What Are Fat Burners?

By Michael Angelo, Senior Editor on Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Fat burners are among the most popular supplements sold today, and knowing what they are and how they work are important factors when choosing the right one for yourself.

If you belong to the 68 percent of overweight or obese Americans, you have most likely tried losing weight through sheer willpower alone. And the probability that you've been unsuccessful in your efforts is overwhelming. After quite a few failed attempts, it's best to accept the reality that you can’t lose weight and keep it off without outside help. This is the first step towards achieving your weight loss goal, and the sooner you look beyond your fluctuating self-control and seek intervention, the faster you can reach your desired weight.

A popular tried and tested approach to aid in losing weight are fat burners. Fat burners are weight loss supplements that produce the following actions in the body:

Increase metabolism
In a nutshell, metabolism determines the rate at which the body burns its calories and the speed or sluggishness with which the body sheds off the pounds and loses weight. There are several factors that impact the metabolic process. It slows down as people age - at a rate of approximately five percent for every decade after 40 years old. In general, men have a higher metabolic rate than women do, and heredity plays a role in a person’s metabolism. Metabolism increases in direct proportion to lean body mass. Another factor that influences metabolism is weight. The heavier you weigh, the faster your metabolic rate is. This explains why weight loss is easier at the beginning of a program and reaches a plateau when you are several pounds lighter. Your lighter bulk slows down the metabolic process and losing weight becomes harder.

Increase energy level
As fat burners increase metabolism, there is a corresponding increase in the energy in your body. Some fat burners contain stimulants that are thermogenic, raising energy levels and body temperature. This is an opportune time to hit the gym for workouts and aerobic classes or engage in sports activities. Having more energy gives you the stamina to sustain these physical activities and the endurance to complete its duration. Obviously, when you increase physical exertion, more calories are expended and more fat is burned. The resulting weight loss is a foregone conclusion. Mood elevation is one positive side effect to an increase in energy level and there is a motivation to persist in attaining your weight loss goal.

Suppress the appetite
Some fat burners act on your body’s central nervous system and send a message to the brain telling it that you are not hungry. When hunger pangs are repressed, you can control the tendency to overeat. As a result, you reduce your calorie intake and this makes you leaner. Even when faced with your favorite foods, you can resist the temptation to indulge because you have a feeling of satiety.

Now that you're planning to buy fat burners, you face the dilemma of choosing which one to get from among the hundreds being sold in the market. This situation can overwhelm even the most unflappable person. A good guide would be to pick the ones that produce maximum results with the least side effects. Fat burners made from natural herbs do not contain harmful chemicals that may damage the vital body systems with prolonged use. These nutraceutical products are derived from high-grade organic materials that have been proven effective and are safe for human intake. Here are some components of fat burners:

• 1. Acai Berry – Grown in the Amazon rainforests of Central and South America, the acai berry is a reddish purple fruit that has weight loss inducing properties. It's also rich in antioxidants that help build a strong immune system. Acai berry is combined with other natural weight reducing ingredients in fat burners to produce a powerful, safe and healthy weight loss supplement.
• 2. African Mango – As one of the safest ingredients in weight reduction supplements, the African mango is a fruit that increases the amount of leptin in the blood of people taking it. Leptin is an enzyme that functions as an appetite suppressant and metabolism regulator. Its other health benefits include the maintenance of normal blood sugar and cholesterol levels, making weight loss possible in a short span of time.
• 3. Ephedra – Abundant in Mongolia and China, this herb works as a stimulant that increases the heart rate and raises the energy level of people taking it. Physical activity is enhanced and more calories are burned. It's also used as a treatment for asthma and allergies. Ephedra should be taken with medical supervision since it may cause cardiac problems in healthy people.
• 4. Green Tea – Taken in conjunction with other synergistic herbs, green tea effectively aids in weight reduction. It increases fat oxidation rates by as much as 17 percent after intake and even more during physical workouts. Polyphenol, a green tea extract, also improves glucose tolerance and controls diabetes.
• 5. Hoodia Gordonii – A cactus that grows in South Africa and Botswana, hoodia was the food of hunters searching for prey in the African forests. They found that hoodia effectively suppressed their appetites for a long time. This enabled them to hunt for long periods without the interruption of hunger pangs. Since hoodia is a natural element, there are no negative side effects to the body.
• 6. Hydroxycitrate – HCA, as it is also called, is a natural extract taken from the fruit of the Garcinia Cambogia tree that grows in the south of India. HCA acts by holding back the production of citrate lyase, an enzyme that helps convert carbohydrates into fat. Without citrate lyase, the body’s ability to form fat tissues is hindered so that it resorts to burning the carbohydrates.

