L.A. Lifestyle - Nutritional Products

Vitamin D: Why It’s Important for All Ages

admin — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 15:01:16 +0000

Vitamin D is a very important vitamin—it aids in the absorption of calcium, helping to form and maintain strong bones. Vitamin D, also called calciferol, is a vitamin that dissolves in the body’s fat. Vitamin D is found in food, but also can be made in your body after exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun. There are several different forms of vitamin D. The major biologic function of vitamin D is to maintain normal blood levels of calcium and phosphorus. Taking Vitamin D will help maintain strong bones and help protect against Osteoporosis later in life. I recently read about a survey conducted by researchers from the Joslin Diabetes Center and Harvard Medical School to see how Vitamin D plays a role in juvenile type-1 Diabetes. The survey found that:

• 61 percent had insufficient levels of Vitamins D
• 15 percent were clinically deficient in Vitamin D

Childhood deficiency in Vitamin D as a child put the individual even more at risk for decreased bone strength both now and as the body ages. Bone health is one of the more important areas to cover when taking supplements—our bones protect our organs and help us to move and function each day. Young children may also suffer from bone deformation, and never reach the correct amount of bone mass in their lives. This study proves the importance of Vitamin D for both young and old Diabetics. Vitamin D is continuing to be studied in relation to Diabetes because it is believed to play a role in the occurrence of the disease.

Click here to learn more about Vitamin D.

FDA Warns Against Certain Diet Pill Use

admin — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 15:39:55 +0000

The internet has been a great invention as far as providing consumers with easy access to goods and services. Tons of health products are currently sold online, and vitamins and supplements make up a large portion of that, as well as weight loss pills. Diet pills have long been proven potentially damaging to the body, and yet there are so many readily available to buy online. I was reading through news articles and came across one that mentioned around 30 products that contained unlisted ingredients and listed harmful ingredients. Diet pills will make outrageous claims to drive consumers to buy, such as “all-natural fat burner”, “ancient Chinese herbal remedy” or “see results today.” The FDA tested 28 diet pills, most from China, and found that most contained Sibutramine. An appetite suppressant, Sibutramine can cause heart problems, like a stroke or heart attack. Others contained phenolphthalein, a chemical laxative that is now being pulled from the market for health risks. Another major problem is that these pills have no labels demonstrating the risks of use to consumers, which could range from Cancer to heart issues to kidney damage. Diet pills will not help your weight loss efforts—they may appear to provide immediate results, but they will only help you shed water weight. You will not lose actual body weight, and the side effects can include dizziness, seizures and kidney damage.

Here are some of the products the FDA tested and advises against using:

•    Fatloss Slimming
•    Imelda Perfect Slim
•    7 Day Herbal Slim
•    Slim Express 360
•    TripleSlim
•    Slimtech

Visit the FDA website or search through news articles for more information.

Study Shows Doctors Routinely Recommend Supplement Use

admin — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 15:16:03 +0000

Many studies have demonstrated that doctors frequently recommend supplement use, especially for specific health problems. According to a study conducted by the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN), bone, joint and heart health are among the top reasons doctors recommend supplements to their patients. The study also revealed that most doctors advise patients for overall health (such as a daily multivitamin) as well as for their specific areas of concentration. While some doctors who take supplements themselves will recommend them to patients, many simply see the benefits of taking them for health problems. The CRN continues with its Life…Supplemented campaign to demonstrate the health benefits of taking vitamins and supplements, and bring awareness to the importance of combining them with a healthy diet and regular exercise.

The survey found that:

•    Cardiologists recommended supplements most often to lower cholesterol, maintain overall heart health and maintain healthy cholesterol
•    Orthopedic Specialists recommended supplements most often for bone health, joint health and musculoskeletal pain
•    Dermatologists recommended supplements most often for healthy skin, hair and nails, anti-aging and overall health and wellness benefits

It makes me happy to see organizations and associations taking a stand for health and wellness by educating the public on the benefits of living a healthy lifestyle. With the New Year upon us again, it is important to analyze your diet and exercise regimen and set goals to live a healthier lifestyle. Visit your doctor to see what areas your body need extra attention and ask for advice on which supplements to take and how often to take them. If you have any questions on health, wellness, fitness or supplementation, send them to me here and I will respond as soon as possible. Happy 2009!

Benefits of Taking a Cal-Mag-Zinc Supplement

admin — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 15:11:38 +0000

With all the daily stresses out there, it is important that you supplement with certain vitamins to ensure your body is operating at optimum levels. As I have said before, I recommend taking a daily multivitamin to keep a balance within the body. Then you can take specific supplements that can address specific issues, such as stress relief, immune health or skin health. There are many supplements out there that I consider to be staples in the everyday diet, and a Cal-Mag-Zinc supplement is one of them. These three ingredients separately help nourish the body in several ways, and when combined provide a full-service supplement for the body’s health needs. Calcium is needed for muscle contraction, blood vessel contraction and expansion, the secretion of hormones and enzymes and sending messages through the nervous system. A constant level of calcium is maintained in body fluid and tissues so that these vital body processes function efficiently. Magnesium assists the body in producing and transferring energy, and helps to maintain heart, bone, muscle and circulatory system health. Zinc helps with the healing of wounds and is a vital component of many enzyme reactions. Zinc is vital for the healthy working of many of the body’s systems, including skin health and immune health. Many people report that this supplement helps them sleep better and helps minimize stress in their daily lives.

