Atkins Diet: An Overview

Writen by Luke Sanger

In the past, it has become a household way of life to eat bread, rice, fruit and other healthy foods that are supposed to help you lose weight. Dr. Atkins began a journey in the early 70’s that was going to change all of that. Any diet that puts eggs, cheese, and meat before the aforementioned “healthy foods” is complete and utter blasphemy.

A recent study was done to disprove the Atkins Diet yet after three months, the overweight men and women had lost an average of 8.6 kilograms, 4.5 more than people on the standard high-carb approach. So, all in all, if a person wants to lose the weight and help make their lives healthier and happier, Our Atkins package is right for you. This study only backs up the fact that Atkins is the way to go if you want to lose weight and keep the weight off.

Another important thing to point out is that this type of diet isn’t something to just do for a while and then stop all together. It takes some commitment, but once you see the results of the easy plan that is included in our package, than you will most certainly want to keep “living” this diet and you will see amazing results.

Dr. Atkins discovered through vast amounts of tests and also through trial and error there are four distinct phases of the Atkins diet, and they are as follows:

Phase 1: Induction
This first phase is going to be the most limiting of the four phases a typical Atkins Dieter will have to go through. The diet is going to take the body through the most rigorous weight loss overall and will be the most uncomfortable for the dieter as well. If a dieter can make it through Induction, they will be home free for the remainder of the diet. As talked about before, the body will enter a state of Ketosis that in a nutshell trains the body to burn stored fat cells instead of glucose. Ketosis is a state the body goes into when there is no more expendable glucose to burn, so in order for the body to maintain energy, it must find other sources of energy to metabolize. The nutritional values of the amount of food a person undergoing this stage of the Atkins diet are limited to a moderate amount of meat, only 20 net grams of carbohydrates a day, no more than two cups of salad vegetables, only three tablespoons of heavy cream. Any alcoholic beverages or beverages that contain caffeine are not permitted. It is not uncommon for a person who is going through the Atkins weight loss plan to lose as much as 10 pounds a week. This is a normal amount of weight to lose and will taper off as the diet goes on.

Phase 2: Ongoing Weight Loss (OWL)
This phase is where a person must find out where there specific “Critical Carbohydrate Level for Losing” stands. This is done by increasing the amount of carbohydrates by 5 grams each week until you find that you aren’t losing as much weight. This phase will last until you have arrived to within 10 lbs. of your weight loss goal.

Phase 3: Pre-maintenance
Once a person has reached this phase, they are basically home free and will begin to see that the Atkins Diet is more of a lifestyle, and not one of those “Get thin quick” schemes. This is where they begin to increase their carbohydrates even more than in phase 2 to see how much carbs there body will allow before they start to gain the weight back that they just lost. This could possibly mean that their body will not be in Ketosis anymore, but in order for the Atkins Diet to be successful, it won’t be necessary to sustain it forever.

Phase 4: Lifetime maintenance
This last and final phase is to make sure that a person doesn’t fall back into their old way of eating and keep the Atkins Diet going strong so that they can keep the weight off instead of put it back on again. This diet is not ever really over, which is why if done correctly can make anyone a healthier person. If a person begins to gain the weight back, then it might be necessary to go back to a prior phase just to re-evaluate their given eating habits, but make sure not to be discouraged in the process because this common.

http://www.atkins-weightloss.com is the leading website in Atkins Diet Materials. Luke Sanger has set out to help people in the same situation as himself that are overweight and need a solution. The Atkins Diet helped him and he wants to help others by providing them with a proven method to live the Atkins Diet and make it successful just as it was for him.

Are Obese Women Getting Short-Changed By Chemotherapy Treatments?

Writen by Naweko San-Joyz

How much chemotherapy does an obese woman need? Typically an obese woman with breast cancer would receive reduced doses of chemotherapy as they battle breast cancer.

Back in June of 2005, a study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine concluded that obese women should receive chemotherapy based on their actual weight, and not in reduced as amounts as it the standard practice.