Other fat burning components that come from natural organic materials are caffeine, apple cider vinegar, kelp, chitosan and grapefruit. There are several testimonies confirming their effectiveness in weight loss programs. Proprietary blends of these ingredients make up the supplements that are flooding the market and are better known as fat burners. If you honestly think that willpower is not one of your strengths and you are frustrated with the yo-yo effects of dieting and exercise alone, don’t you think it’s about time you give fat burners a chance?

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Dogs and Vitamins: What to Know

By Carolyn Wick, Purchasing Team Lead on Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Your dog needs its daily vitamins just as much as you do, and here's where you should start looking if you're going to supplement Spot's diet.

The access to too much information regarding dog vitamins has gotten pet dog owners confused. There are hundreds of dog supplements in the market, each one claiming to be superior over the competition, but distinguishing hype from real value can be a daunting task. What is unarguable, however, is the fact that dogs need their vitamins as much as people need theirs. Dog owners who love their dogs realize the important role of these supplements in the preservation and maintenance of their dogs’ health.

The foods you give your dog do not contain all the principal nutrients to keep it fit and healthy. Further, there are external factors in the environment and unavoidable events, such as aging, that affect your dog’s condition negatively and make it vulnerable to potential illnesses. Free radicals contribute to air, land and water pollution, which is a lethal combination for your dog if exposure is frequent and in large quantities. Thus, it helps to be correctly informed about the essential vitamins and minerals that you must give your dog to protect it from harmful elements and maintain its good health and attractive appearance. Here are the key dog vitamins and minerals you should look for when shopping for your dog.

1. Glucosamine and Chondroitin
Glucosamine is a natural compound found in the cartilages of healthy dogs while chondroitin is a form of carbohydrate derived from the articular cartilages. As dogs grow older, arthritis sets in. Obesity and inactivity contribute to the onset of this very common canine disease. A glucosamine and chondroitin composition can help prevent arthritis and alleviate the symptoms of joint pains. Both amino sugar elements help in the repair of damaged cartilage and support cartilage growth in the joints and bones of dogs.

2. Calcium, Copper and Phosphorus
Calcium plays a vital role in the growth and maintenance of healthy and dense bones and in the function of important body systems. Calcium needs phosphorus for it to be absorbed and used properly in the dog’s body. Phosphorus is a major element in the formation of bones, teeth and RNA and DNA. Copper aids in the production of red blood cells, collagen, melanin and myelin. These three minerals are significant elements in dogs’ anatomy and physiology. A lack of any of them may bring about anemia, bone abnormalities, lowered immune system and abnormal metabolism. As dog supplements, they help in the prevention of infections, bone fractures and promote healthy bones and cells.

3. MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane)
MSM is a form of sulfur that's present in plants and animals. In combination with glucosamine, it alleviates the pain of arthritis, decreases bone deformities that're caused by osteoporosis and aids in the treatment of other skeletal disorders. It's also a remedy for skin diseases, hair loss and allergies. It promotes and speeds up wound healing. It may come in the form of creams or gels for direct application to the skin or it may be tablet or capsule forms to be taken by mouth.

4. Omega 3 Fatty Acids
Omega 3 fatty acids are not produced naturally in dogs’ bodies; thus, they have to be supplied as dietary supplements. These essential fatty acids are abundant in fish, such as salmon, tuna, mackerel, lake trout and sardines. Taken as dog vitamins and minerals, pet omega 3 fatty acids lower the risk for heart diseases, cancer and other chronic illnesses. They are also nutrients that enhance memory and brain performance and correct behavioral problems like lethargy and mood swings.