Click to learn more about L.A. Lifestyle’s Chelated Calcium & Magnesium Complex.
Click to hear about real people who reap the benefits of a Cal-Mag-Zinc supplement.

Exercising After the Holidays

admin — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 15:29:52 +0000

During the holidays most people will do at least one of the following:

•    Go on vacation
•    Spend time with family around lots of food
•    Eat unhealthy food
•    Get little exercise
•    Stress out
•    Get away from their overall normal routine (including sleeping, eating, and exercising)

The holidays are a wonderful time of year—they represent togetherness and giving. Unfortunately, indulgence in foods and drinks that are unhealthy take place during this time the most. The first thing to do is don’t live in the ‘I’m on a diet’ mindset. Diets don’t work! Deprivation is also the bad way to go, and will probably lead to cravings and unwanted splurging. It is important to try and exercise before, during and after the holidays to minimize weight gain and stick to your normal routine. Now the holidays are over, it is important to get up and out of wherever you may be and exercise! Many are surprised to find that getting a little bit of exercise is much better than none at all! Taking a walk around the block, engaging in some sport or taking a trip to the gym can do wonders for your metabolism and your ‘self’. Just get out there and move, and the pounds will not stick around. The holidays don’t have to signify feeling bad about yourself, just a few simple steps will help stave off temptation and work off holiday weight gain, allowing you to continue on your health and wellness journey!

How Fruits and Vegetables May Boost Bone Health

admin — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 15:26:01 +0000

For men and women alike, keeping bones strong through the years is vital. Bone undergoes continuous remodeling, with constant breakdown of bone and deposition of calcium into newly-formed bone. The balance between bone breakdown and formation changes as people age. During childhood, there is a higher amount of bone formation and less breakdown. In aging adults, particularly among postmenopausal women, bone breakdown exceeds its formation, resulting in bone loss, which increases the risk for osteoporosis. When calcium intake is low or calcium is poorly absorbed, bone breakdown occurs because the body must use the calcium stored in bones to maintain normal biological functions such as nerve and muscle function. More than 99% of total body calcium is stored in the bones and teeth, where it functions to support bodily structure. The remaining 1% is found throughout the body in blood, muscle and the fluid between cells. Calcium is needed for muscle contraction, blood vessel contraction and expansion, the secretion of hormones and enzymes and sending messages through the nervous system. A constant level of calcium must be maintained in body fluids and tissues so that these vital body processes function efficiently. It has been established that Calcium is the top mineral for bone health, but new research has displayed new promise for other supplements. I read recently that a study found potassium bicarbonate, an alkaline compound release after ingesting fruits and vegetables, aids calcium excretion. The study, conducted by Tufts and Northeastern Universities, suggested that potassium bicarbonate could be a viable option for older people with weaker bones. More research will be conducted to find new ways supplements can help make bones stronger.

Click to learn more about L.A. Lifestyle’s supplements containing Calcium.

Research Shows New Uses for Certain Vitamins

admin — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 15:55:27 +0000

Numerous studies throughout the years have confirmed the importance and positive benefits of taking vitamins and supplements every day. Many studies focus on one main nutrient at a time to figure out how it can best nourish the body. With the onset of modern illnesses and diseases, cause by the impact from processed foods and our toxic environment, vitamins and minerals can play an important role now more than ever in keeping our bodies healthy. The body needs to replenish its stores of energy and nutrients, and some ingredients cannot be synthesized in the body, so they must be obtained by supplementation or in foods. Emerging research suggests that the vitamins and minerals listed below may help prevent certain diseases, help stave off side effects or repair damages caused by them. These supplements have been around for years, but many offer benefits outside of the general daily multivitamin. All of this information is preliminary, pending further research before the FDA can approve possible supplement label claims.

