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SupplementsFebruary 27th, 2009

Human Growth Hormone is prescribed by injection and is prohibitively expensive for most Americans. The therapy is not covered by insurance and can easily cost over $1000 per month; who can afford that. So, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that HGH supplements have begun to hit the market. A few pills or a nasal spray are a lot cheaper than thousands of dollars a month for injections.
FDA guidelines state that any product containing less than 2 micrograms of HGH are not considered drugs and therefore do not need FDA approval. So that means any legal supplement of HGH contains less than 2 micrograms of HGH. Most research on HGH has been done based on dosages up to 49,000 micrograms. So you would need to take something like 25,000 doses to equal one injection. Clearly this is not a significant amount of HGH.
So, is it really possible to raise HGH levels through the use of legal HGH supplements? Not significantly, but we can also raise HGH levels by stimulating our pituitary gland to produce more natural HGH. This is a much more effective way to increase HGH and get the benefits it provides. These supplements are HGH enhancers and can be more effective at raising HGH levels in our bodies.
The thing is you need to find a supplement that causes the pituitary to secrete more HGH. Some researchers tell us that certain amino acids can be used to increase HGH production in the body. Specifically arginine, glutamine and lysine have been claimed to increase HGH production in humans. Since some of these cannot be taken in pill form your best bet is to mix the powders yourself and then add them to your usual post workout protein drink. Since HGH is released mostly when we sleep a good solution is to take the aminos prior to bedtime.
There are also a line of homeopathic supplements that are available. The goal of these supplements is to enhance your HGH production as well. By introducing HGH into your body the claim is that it also stimulates additional HGH production. While this does make some sense it has not been proven yet by research.
There’s no doubt that increased HGH levels provide great anti-aging benefits, even turning back the clock to some extent. The question is how do we get sufficient amounts of HGH into our bodies. The supplements available today do some good in boosting normal HGH levels and they are safe. Take the time to research any HGH boosting product you are considering to make sure that it lives up to it’s claims.
Amino Acids, Aminos, Bedtime, Best Bet, Bodybuilders, Equal One, Fda Approval, Fda Guidelines, Glutamine, Good Solution, Hgh Levels, Hgh Supplements, Human Growth Hormone, Legal Supplement, Lysine, Micrograms, Nasal Spray, Pituitary Gland, Protein Drink, Thousands Of Dollars
SupplementsFebruary 27th, 2009

Those of you who have just started using supplements as part of your training an nutrition programs take note – sports supplements are not some magic pills. They will not suddenly add 20 pounds to your body weight or 50 pounds to your bench press. Sports supplements can be very useful for bodybuilders and athletes of all kinds, however you also need to have your diet and training correct for them to work effectively. If you’re not training properly all you’ll get from sports supplements is expensive urine.
Food supplements like protein powders and meal replacement bars can be very useful in adding calories to your diet, but are not meant to replace good nutrition. I know how difficult it can be to eat 6 or 7 meals a day and these MRP’s can be a great way to add 1-2 meals to your normal eating. They can start to make a difference in whether or not your grow.
To increase strength you’ll want to make sure you’re taking a good multi-vitamin, plenty of protein (at least 1 gram per pound of bodyweight) and creatine. Your body needs many different nutrients to function properly and a good multi-vitamin will make sure your not missing out of any of them. Vitamin and mineral deficiency can lead to fatigue, increased fat storage and muscle cramps.
Creatine is an amino acid that our muscles use for energy. It is normally found in red meat, but it’s possible to saturate our bodies with much more creatine than can be had from a normal diet and doing so can help with short energy bursts in the gym as well as overall strength. Creatine will also draw water into your muscles, which aside from the increased size of your muscles provides another great benefit. The extra water in your muscle also serves to increase strength through a volumizing effect that is not yet completely understood. Creatine is completely legal and has been used for decades by strength athletes of all kinds to boost their strength and size.