And now again a study presented in the August 2005 edition of Lancet claims that doctors should not reduce chemotherapy doses for obese women when no receptors for the hormone oestrogen have been found on the breast cancer cells. This type of cancer is called oestrogen-receptor negative.

Clinicians often reduce chemotherapy doses for obese patients because of worries about how the treatment may react with the patient and affect their overall health.

According to the study’s director Marco Colleoni of the European Institute of Oncology, Italy, and his colleagues, reducing the first course of chemotherapy for obese patients with oestrogen-receptor negative breast cancer proves “detrimental”.

Colleoni and his team looked at the relation between body-mass index (BMI), chemotherapy dose reduction, oestrogen receptor expression, and outcome for pre-menopausal women with breast cancer by examining data from four randomized trials.

They found that 97 out of 249 obese patients received less than 85% of protocol specified dose during the first course of chemotherapy compared with patients with normal and intermediate BMI.

Obese patients with oestrogen-receptor negative disease that received 85% or more of the first protocol specified dose had significantly better disease-free survival and overall survival than those who received less than 85% of the normally recommended dosage.

Yet, obese patients with oestrogen-receptor positive breast cancer who had reduced doses of chemotherapy did not have a significant difference in their outcome compared with those given the recommended chemotherapy doses.

And contrary to popular practice, the researchers also noticed that obese patients initially treated with protocol doses of chemotherapy did not have more toxicity than patients who received reduced doses.

Dr Marco Colleoni concluded that, “Our findings suggest that for women with ER-absent or ER-low tumours, reduction in chemotherapy dose should be avoided.”

The message for obese women coping with cancer is to be aware of your risks and rights. Ask your doctor will she recommend lower doses of chemotherapy for you based on your weight and ask why.

Resources: Lancet, Archives of Internal Medicine

Health author and Stanford University graduate Naweko San-Joyz lovingly writes from her home in San Diego. Her works include Acne Messages: Crack the Code of Your Zits and Say Goodbye to Acne (ISBN: 0974912204) and Skinny Fat Chicks, Why We’re Still Not Getting This Dieting Thing (ISBN: 0974912212). Naweko created the Noixia philosophy to help people enhance their lives by connecting with their inner-mysteries and inner-selves. Her works take often over-looked, yet viable research and transforms in into practical tools that people can use to improve their health. Get useful, but too often ignored women’s health news by visiting http://www.Noixia.com, Where Beauty Means Health.

Different Types of Tanning Lotions

Writen by Agust Hauksson

There are so many different types of tanning lotions on the market today. You will find that when you go to purchase one, you will have a lot of information to take in. You should read the instructions and directions on all of the bottles to make sure that you choose the right one for you and your skin type. Finding the right tanning lotion could make all the difference when it comes to the perfect tan.

There are three main types of tanning lotions. You should figure out what type of tan you are looking for to decide on the right product for you. An accelerator is a product that will boost the level of tanning cells in your skin. With the application of an accelerator when you shower in the morning, your skin will generate the tanning cells before you have your tanning session for the day. This will help you to tan almost immediately when you start the tanning process.

There are also amplifiers for tanning. This is a product that will create a moist barrier on your skin. This will trap rays that may have normally been reflected away. This will allow you to absorb as many tanning rays as you possibly can. This is a good idea also to keep your skin moist and looking good.

Bronzers are also great tanning lotions. This is a product that has a dye in it and will change the color of your skin almost immediately. There are some people that love them and there are others that despise them. You should be careful when you are applying the tanning lotions that contain bronzers so that they do not streak on the skin. They need to be applied evenly. You need to also make sure that your skin is moisturized well. If your skin is too dry it will absorb more bronzer than other areas and leave an uneven patch.

With a bronzer, you should make sure that you use a good exfoliate before you tan. This will help areas like your elbows, feel, ankles, and knees have a more smooth and silky feel so that the lotion goes on more evenly. You should also make sure that you wash your hands well after you use a bronzer so that it does not stain them.