5. Vitamins A, B complex, C, D, E and K
Dog vitamins contain these principal vitamins to promote optimum health and maintain their hair and skin. They also function internally to preserve strong bones, muscles, nerves and tissues and support dogs’ physical and mental development. They are found in dog food but the amount may not be sufficient; hence, there is a need to add them to the dogs’ diets through tablet or liquid forms.

6. Iodine, Iron, Manganese, Magnesium, Potassium, Selenium, Sodium, Chloride and Zinc
Like vitamins, these are minerals found in dog food but in small quantities. Each one has its special purpose in promoting healthy canine anatomy and function of their various body systems. Working together or separately, they help develop healthy dog organs so that metabolism, circulation, heart and lung function, elimination of free radicals from the body and all the other physiological functions performance properly.

Signs of a Healthy Dog
A visual inspection of your dog will help you recognize signs of health and prompt you to take immediate action if you detect an approaching illness.

• Skin and Hair – A healthy skin color is pale pink, brown or black depending on breed. It's smooth and elastic, not rough or limp. Check for the presence of scabs, red areas or growths by running your hand over the dog's back and stomach or part the hair and look for fleas, lice or cuts and wounds. The dog’s hair or coat should be glossy, smooth and not too oily.
• Eyes – Eyes should be bright, alert and clear. The whites should not be yellowish. Watch out for excessive mucus and tearing, yellow discharges and eyelid inflammation. These are signs of eye disease that need a vet’s attention and treatment.
• Ears – The skin inside the ears should be free from lice. It should be a healthy pink, smooth and clean. Some amount of wax is normal but too much leads to crusting. Dogs with ear problems often scratch or shake their heads frequently. Dog breeds with long, hairy ears need more care and attention than others who have normal size ears.
• Mouth, Teeth and Gums – Normal, healthy gums should be pinkish, black or spotted depending on the dog’s breed. Teeth should be white and clean. Check for substances that cover or surround teeth; this is plaque or tartar that should be removed by brushing. Check your dog for bad breath and inspect the gums for infections. If you suspect mouth infection, take the dog to the vet immediately. Mouth diseases can lead to problems that are more serious.
• Nose – A cool and moist nose without excessive nasal discharges is a sign of health; however, a warm nose is not a conclusive indicator of fever. Nasal discharges should not be yellowish, bubbly or foul smelling, as these are signs of respiratory illnesses.

Dogs make amazing friends and companions. They are playful, protective and loyal. Treat your dog well and care for it. Giving your pup the best dog vitamins as a part of its daily diet is one way of ensuring that your dog remains healthy and happy, giving you the priceless treasure of many years of dog devotion and friendship.

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What Is DMAE?

By Marcelina Hardy, Staff Writer on Monday, August 15, 2011

DMAE creams and lotions are known for their anti-aging properties, and if you're looking to reduce the effects of the aging process then you should consider this natural supplement.

How often have you looked in the mirror only to frown at the new wrinkle or fine line on your face? Or maybe you have some sagging on your neck that makes you wish you could go into a time machine and turn back to the days when your skin was firm and smooth. Well, you may not be able to go back in time, but you may be able turn back the effects of time on your face.

Wake up with DMAE
DMAE is dimethylaminoethanol. Since your body makes this nutrient in the brain it's not considered a vitamin, instead it's a supplement. People take this supplement in capsule form to improve mental alertness and clarity. It's much like caffeine and some individuals report feeling on edge when taking too much of it.

DMAE research has shown that this nutrient can help improve cognitive ability and memory. In laboratory animals, it moderately increased their life span, according to Smart Skincare^[1]. How's that for the fountain of youth?

It seems as though DMAE reduces the accumulation of lipofuscin deposit inside cells. These deposits contain molecular waste, are often seen in older people and contribute to the aging process. Reducing these lipofuscin deposits could be what helps reduce the aging effects of the skin, which is just one way that DMAE has shown to improve skin.

DMAE for Your Skin
If you’ve spend years trying to find the best anti-aging cream, you’ve probably never tried DMAE. How does this nutrient help your skin? Well, the same way it wakes up your mind, it wakes up your skin so it can protect itself from environmental factors.