•    Vitamin D
o    Known benefits: Bone health, immune function, brain health, reduces inflammation
o    Possible links to aiding Cancer patients, heart health, Diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, Autism, depression
•    Vitamin K2
o    Known benefits: helps blood clot, bone health
o    Possible links to aiding Cancer patients
•    Calcium
o    Known benefits: bone health, needed for muscle contraction, blood vessel contraction and expansion, the secretion of hormones and enzymes and sending messages through the nervous system, maintains normal nerve and muscle functions
o    Possible links to aiding Weight loss
•    Selenium
o    Known benefits: antioxidant properties help fight free radical damage
o    Possible links to aiding Cancer patients

The Benefits of Soy

admin — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 15:07:56 +0000

Soy has been around for ages, and can provide a good source of protein found in many forms: tempeh, tofu, soy meat substitutes, soybeans, miso and soy milk and soy flour. Many of its therapeutic benefits are believed to come from its vast stores of isoflavones. To get the most out of soy, health experts suggest eating whole foods like tofu, and soy milk because they contain higher levels of isoflavones than processed foods or supplements. Foods containing soy protein can offer a good alternative to the protein sought after by eating meat, poultry, and other animal-based products. When soy replaces animal protein in the diet, it helps to lower cholesterol, which in turn helps prevent heart disease. Soy has been linked to improvements in such disorders as cardiovascular disease, cancer, osteoporosis and menopausal symptoms. Soy products can now be found in supermarkets and specialty food stores nationwide, such as soy milk, yogurt, ice cream, various tofu dishes and meat substitutes. Many restaurants are now offering soy-based alternatives to traditional dishes. Soy can easily be added into recipes to create healthy alternatives to certain foods.

Survey sponsored by Stremicks Foods, which owns its own brand of soymilk, found that:

•    50 percent of consumers surveyed know little about soy
•    Less than 1 in 5 people consume soy products on a weekly basis
•    83 percent of adults know one health benefit of soy
•    40 percent of respondents never tried soy milk because they believed it would taste bad
•    25 percent thought soy milk was too expensive or were unaware of its health benefits
•    17 percent consume soy products on a weekly basis; 34 percent monthly

Americans Not Meeting Exercise Guidelines

admin — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 15:07:59 +0000

I understand that everyone lives a different life each day, and we are all busy with family, work and other commitments. I cannot stress how important it is to at least get some form of exercise each day. I was not surprised to read recently that Americans are not getting enough exercise. According to the U.S. Health and Human Services Department, the minimum recommended aerobic physical activity is 150 minutes a week, which combines both vigorous and moderate activities. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention reported that about 1/3 of Americans do not meet these guidelines, with the numbers showing around 65 percent of Americans do. Despite the vast amount of health information out there, whether online or otherwise, many Americans are overweight, obese or suffering health problems due to unhealthy lifestyle habits. To avoid Cancer, Diabetes, Heart Disease and other health risks, it is important to exercise as much as possible. The government has also come up with new guidelines for people’s health: its Healthy People 2010 objectives recommend at least 30 minutes of moderate activity 5 days a week or 20 minutes of vigorous activity 3 days a week. So far only about 49 percent of Americans meet these requirements.

If you work in an office, take a brisk 10 minute walk for a quick break. This will help you increase circulation, de-stress and stay energized throughout the day. There are many ways to get exercise outside of the office or on the weekends. I have always been an advocate of the gym, but it can be expensive and time consuming. For some the gym is not a positive environment, but the good news is that you can get some exercise in your own home. You can take neighborhood walks, go for a run or make your own little space in your home for exercising. Whether it is pilates, yoga, strength training or aerobics, it can be done at your own pace and in the comfort of your own home. Adding more intervals of physical activity to your weekly routine may be difficult at first, so it is important to go at your own pace. Remember, some exercise is better than none!

Phospholipids: Why They are Good For You

admin — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 15:21:11 +0000

There are many nutrients available to consumers to nourish the body and address certain issues. Most people are aware of well known vitamins and supplements, like Co Q10 or Vitamin C, but there are many others that can provide health benefits. I have been reading up lately on the new push for phospholipids, which are essential building blocks of cell membranes, helping keep a strong cell structure. Some phospholipids commonly available as dietary supplements are phosphatidylserine and phosphatidylcholine. When we consume phosphatidylcholine, also known as Lecithin, it is broken down into the nutrient choline, which the body cannot make on its own. Lecithin defines the cell membrane structure and helps facilitate the movement of fluids inside and outside the cell. Lecithin is also a component of myelin, the thin covering that protects brain cells and the spinal cord from damage. Lecithin is typically found in the cell membrane or cell walls of every single living cell of an organism, whether plant or animal in origin. Cell membranes or walls are semi-permeable, and responsible for regulating the passage of nutrients into and out of cells. Phosphatidylserine plays a crucial role in several membrane-linked activites, such as enzyme activation, maintenance of the cell’s internal environment, cell-to-cell communication and cell growth regulation. As a supplement, phosphatidylserine is most well known as a cognitive enhancement agent, but also may protect against the hormonal effects of stress. Modern dietary phospholipid supplements are clinically proven to be safe and beneficial for the brain, liver, intestinal tract and overall circulation. Due to our modern diet of unhealthy and unnatural foods, the dietary phospholipid intake has declined, mainly because of increased food refining and processing. The foods most enriched in phospholipids are eggs, muscle meats, milk and peanut butter.

Click to learn more about L.A. Lifestyle’s Lecithin Powder.