There are also tanning lotions for indoor tanning and outdoor tanning. You need to make sure that you are using the right lotion for the right place. Outdoor tanning lotions have some form of SPF to protect your skin from some of the harmful rays of the sun. Indoor lotions do not have this and you may end up with a burning result if you use indoor lotion outside. Using the outdoor tanning lotions in a tanning bed may work for some. It will depend on the amount of SPF that is in the product.

It is always a good idea to tan smart and to make sure that you have the right protection that you want. You can look good with a great tan when you use the right tanning lotions.

Copyright 2006 – Agust Hauksson. Agust is a regular contributor of articles to many online publications. Find more great information at: http://www.tanning-lotion.info/, http://www.tanningbed-guide.info/ and http://www.tanningsalon-guide.com/

Alpha Lipoic Acid For Fat Loss And Anti-Aging

Writen by Brian Lipton

The importance and characteristics of Alpha-Lipoic Acid was first discovered by scientists in the 1950s. Since then it has been the subject of many research projects around the world both human an animal

Some have claimed that its antioxidant properties can prevent or treat many age-related diseases such as heart disease, strokes and cataracts.

In 1999 Berkeley Wellness took a look at this much-touted supplement and concluded that “it might one day prove to be very important but that it was too early to recommend it.” Since that time, though, many more studies have been completed and the benefits of ALA have become well defined.

ALA plays a crucial role in the body’s ability to produce energy. In fact, the body itself makes ALA for that purpose. However, when there is more ALA in the system than is required, it takes on the properties of an antioxidant. The only way to reach an excess of ALA, though, is to take supplements containing it; the body rarely manufactures more than it needs.

It also works with vitamins C and E as well as other antioxidants by recycling them which makes them more effective.

There are many ongoing human studies of using ALA as a preventative or treatment for heart disease, strokes, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. It is also being looked at to counteract declines in energy, muscle strength, brain function and immunity. Other possible uses of ALA include treating HIV and multiple sclerosis.

ALA removes peroxyol, peroxynitrite, hydroxyl, alkoxyl and superoxide radicals among many others. It is both fat soluable and water soluable. Its small size allows it to prevent oxidation in areas where other supplements cannot such as oxidation within the cell nucleus allowing it to protect the DNA, helping to prevent the degredation of DNA that can cause many age related diseases.

Other benefits include:

Stabilization of Blood Sugar – As mentioned earlier, ALA has proven to be an effective treatment for diabetes. It changes glucose uptake by improving insulin sensitivity. Insulin resistance decreased blood flow, oxygen availability an glucose uptake in muscle during exercise. It may also improve insulin sensitivity when combined with exercise.

Hemodilation – ALA can help increase the amount of nicric oxide in the blood stream causing the vascular system to dilate (the blood vessels get bigger) which helps lower blood pressure and increase blood flow to the muscles.

Improve Cognitive Function – It has been oufn do decreae all three indices of oxidative stress in the brain which in turn reverses memory impairment and improves cognition. It has also been proven to help increase neural blood flow and improve nerve conduction. All of the aspects together help improve the overall function of the brain and help ward off cognitive disorders such as memory loss and Alzheimers’s

The best way to take ALA is to take dosages of 100 mg per day in a mixture of 50% R-ALA and 50% S-ALA (each version of ALA has its own potency and effects).

It is also recommended that those taking ALA should also take vitamins C and E as well as N-acetyl cysteine since all, when taken together, compliment the efficacy and positive effects of the others.

Using ALA as a dietary supplement is that there are no known interactions with medications and no known negative side effects. In essence, ALA is the perfect supplement – all the benefit without any of the risk.

Although not specifically recommended as a weight loss supplement, the ability of ALA to induce the body to create energy (burn calories) can no doubt assist with weight loss especially when combined with proper diet and exercise.

HLF is poised to become the central focal point of anyone interested in weight loss as well as a premier outlet for those in the weight loss industry seeking to disseminate information to the dieting community. So, if you’re curious about which diets work and which don’t, which of the latest diet fads are backed by actual science, which exercise products help achieve the best results or which supplements actually do what they claim point your browser to http://www.HelpLoseFat.com and join their weight loss community today.