Glutamine is another vitally important amino acid. It is produced by our bodies, however our bodies can’t produce enough to meet the demands of a hard working athlete. It is the most commonly found amino acid in muscles tissue so you’ll want to supplement with it to ensure maximum growth. Glutamine also has anti-oxidant effects and will help protect your body from the stresses of hard lifting. It is also thought that supplementing with glutamine can increase the amount of human growth hormone our bodies produce which will increase muscle growth and decrease fat storage.
Finally, if you’re interested in really taking it to the next level you can investigate the legal steroids and prohormones on the market that will increase testosterone levels, decrease estrogen and help increase your strength and muscle mass, sometime dramatically. These supplements are not to be taken lightly and you should do your research before beginning to take them. In addition, you should be completely finished growing naturally so these legal anabolic supplements should not be taken by anyone under the age of 21.
Amino Acid, Bench Press, Best Supplements, Bodyweight, Creatine, Food Supplements, Glutamine, Good Nutrition, Magic Pills, Meal Replacement Bars, Mineral Deficiency, Mrp, Multi Vitamin, Muscle Cramps, Nutrition Programs, Protein Powders, Red Meat, Sports Supplements, Strength Athletes, Vitamin And Mineral
AllergiesFebruary 16th, 2009

Allergies in dogs seem to have become more and more common over the years. Whether this is just because we are getting better at diagnosing them is debatable, but certainly the pet food manufacturers have had an important role to play in dealing with this phenomenon. Although a food allergy is thought to be non curable, the good news is that with proper diagnosis and management it can be well controlled in virtually 100% of cases.
What is a food allergy?
A more appropriate term for a food allergy is an adverse food reaction. It is where ingestion of a certain ingredient in the diet causes itchiness anywhere on the body and recurring skin or ear infections with Malassezia yeast and bacteria. Food allergies can also cause digestive tract signs too, such as fecal mucus, blood in the stools and increased frequency of defecation. They have also been associated with increased flatulence.
The root cause of these adverse food reactions is unknown, but research points towards an increase in permeability of the gut wall, or a failure of the gut associated immune system. Though it has never been proven that certain breeds are affected worse than others, some breeds do seem to be over represented. The age of onset can range from a few months to 12 years old.
What are the ingredients that dogs are most commonly allergic to?
There are 7 ingredients that are frequently responsible for adverse food reactions:
1. Beef
2. Milk
3. Eggs
4. Chicken
5. Soy
6. Wheat
7. Corn
Statistically, beef and soy are the biggest offenders. Many dogs will be allergic to more than one of these ingredients, and may also be allergic to things in their environment, such as pollen, certain grasses or fleas.
How can a food allergy be diagnosed?
If a dog has had general itchiness that does not lessen in the winter months, recurrent skin and ear infections or intermittent soft stools, it is worth investigating for a food allergy.
There are 3 recognised diagnostic methods:
1. A blood test to measure antibodies to various ingredients.
2. An intradermal skin test where allergens are injected at various points on the skin and the reaction is measured.
3. An elimination diet.
The intradermal skin test is thought to be very inaccurate, and the jury is still out on the blood test. The elimination diet is seen as the most reliable, and the cheapest of the three options. It does however require a motivated and disciplined owner in order to achieve meaningful results.
Elimination Diet
There are three basic elimination diet choices:
1. Home cooked food
This is not generally recommended as it is time consuming for the owner and can also provide an unnatural and nutritionally unbalanced diet. However, if the dog is incredibly fussy and the owner cannot bear to force it to eat a commercial diet, the best ingredients are one of either lamb, fish, duck or turkey, plus one of either rice or potatoes. The two ingredients selected (the former high in protein, the latter a carbohydrate source) should be ones that the dog has preferably never eaten before.
2. A commercial, limited antigen diet
If one of these diets is to be recommended, suitable ingredients would be venison, rabbit or oatmeal. Remember, we are looking for ingredients that your dog has never eaten before, so cannot possibly already be allergic to.
3. A commercial, hydrolysed protein hypoallergenic diet
These contain proteins that have been broken down to the extent that they are no longer capable of causing an allergic reaction. They are often referred to as prescription diets because they are usually purchased via a veterinarian, although they can be obtained over the counter without a prescription. They are significantly more expensive than limited antigen diets, so it is wiser to try a limited antigen diet first as if the elimination diet is successful, the dog will remain on that food for life.