As you age, your skin starts to slow down in cell growth, which means cell membranes begin to deteriorate. This cell membrane deterioration happens because of stress from the environment such as the sun, cold wind, pollution, etc., as well as negligent or inadequate skin care. The result is age related skin effects such sagging, wrinkles and fine lines.

The exact workings of how DMAE improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles is not well known. However, the effects are documented:

• According to Skin Energizer^[2], a clinical study found that after 16 weeks, three percent of DMAE facial gel was safe and effective at the mitigation of forehead lines, periorbital fine wrinkles and improving lip shape and fullness. Other noticed effects were improvements in coarse wrinkles, under-eye dark circles, nasolabial folds, sagging neck skin and neck firmness.
• According to the website DailyAntiAnging^[3], research found significant improvement in the lip, jaw line and eye region.

When to See Results
Just like most skincare products, it may take up to a few weeks before you see a significant difference in your skin. However, some users report a noticeable difference within thirty minutes. The longest lasting effects occur in users who use it continuously.

How to Use the Cream
If you have sensitive skin, you may have to use the DMAE cream every other day because some people have reported skin redness or irritation.

It’s recommended by many skincare experts to take vitamins along with DMAE for maximum benefit. For example, B vitamins with DMAE lotion will help you rid your skin of wrinkles, dark circles and lack of tone, according to SkinImprove.com^[4]. You should also make sure you get enough vitamin C to reduce the appearance of wrinkles or blemishes.

Check with Your Doctor
DMAE cream is not approved by the FDA, which means that it works for some people but it can have adverse reactions in others. Therefore, it's important to check with you doctor before using this supplement, even topically.

Sources

1. ^[1] - Will DMAE lift your face, or just your wallet?Will DMAE lift your face, or just your wallet?,SmartSkinCare.com
2. ^[2] - Skin Care Properties & Research, DMAE, SkinEnergizer.com
3. ^[3] - Benefits and Side Effects of DMAE Cream, DailyAntiAging.com
4. ^[4] - Topical DMAE Cream and its Use, SkinImprove.com

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DMAE Benefits Skin, Attention and Energy Levels

By Petra Trudell, Managing Editor on Thursday, August 11, 2011

DMAE benefits the skin in many ways but it's also good at improving cognitive functions and energy levels. See how DMAE can benefit your life.

Do you want firmer and younger looking skin? Move over, topical creams and invasive surgeries. DMAE is coming to the rescue! Dimethylaminoethanol, or DMAE for short, is proven to block the formation of lipofuscin, an aging pigment that shows up in the skin of older people, usually those over 50 years old, as brown spots. As for firming facial skin and slowing down the sagging process, there are noticeable changes in people using DMAE, but before going any further, it helps to have background knowledge of what this element is all about.

An Overview of DMAE
DMAE is a metabolic compound that's produced naturally in the brain in small amounts. It can also be found in fish such as salmons, sardines, anchovies and pilchards. It promotes the production of choline, which is the precursor of acetylcholine, the chief neurotransmitter responsible for the functions of learning, memory and attention.

DMAE has long been widely used for commercial and industrial purposes. It was in 1958 that it was first used for pharmaceutical purposes, when early research discovered its effectiveness as a supplemental treatment for attention deficit disorder in children. According to Dr. Leon Oettinger, Jr., individuals who were given DMAE had improved thinking processes, longer concentration spans, increased attention spans, relief from mild depression and lethargy and reduced irritability. More recent studies show that the topical form of DMAE can lighten or remove skin spots and tighten skin, making it a sought-after product to delay the aging process.

In spite of the apparent beneficial effects of DMAE, it remains a controversial natural supplement, owing largely to the skepticism of mainstream health practitioners who demand more in-depth research and evidence-based studies before they will endorse the drug.

The Benefits of DMAE Explained
Aptly called a Smart drug, DMAE has numerous aesthetic, mental, physical and psychological/emotional health benefits. Taken as tablets or capsules, or rubbed on skin as creams or gels, here are the reasons why so many people are making this miracle natural food supplement an essential part of their lives.