Brian
http://www.helplosefat.com

Gout – Painful Form of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Writen by Dr. Patrick Flanagan

I am Dr. Patrick Flanagan, and this is my Doctor Health Secrets newsletter.

I am a scientist with over 300 inventions related to health, longevity and medicine. This newsletter installment is about a painful condition called gout and what effects it has on your body.

Pain Is Not The Name of The Game

No one likes pain, no one likes discomfort, and no one likes having to tell their friends that they have an affliction known as gout. Gout is an acute form of arthritis that causes severe pain, discomfort, and swelling in the joints. People who suffer from this ailment report that their joints feel as if they are on fire or are being burned by acid. Not two feelings that I would be too excited to have. The most commonly affected area is the big toe, but other locations can also suffer, such as heels, ankles, hands, wrists, and elbows. The attacks that surround gout are usually sudden, and typically only last for about 5-10 days. The problem is, they can be reoccurring, so the fear and panic of not knowing is enough to cancel racket ball games worldwide.

“Gout is one of the most painful types of arthritis,” says Hayes Wilson, M.D., chief of rheumatology at Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta. See, some people say that pain is something that can be lived with, but the people who say this are obviously not in that much pain.

Same Name, Different Pain

Gout may be a form of arthritis, but unlike the typical arthritis that most people are familiar with, gout is caused by high

levels of uric acid that cause urate crystals to settle in the tissues of the joints. Uric acid is formed in the body when waste products, mainly purine, are broken down. There are certain foods that contain high levels of purine, such as brains, liver, dried peas and beans, sardines, and anchovies. Typically, the kidneys can filter out any excess uric acid through urine, but there are times when there is too much uric acid in the blood for the kidneys to handle. This condition is known as hyperuricemia, and the urate crystals that are left behind in the synovial fluids of the joints are called excruciating pain, or gout.

Eating certain foods, as well as obesity, can lead to this increase in uric acid, which subsequently causes the formation and disbursement of uric crystals, but what exacerbates this process more than anything else is a lack of proper hydration. Pure, clean water facilitates the removal of both uric acid as well as urate crystals. Toxins build up in the body, and with the help of water, they can be easily removed. Water also acts as a natural lubricant, and those who have been personal victims of gout can surely attests to the fact that their joints could use some extra lubrication.

Pain, Pain, Go Away

Although there is no cure for gout, there are certain steps that can be taken to both alleviate pain as well as limit the frequency of the attacks.

Many people feel that when they drink water that the after effects are that of bloating and discomfort. Even more people complain that the amount of water that is “recommended” to maintain a healthy body is both painful to gulp down as well as time consuming. Most often, the water that people drink has an incredibly high surface tension. This means that the cells have a hard time actually absorbing the water that one does drink, which leads to both bloating and the need to drink a lot more water than is really necessary. A simple solution to this problem is to explore low surface tension water.

Though most tap and bottled water has high surface tenions, there are ways to make water more available to your body’s cells.

Silica is a natural mineral and special forms of microcluster

Dancing To The Beat Of Music

Writen by Mark Wilkins

Yoga is a form of relaxation and mediation, which can offer many benefits. It increases flexibility. Increases lubrication of the joints, ligaments and tendons.

Moreover, it massages the organs of the body and serves as a complete detoxifier of body toxins that exist. Furthermore, it helps in toning the muscles, and provides balancing of the nervous system. Not only that, it reduces stress because of the gentle and slow exercises that are done and executed.

So Yoga, as a whole is very advantageous especially to the persons who are so busy and do not have time to relax. This is a very effective form of relieving stress and aside from that, your physical well being is protected and improved.

Its popularity is ever increasing and thus, the need for learning it is high. There are instructional videos that help us to round out our practice in yoga. These videos provides a variety of choices which we could choose from unlike from yoga classes in which some of them gets pretty boring for some of us. There are so many various positions that are taught and performed by Yogis.

Because of its widespread and continuous popularity, millions of people around the world engage in Yoga. There are so many people that have already been blessed with its benefits. There are so many types of Yoga that are exercised by people of different walks of life, ages and lifestyles. This only proves that it is indeed for everybody. One does not need to spend so much money on paying a tutor or simply joining a Yoga class.