The elimination diet must be given for a minimum of 6 weeks, and possibly up to 10, in order to observe the maximum response. Owners must not give their dog ANYTHING else during the trial period, meaning no titbits, treats or vitamin supplements. For example, many owners do not realize that rawhide chews are made from cow derivatives and that with beef being the most common culprit in allergies, these chews could be the root of the problem. During the trial period, nothing must enter the dogs mouth apart from the chosen diet and water.
If the symptoms in question are intense itchiness, many vets will prescribe antihistamines or steroids during the first few weeks of the trial in order to make the dog more comfortable. If the dog gets better as the trial goes on, and the initial drugs to provide temporary comfort have worn off, then it is suggestive of a food allergy. If this occurs, the dog is then challenged with its former diet to see if the symptoms return and therefore confirm the diagnosis. It usually takes between 3 and 7 days for the symptoms to return after initiating the challenge.
If there is a partial improvement in the dogs condition, it is likely that the dog indeed has a food allergy but also has other allergies at the same time. The dog will then be kept on the elimination diet while other potential allergies are investigated, such as flea bite sensitivity and atopy. These can be checked for via intradermal testing or blood tests.
If a food allergy is confirmed, the owner can either continue to feed the same food given during the elimination trial indefinitely, or can persevere with dietary trials by introducing the 7 most common allergic ingredients (see above) one by one until it is ascertained exactly what the dog is allergic to.
Allergies In Dogs, Blood In The Stools, Defecation, Diagnostic Methods, Digestive Tract, Dogs Allergies, Ear Infections, Flatulence, Fleas, Food Allergies In Dogs, Food Allergy, Food Reactions, Gut Wall, Ingestion, Mucus, Permeability, Pet Food Manufacturers, Proper Diagnosis, Root Cause, Tract Signs
AllergiesFebruary 8th, 2009

In today’s world allergy caused by food is the most common disease. You have to keep in mind that these allergies could hamper your comfort in your daily routine. This means that you will be unable to carry out your daily routine properly. You have to take into consideration that your dog could experience this allergy.
When your dog is capable of carrying the allergy you should monitor your pet as allergies could affect your dog in many ways which could be life threatening. You must be aware of the symptoms and the sign of your pet’s (dog) allergies as it is very hard to detect. One should take at most care as you should realize that the dog cannot express its feelings. It is necessary for you to keep in track with the symptoms it shows so that you’re able to detect the allergy properly. This will help you to manage the pet properly.
Nowadays dogs eat different types of processed foods and allergy caused by food is the third common causes of allergies. Like in human allergy, the immune system of dogs overreacts to certain type of food which will trigger the immune system so that histamines get released to fight of the invader. The invader generally doesn’t harm the dogs but the immune system over do’s it and mistakes it as harmful.
You can see that the dogs have itching in different parts of its body if it suffers from the food allergy attack. Itching takes place in the foot, face, belly, limb and they will experience recurrent infections in ear which could irritate and make them restless. They will probably not be active as usual, and they would refuse to take any food and could vomit.
Staring at you in the face is the main cause for food allergy. Nowadays the dog foods that are available in several pet shops contain ingredients (junk) which could cause allergic reactions for your dog. The proteins that are found in chicken, beef, wheat, dairy, chicken eggs are the main causes of allergies in dogs. You can also notice that the ingredients that are mentioned above are the main ingredients to be found in dog foods. Switching your dogs diet is very important as it determines what types of food causes the allergy to the dog.
Dogs should be taken to the vet quite often in order to carry out a number of physical examinations which will determine the type of ingredient in dog foods which causes the allergy. Once this allergen is found, the vet will recommend that the dog should change its diet from regular food that has the allergens to hypoallergenic food. Even though the hypoallergenic food is costlier that the popular and regular dog food, you could be sure that you’re pet will always be in proper shape and will live a happy, peaceful life. But while giving the hypoallergenic food you should maintain proper diet so that any kind of mistakes doesn’t take place. This food also ensures no side effects, be it external or internal, on the body takes place.
