional. This is especially wise if you have any health conditions or problems or take medication.

Most in-the-know recommend taking L-Glutamine following your workout to help repair those stressed out muscles, although it certainly helps build muscle. Again we recommend talking with nutritional experts, as well as others who use this supplement.