1. Aesthetic Benefits
Continued use of DMAE lightens the age spots that are commonly seen on the face, back of hands and arms. These brown spots are formed from the accumulated lipofuscin deposits in the body. Lipofuscin is a waste product of the cells and usually appears in older people. Aside from the skin, lipofuscin is found in big quantities in the neurons and heart muscles. DMAE acts by flushing lipofuscin out from the body.

Another age-defying effect of DMAE is its skin tightening action that slows down the inevitable natural sagging of the skin. Aside from plastic surgery, DMAE skin treatments seem to be among the most effective means to lift and tighten the appearence of facial skin.  It's hypothesized that this is because of DMAE’s cell-stabilizing ability, its boosting action on acetylcholine or its capability to banish lipofuscin from the body.

2. Mental/Intellectual Health
DMAE users claim to feel an improvement in their memory, concentration and intellectual functions. This supplement is a mild central nervous system stimulant that perks up moods and reduces sluggishness. An explanation for this is DMAE’s cell membrane stabilizing capability - which benefits not only the skin but also the brain functions. Another theory for the increase in brain activity and function is the rise in acetylcholine production with sustained intake of DMAE. A third theory speculates that DMAE can cross the blood-brain barrier better than choline because of its unique molecular structure.

Enhanced brain function is seen and felt in improved concentration, initiative and verbal facility, increased alertness and faster thinking abilities. Intelligence and learning capacity are further developed and expanded.

3. Physical Health
Long term use of DMAE produces great physical health improvement benefits. Since the increased production of acetylcholine results in higher energy levels, people taking DMAE report alleviation of chronic fatigue and better physical performance. DMAE is also believed to reduce DNA damage, act as an antioxidant to combat the free radicals, aid in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, boost the immune system and lessen movement disorders in Parkinson’s disease. It also helps control tardive dyskinesia that afflicts people on long-term antipsychotic drug use. Best of all, studies on animals have shown that those taking DMAE supplements lived longer and the researchers are hopeful that this study will translate to human lives as well.

4. Psychological and Emotional Health Benefits
The first known use of DMAE was as supplementary therapy for children with ADD. Treatment with this natural drug form resulted in longer attention spans, less aggression and improved scholastic ability - sometimes even increasing IQ’s.

Other behavioral problems responded positively to DMAE, including reduction of apathy and an increase in motivation in patients suffering from depression, and improved behavior and brain function of children with Down’s Syndrome. It has a calming effect on people and concentration is increased in people with anxiety. It also makes people sleep sounder and have more lucid dreams, so that they wake up feeling rested and full of energy for the day ahead.

DMAE Dosage
Dosage for DMAE varies and there is no specific recommended dosage. A common dose is between 100-300 mg daily. Take the tablet or capsule with water, after eating and preferably in the morning. It will take about three weeks of taking DMAE before the initial results are noticeable and three months of continuous intake for best results. Also, with the availability of DMAE creams and lotions, using DMAE to firm facial skin is as convienent as applying the treatment before bed. DMAE is not recommended for people with epilepsy and bipolar disorders, however.

Conclusion
DMAE is used mainly for optimization of brain performance and enhancement of positive, upbeat moods. Brain functions including thinking, memory, learning and concentration also benefit from the long term use of DMAE. Based on studies, surveys and patient feedback, DMAE is a valuable and amazing tool for making brain functions higher. As a bonus, it also gives the user a younger look through clear, even-toned skin that retains its elasticity even at an older age.

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Vitamins to Increase a Woman's Sex Drive

By Marcelina Hardy, Staff Writer on Friday, August 12, 2011

Nutrition plays a role in how you look and feel, even when it comes to intimacy. Find out what the best vitamins are to help boost female libido.

If your response to sex is more often, “Ugh…” than “Oh Yeah!” you may be suffering from a diminishing libido. While it may be disheartening to admit this to even yourself, don’t think you are alone:

Between 30 to 50 percent of women suffer from a low libido^[1].

Sex isn’t supposed to be something you dread in life, it should be something that excites you and makes your life better. Losing your libido doesn’t mean it’s gone forever and it also doesn’t mean you have to go through extreme measures to get it back. There are natural ways to return your body back to the sex craved state it once was before life got in the way.