Homemade diets can be chosen but you should keep In mind that minerals and vitamins should be balanced carefully so that adequate nourishment is provided for your dog needs. The proper diet plan will be provided by the veterinarian.
With the correct and systematic treatment, the dog will surely be able to live in a peaceful manner with minimized risk of attacks.
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AllergiesFebruary 7th, 2009

Is there such a thing as an allergy free dog? To answer this question you first must understand what an allergy is. If you have dog allergy then you suffer from Allergies Type 1, also called Contact Allergies.
The allergy producing proteins called allergens are produced in the dogs skin. When the dog licks himself or herself this sticky protein in the dead skin cells is deposited on the hair. When the dog hair comes into contact with dust, clothing, furniture, curtains, or you, the protein will stick to the surface of the object. Pet hair itself does not product allergic reactions in individual, but the dog dander that sticks to the dog hair will.
So the answer to the question is there such a thing as an allergy free dog is a resounding no. All dogs will produce this type of allergens and it will be found in the dog’s dander, saliva, or urine. The good news is that depending on the severity of the allergy reaction, the care you take in avoiding them, and the type of dog you have you may still own a dog.
When searching for hypoallergenic pets your first stop should be the American Kennel Club (AKC). They listed some dog breeds that they considered to be the most suitable for allergic individuals.
Consider Poodles, Airedales, and Schnauzers because they shed their skin about every 21 days whereas German Shepard and Irish Setters shed their skin about every three days. Less dander means less contact with the allergy producing allergen.
Another considerations are dogs that do not shed their hair very often or have very little hair to shed. Less airborne hair means less chance of you coming into contact with the allergen. You should consider the Poodle, Chinese Crested, Labradoodle (cross between a Labrador and a Poodle), Mexican Hairless, Chihuahua, Greyhound and Basenji.
The only true pet allergy test is for you to come into contact with the dog. Find a breeder or pet shop owner that will allow you to be with the dog for a day or so. If no allergy symptoms show up then you may have found the type of dog best suited to your allergy problems. Allergies Type I can get worst over time so if you have even a slight allergy reaction during your contact with the breed of dog you are considering you will need to look at another breed. Dogs usually live to be over 10 years of age so the decision you make today will affect you for years to come.
Mild cases of Allergies Type 1 can be treated with common products such as Vitamin A, Vitamin B, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Pantothenic Acid, Glucosamine, and Quercitin.
Vitamin A is a known antioxidant and can assist the human body in the healing process. Vitamin A is stored in the liver and fat cells of the human body and can reach toxic levels. DO NOT take more than the recommended dosage of Vitamin A.
Up to one-third of older people can no longer absorb Vitamin B from their food. Vitamin B is needed to form red blood cells and keep nerves healthy.
Beta Carotene protects the mucus membranes of the mouth, nose, throat and lungs. It also helps protect Vitamin C from oxidation, which enables it to perform at optimum efficiency.
Vitamin C is nature’s protective nutrient, essential for defending the body against pollution and infection and enhances the bodies immune system.
Vitamin E protects the lung tissue from inhaled pollutants and aids in the functioning of the immune system.
Many find Pantothenic Acid to be very helpful against allergy symptoms. It is another form of nontoxic B vitamins. Pantothenic Acid is critical in the metabolism and synthesis of carbohydrates, proteins and fats.
Glucosamine is an anti-inflammatory and may give some relief from allergy symptoms.
Quercitin is a well known flavonoid. Flavonoids are powerful antioxidants and can reduce inflammation boost the immune system and strengthen blood vessels and improve circulation. Quercitin is also known for its ability to block the release of histamines, thus reducing or preventing allergy symptoms.
Always consult your doctor before using this information.
This Article is nutritional in nature and is not to be construed as medical advice.
Airedales, Allergens, Allergic Individuals, Allergy Free Dogs, Allergy Test, American Kennel Club, Basenji, Chinese Crested, Dead Skin Cells, Dog Breeds, Dog Dander, German Shepard, Irish Setters, Labradoodle, Mexican Hairless Chihuahua, Pet Allergy, Pet Hair, Pet Shop Owner, Poodles, Schnauzers