There are more convenient ways to learn and practice them. You can do it in your own homes, if you have a video player you can buy various Yoga Videos that are available. Moreover, there are books that serve as beginners guide or seniors guide. It suits your needs whether you are a newbie to Yoga or if it has influenced you a lot that you would not want it to end just that way.

Yoga involves both the breathing control mechanism and the physical exercises that can be done to improve one’s vitality, flexibility and strength. Since it is a form of exercise, it is usually accompanied with sound or music. Yoga music helps you set yourself in the mood to start the exercise.

With the different kinds of music, it will surely set your condition. There are various types of Yoga music like active, serene, kirtan, and mellow. Usually, it is the sounds of nature like wind chimes, chirping birds, wilderness and many others. While some are chants and Yoga music that was used back then. Yoga music brings together a mix and variety of world beat and sounds. Some are danceable and some sacred music are included.

This lets you move from the beginning to end. As a result, this enhances the flow of Yoga and your life. This is like a unifying pulse that is brought together to attain a certain atmosphere of indulgence, like the current of a river or the sound of nature when it is in bloom.

These are invigorating sounds that delight the senses and improve the movement of the body in accordance with the sound or music. Yoga music also serves as a light or inspiration for it brings back memories or thoughts.

About The Author
Mark Wilkins is the owner of http://www.bestyoga.info The Yoga Information Site. Come visit us and get all the best yoga info you are looking for.

Acne – The Symptoms

Writen by Paul Cris

Acne can occur in various types such as pustule, cyst, papule (pimple), blackhead, whitehead etc, and to different people. These spots are noticed most of the times on the face, chest, neck and back. There are two main categories of acne. They may be non-inflammatory and inflammatory.

For non-inflammatory kind of acne, just a few blackheads or whiteheads will appear on the skin crust. They are simple in nature and do not require a physician’s prescription. If you come across blackheads you can use Retin-A, which is an effective remedy. Majority of the people face this problem.

The irritation that is caused due to whiteheads, pustules and papule occur in many areas of the chest, back, groin and face. They lead to acute skin problems such as disfigured cysts and scars. They can be treated only with the help of a physician and even surgery may be recommended at times.

The list of symptoms that are mentioned above are not complete as there are still more. Suppose, you develop some unusual swelling on the face, it is not necessary that it is a symptom of Acne only. It is better you get it diagnosed through a doctor who will understand the problem correctly and provide remedies.

Paul has been providing answers to lots of queries through his website on a wide variety of subjects ranging from satellite phones to acne. To learn more visit http://www.askaquery.com/Answers/qn1528.html

Answers to Your Questions About Cardio Kickboxing

Writen by John Harker

What is Cardio Kickboxing?

Cardio kickboxing is a hybrid of boxing, martial arts and aerobics done rhythmically to music. Offering an intense cross-training and total-body workout it utilizes the training routines used by martial artists in the sports of boxing and kickboxing. The objective of cardio kickboxing Aerobics is not to make a “fighter” out of you, but rather to give a overall total-body program that combines a cardio aerobic workout with the techniques for self-defense. In addition the classes provides strength training benefits because of the “resistance” when punching or kicking the heavy bags. There is no physical contact – cardio kickboxing is offered as an alternative to conventional aerobics.

Unlike a traditional martial arts class, the music adds to your stimulation and motivation. Unlike an aerobics class, there are numerous techniques you can learn beyond the basics to maintain your interest level. Classes go by fast because there is so much going on.

What are the benefits of cardio kickboxing?

Cardio Kickboxing classes give you a full body workout and improve your flexibility, coordination, and balance.. If you do the punches with precision and power, you will strengthen your upper body and eventually see more muscle definition. The kicks will strengthen your legs. And the kneeing move (a strike in which you thrust your bent knee upward) will firm your abdominal muscles; in fact, all of the moves, when done correctly, will make your torso into a solid base that lets you do day-to-day tasks more easily.