Understanding What Happened to Your Sex Drive
Before you learn about the vitamins you can take to increase your libido, it’s useful to understand why your sex drive has diminished. This way, you’ll have a better idea of how to attack the problem.

If you’re pre-menopausal, the biggest sex drive killers are negative emotions. Dr. Glenn D. Braunstein MD, endocrinologist and chair of the department of medicine at Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles says that a woman’s sex drive is multidimensional and depression or any emotion can have a profound affect on it.

Depression and anxiety slow down many of your bodily processes, including sex hormone production. Even if you try to get in the mood by touch, your mind won’t send the signal to start the physiological process of getting you excited, which results in vaginal dryness or inability to orgasm.

If you are in the menopausal or post-menopausal stage, Dr. Steven Goldstein, professor of ob-gyn and NYU Medical Center in New York City reports the loss of ovulation can be the culprit to a lower libido.

Reduced estrogen levels may not be the only hormone that plays a role in a woman’s sex drive. Other hormones such as testosterone can also affect the libido. According to the MayoClinic, some women receive testosterone therapy to help increase sexual desire.

Vitamins to Boost Sexual Desire
Undergoing hormonal replacement therapy or taking prescription drugs can result in unwanted side effects. Instead, you may want to consider taking vitamins to help with depression, anxiety and hormone production.

• Vitamin E

Good Housekeeping magazine^[2] has a good tip about vitamin E. Break open a capsule and rub the gel on the vagina several times a week, even if you aren’t having sex. The gel will help lubricate the tissue and intensify sensation. Try using it during sex in place of K-Y Jelly or Astroglide.

• Vitamin C and D

Feeling good is essential to a good sex life. To keep yourself healthy, get adequate vitamin C and D. Not only do they help your body fight germs that make you sick, they also have mood enhancing properties, according to LiveStrong.com^[3].

• Vitamin B6

Aging women may want to consider taking vitamin B6 supplements because it could help lessen the dramatic shift of hormones caused by menopause (specifically estrogen and progesterone). This shift is what causes some post-menopausal women to lose their sex drive.

• Vitamin B2

If you’re experiencing vaginal dryness, try popping a vitamin B2 or riboflavin supplement. This can help your body restore its natural lubrication production.

• Vitamin B3

Women’s Health^[4] reports that research has found women who don’t have enough niacin or vitamin B3 in their uterus are unable to achieve an orgasm. This vitamin helps your adrenal glands’ production of sex hormones. It can also help dilate blood vessels so blood flows easier and faster, which increases arousal and pleasure.

ArginMax
The Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy published a study in 2001 that found that the nutritional supplement, ArginMax increases sexual desire and satisfaction. The main ingredient is an amino acid, L-Arginine, which supports blood vessel tone. The supplement also includes a combination of herbs that support sexual health.

Contact Your Doctor
While you may think vitamins are harmless, they can have drug interactions and you can overdose on some types. it’s always a good idea to contact your doctor whenever you start taking a new vitamin. Your doctor will be able to advice you further on the best course of action to take to help you achieve a sex life you desire.

Sources

1. ^[1] - Interesting Statistics About Women, Power-Surge.com
2. ^[2] - A Woman's Guide to Reviving Sex Drive, Good Housekeeping, GoodHousekeeping.com
3. ^[3] - Vitamins to Enhance Female Libido, Live Strong, LiveStrong.com
4. ^[4] - Vitamins To Increase Libido And Spice Up Your Love Life, Women's Health Network, Womans-Health.net

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Study Up On Back-to-School Vitamins

By Marcelina Hardy, Staff Writer on Tuesday, August 09, 2011

Sending your kids back to school means sending them back to an environment filled with sniffling, sneezing and hand slapping. Make sure you're sending your kids back with the best defenses possible. Get in the know right here.

Back to school season can also be back to cold season. With so many children around each other, germs run wild. The next thing you know, your child is home from school sniffling, with a fever and vomiting. This makes your child miserable, the teacher unhappy, your boss disappointed and you frustrated.

This year, get your children ready to fight those germs that are ready to make them sick. When you’re stocking up on folders, pencils and erasers, don’t forget the vitamins.

Vitamins to Improve Immune System Functioning

• Vitamin C

You knew this one would be part of the list! Vitamin C taken before a cold can strengthen the immune system to ward off colds, and taken at the onset of one it can help decrease the length and severity of the illness.

Children under six years of age should have 250 mg per day and those over six should have 500 mg. Dr. Sears, a leader in children’s health, recommends taking vitamin C supplements throughout the day rather than all of it once a day^[1].

• Vitamin E

Vitamin E is also important in immune functioning. It stimulates the production of killer cells, which attack germs and cancer cells. It also increases the production of B-cells, which are immune cells that produce antibodies that destroy bacteria.

While eating vegetable oils, nuts, and leafy green vegetables will give people enough of this vitamin, many children do not favor these foods. Children one to three years old need 9 IUs each day, ages four to eight need 10.5 IUs and nine to 13 year olds need 16.5 IUs, according to LiveStrong^[2].

• Vitamin D

A study in 2009^[3] found that vitamin D could protect individuals from the common cold and respiratory tract infections, especially those who have health concerns such as asthma and chronic lung conditions. In the winter, when most colds are running ramped among children and adults alike, vitamin D levels are also low because of the decreased time outdoors. If individuals do not make up for this loss with vitamin D enriched foods, deficiency occurs, which lowers the efficiency of the immune system. This is why it may be useful to supplement.

The Food and Nutrition Board recommends children and adolescents should have 600 IUs of vitamin D each day.

• Zinc

While not a vitamin, it is a mineral that's very important in immune function. Zinc increases white blood cell production. White blood cells release antibodies and attack infections. Some studies have shown that zinc supplements can lower the intensity and frequency of infections, however, too much of it can actually lower immune system functionality. According to Dr. Sears, zinc supplements may reduce the frequency of acute respiratory infections in children.

The Office of Dietary Supplements^[4] reports that children up to six months old should have 2 mg daily, children ages seven months to three years old should have 3 mg daily, children ages four to eight year olds should have 5 mg, and children ages nine and above should get 8 mg daily. These are dietary needs, so if a child eats enough zinc-enriched foods he may not need supplementation.

• Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Dr. Sears reports on a study in which children who took half a teaspoon of flax oil each day had less severe respiratory infections and were less absent from school compared to those who didn’t receive the supplement. Omegas 3s in flax oil increase the activity of phagocytes, which are white blood cells that eliminate bacteria.

Dr. Sears recommends taking vitamin E with essential fatty acids, because together they can really boost the immune system.

Consult Your Doctor Before Supplementation
Before you decide to give your child a supplement, contact your doctor. Some vitamins can interact with medications and cause side effects. It’s also important that your child’s diet is reviewed by a doctor. Vitamin overdose is possible and can cause illness.

Sources

1. ^[1] - 8 Foods that Boost Immunity, AskDrSears.com
2. ^[2] - Kids' Vitamins To Boost The Immune System & Fighting Colds, LiveStrong.com
3. ^[3] - CNN.com
4. ^[4] - Zinc, The Office of Dietary Supplements, The National Institute of Health, NIH.gov

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Libido Boosters Bolster Female Desires

By Carolyn Wick, Purchasing Team Lead on Monday, August 08, 2011

A drop in the female libido is as common as erectile dysfunction, yet it receives almost little or no attention in comparison. Find out the causes, symptoms and best ways to treat a flatlined female libido right here.

The decreased female libido, although not placed as much in the limelight as men’s erectile dysfunction, is nevertheless just as significant for women as ED is for men. Most women agree that their sexual desire is a complex thing. Its intensity, or a lack thereof, is dependent on a lot of factors - physical, psychological and emotional. Let’s take a closer look at these elements and see how each one of them affects the libido. By understanding the causes, women can take the appropriate steps to remedy their waning desires and will be in a better position to take control of their sexual lives.

By definition, hypoactive sexual desire disorder in women is characterized by a persistent lack of interest in sex, decrease in sexual arousal, difficulty or inability to achieve an orgasm and pain during sexual intercourse. Or, to cut to the chase, female sexual dysfunction occurs when a woman feels that she does not seek or enjoy sex as much as she used to, and she’s stressed about it.