Your cardiovascular system will benefit, too. Cardio kickboxing is a truly aerobic workout — we keep you bobbing, weaving, and jumping amidst the punches and kicks, so that your heart rate stays elevated for most of the session. A good class will leave you drenched in sweat and energized. And your increased conditioning will be accompanied by an increased metabolism meaning you will burn more calories even when you aren’t exercising.

What’s more, a lot of people find cardio kickboxing a great way to release stress. The stress relief and the channeling of aggression can be as beneficial as the actual physical workout itself. The physiological difference between this workout and other cardiovascular workouts such as simply running or participating in an aerobics class can’t be explained with the simple “release of endorphines” theory. A high is experienced after a class that lasts for hours. Civilized, as we’ve all been not to hit each other (which is, of course, a good thing), we’re still equipped with some natural aggression. You may find that planting your heel in the torso of a phantom foe 10 or 20 times leaves you feeling wonderfully tranquil.

Who should take a cardio kickboxing class?

Although primarily designed for adults, the program provides benefits to teens as well. Student athletes can train in the off season with this workout to condition their bodies for their particular sport. At the high school level, sports are very competitive and training in the off season is a must to prepare for tryouts and the rigors of the sport once you make the team. And the boost in self-confidence also gives a mental edge when it comes to getting more playing time and performing well during actual game conditions. Students who are home-schooled or who do not like to participate in conventional athletic programs can derive health and fitness benefits from this program too. Exercise is important. And, because of the added self-defense benefit that comes as a by-product of the program, it improves a students self-esteem, channels aggressiveness, and enhances assertiveness.

It is recommended that you check with your health-card provider before taking a class if you have not exercised regularly recently, and go in and talk to a teacher and watch part of a class if you have other questions or concerns.

What should I expect in a cardio kickboxing class?

A typical class is a little over an hour-long. Prior to the class, participants wrap both hands with cloth handwraps to help protect the knuckles and support the wrists (we will show you how). Then with everyone facing the mirror, a teacher leads the group through specific punches and kicks, to the beat of dance-club music. The class starts with a warm-up period, moves to fast shadowboxing and kicking drills, then to heavy bag work, and ends with some strength building exercises and a cooldown stretch. Intermixed with this are aerobic conditioning drills such as high-knees, grapevines and jumping jacks.

Be prepared to feel a little clumsy and lost at times – and don’t get down on yourself for it. Even if you’re a highly conditioned runner or you’ve been doing step aerobics for years, these moves may be new to your body. Pay attention to what feels right to you. Don’t do a move that hurts, and take breaks if you feel tired. Your muscles need time to develop their “memory”, and your reactions as the teacher calls out what to do (”jab, cross, hook, roundhouse”) will be slow at first. By the second or third class, the awkwardness will start to dissipate.

What will I learn?

The first thing you’ll learn is the stance — a way of standing that maximizes balance and puts power behind your moves. Your feet are about shoulder-width apart and at a slight angle, one foot set back from the other. Your fists are up around your cheek-bones to guard your face. (Don’t hunch your shoulders.) This is the position you’ll return to after every punch and kick.

You will also learn how to move, which is important because you use your momentum to generate power. The key to proper movement is agility and staying up on the balls of your feet which enables you to act or respond much more efficiently. The general rule for a powerful strike is to use your body’s weight and momentum.

The punches generally taught are the jab, cross, hook, and uppercut; the kicks will include the front kick, side kick, back kick, angle kick and roundhouse. But punches and kicks just don’t come in multiples of one. You will learn kickboxing moves, how the jab sets up the cross, sets up the hook, etc. Each strike sets up the next so you can generate much more power by combos of two or more. The torque of your body helps to create this momentum. The individual moves are worked into swiftly executed combinations (for example: jab, cross punch, hook, uppercut, front kick).

Different instructors have different takes on what they teach and the subtleties of techniques, but the basics that you learn from one teacher will hold up in all the classes.

What should I wear?

Sweats, shorts and a T-shirt, an aerobic-dance outfit — whatever keeps you comfortable and cool. Wear well-made athletic shoes that aren’t too worn. Running shoes aren’t ideal because they’re not constructed for side-to-side movements. It is very important that your shoes are clean.