At what point in a woman’s life does the decrease in the female libido become most pronounced?
While amorous desires fluctuate throughout her sexually active years, studies have shown that the period right after childbirth and the onset of menopause (usually at 50 years old and over) are the times in a woman’s life when her interest in sex diminishes.

It takes six months or more after delivery for the average woman to regain her pre-pregnancy sexual desires. A woman with kids under five years old and a career to pursue and who comes home to be greeted by household chores waiting to be done is also less likely to think about having sex than her same age counterpart with less responsibilities. Menopause affects the woman not only in the physical sense but also in her perception of her womanhood. The drop in estrogen production in the body results in a decreased sexual drive coupled with drying vaginal tissues due to the loss in lubrication. In addition, the emotional blow of menopause, in which the woman sees her body image as poor, makes her shrink from sex more often than not.

What causes the decrease in the female sexual desire?
While men are easily turned on by a sexy image, it takes more than visual impact for women to get their juices flowing. Sexual arousal in women, or even just the initial desire, can be dampened by physical issues. Age is the most common reason for this occurrence, mainly because of the hormonal changes that come with aging and menopause. Chronic diseases and the medications used to treat them are another factor. High blood pressure,diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and arthritis are just some, to name a few. Anti-hypertensive drugs, anti-depressants and birth control pills have been known to curb sexual appetite in women.

Psychological causes for a lowered sex drive is prevalent among women. Anxiety and depression, a stressful work or home life, perceived poor body image resulting from post pregnancy and breast feeding and a history of abuse all contribute to sexual dysfunction in women.

Emotional concerns play a significant role in the rise and fall of the female libido. Relationship issues are major points that women consider important, and a loss of interest in sex follows if there is a feeling of emotional disconnection or intimacy with one’s partner. Other relationship concerns include unresolved conflicts, lack of communication and breach of trust due to infidelity.

What are the treatments available for decreased female libido?
There are several pharmacological remedies for female sexual dysfunction. Some have passed the FDA standards while others are still in the research stage. Hormone replacement therapy for menopausal women has been around for years. By replacing the natural hormones that the body stops producing at menopause with synthetic ones, the body hopes to revert back to its pre-menopause status. However, HRT has several risks, among them increased predisposition to strokes, blood clots and deep vein thrombosis. Fibanserin is another generic drug component that promises to restore women’s sex drive. Research on its effectiveness is still being undertaken, however. Fibanserin and testosterone therapy still have to be approved by the US Food and Drug Association.

A safer alternative to pharmacologic interventions are the natural female libido enhancers. Homeopathy has been gaining in popularity because it subscribes to the belief in the efficacy of products made from natural sources. There have been testimonies attesting to their effectiveness. FDA approval is not required since these products are not considered pharmaceutical but are mixes of natural ingredients that have been proven to deliver results with little or no side effects.

These ingredients come from herbal extractions that have aphrodisiac effects, like ginseng, Yohimbe herb, cordyceps, damiana and horny goat weed. There is also the famous Spanish fly, or cantharides, which if taken as instructed has a power-boosting effect.

Natural female libido enhancers come in many forms, but they have one main objective and that is to stimulate sexual desires and responses that may have been negatively affected by physical or psychological causes.

There are sprays, topical creams and gels that are applied to the sexual organ. They function by inducing blood flow, thus lubricating the vaginal tissues and lessening dryness in that area. There is increased sexual response after a few days’ application.

There are also female libido enhancement pills made from natural herbal ingredients. These pills come in the form of tablets, capsules and soft gels. They encourage blood flow to the vagina to improve natural lubrication. The herbal components also aid in balancing the hormones and stabilizing mood swings, all moving towards the restoration of sexual desires and attaining orgasms.

A diminished female libido can affect the quality of relationships and emotional health - and it's so common that two out of five women will experience it in their lives. As a smart and modern female, it's up to you to find ways to deal with this malady before it totally ruins your relationship with your partner. Read about the different natural treatments that a lot of women have sworn by and be like them. Take control of your life and pave the way for truly satisfying intimate times with the one you love.

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