Could I hurt myself?

Yes. If you’re not careful, you could end up with a sore elbow, a sprained knee, a pulled hamstring, or one of the injuries that commonly occur in aerobics classes, such as a twisted ankle. So adopt a protective attitude toward your body (think of how much it’s done for you). When you take your first few classes, tell yourself that your goal is to safely learn the techniques and not to shed five pounds or reshape your body (you can think about those things later).

If you can spare the time, arrive a few minutes early to get your handwraps on and warm up by gently stretching your legs (especially the fronts and backs of the thighs) and shoulders. Make sure you are well hydrated.

During the class, make sure that you stop the motion of each punch or kick before the joint is fully extended. Also, start out focusing on kicking low and with control. Respect your body’s limits. Sure, you can change those limits — but it will take time, dedication, and a realistic attitude.

Will Cardio Kickboxing give me skills to defend myself?

Since you will be working out anyway, learning basic self-defense skills at the same time is an added benefit. Over time you will develop strong kicking and punching abilities and learn the practical application of techniques practiced in the air on the heavy bag. It takes bagwork practice to gauge distance and effectively landing your punch or kick flush on a target. You just can’t just shadow-kickbox, you need the feedback of hitting something. Be aware though that the focus is on conditioning and not on self-defense, if you really want to learn self-defense tactics, take a martial arts or self-defense classe.

How can I get the most out of the classes?

As with any other exercise, if you want to improve your cardiovascular condition or trim an inch here and there, you’ll have to do it regularly. Two to four sessions a week is probably optimal; in between classes you can go for a brisk walk or run, do some yoga to increase your flexibility, or simply take a day to rest. Do whatever lets you return to your cardio kickboxing class with renewed vigor. Then you can thoroughly enjoy punching out the specter of your malevolent coworker or that driver who refused to let you into the exit lane yesterday.

John Harker is a cardio kickboxing teacher in Santa Cruz, California. He teaches at Westside Aerobics and Martial Arts. More information on cardio kickboxing and martial arts can be found on their website at http://www.wama-club.com

ALA Side Effects

Writen by Jimmy Sturo

A daily dose of up to 600 milligrams of ALA is well tolerated by the human body. No adverse effects were observed on administration of 1,200 mg/day (600mg, 2 times/day) for 2 years and 1,800 mg/day (600 mg, 3 times/day) for 3 weeks in diabetic neuropathy patients under medical supervision. However, because of lack of long-term safety studies, ALA should not be administered to pregnant or lactating women.

Supplemental ALA may lower blood glucose levels (hypoglycemia) in individuals suffering from diabetes and/or impaired glucose intolerance. To avoid hypoglycemia, it is essential to adjust antidiabetic drug doses and monitor blood glucose level. High doses of ALA compete with biotin, and therefore it is essential to administer a dose of biotin along with ALA. A very high dose of ALA may also cause mild stomach upset.

In rare cases ALA has been reported to trigger an allergic reaction. It may cause itching, swelling in the face or hands, chest tightness, trouble breathing, or rash. Other possible Side Effects that ALA might cause include headache, muscle cramps, and a feeling of “pins and needles” in the body. If any of these adverse events show their presence, the ALA dose should be revised or discontinued for health reasons.

It should be noted here that ALA is a naturally occuring anti-oxidant in the human body. It is also gleaned for supplmental use from brocolli, spinach, and tomatoe, as well as beef, yeast, and kidneys. It has been widely celebrated as a general, all-around health supplement around the world.

Alpha Lipoic Acid provides detailed information on alpha lipoic acid, ALA products, ALA research, ALA side effects and more. Alpha Lipoic Acid is affiliated with Uses and Benefits.

Glyconutrients: A Sweet Remedy

Writen by Elizabeth Harfleet

New discoveries in medicine are always exciting, when the results of these discoveries can potentially bring a wide range of benefits to a broad spectrum of society. This is particularly true in the case of glyconutrients.

A number of high profile tests carried out at leading biology research laboratories around the world have demonstrated that glyconutrients can: