Alpha-Lipoic

Why Alpha-Lipoic Acid Is One of the Most Important Nutrients for Human Nutrition.....

Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA) is a vitamin-like substance produced in small
amounts by the body, yet it is vital to nearly all cells in the body. ALA
is found in some food sources – brewer’s yeast, meats (beef liver) and
spinach, and thus should be taken in supplement form to maximize its
extraordinary protective health benefits. Within the past half-century,
researchers have been discovering the valuable health properties of ALA, and
its benefits for a wide range of ailments.

ALA assists the body’s natural energy production and functions as a powerful
antioxidant, helping to treat diabetic neuropathy (nerve-damage caused by
the disease), protecting the liver, preventing cataracts, boosting immune
function, and has the potential to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s
disease.

How Does Alpha-Lipoic Acid Work?

By assisting enzymes and B-vitamins, ALA boosts the utilization of nutrients
from the foods we eat into a useable energy source for the body. These
nutrients become the energy we use the breathe, talk, walk and live.
Carbohydrates, protein and fat are all broken down and formed into ATP, the
universal energy source used by the body. Without ALA, energy-production
would end!

Alpha-Lipoic Acid is also known for being a protective, powerful antioxidant
with unique molecular capabilities. The structure of the ALA molecule
differs from all other antioxidants , allowing it to penetrate and protect
tissues that otherwise cannot benefit from antioxidants, such as the brain,
liver and nerves. ALA also has the ability to “recycle” other antioxidants
over and over again. When an antioxidant stops free radical damage, it does
so by lending the free radical (an unstable molecule) an electron, thus
making it stable. However, once it has done this, the antioxidant becomes
ineffective. ALA can contribute electron after electron to free radicals
and used up antioxidants, such as vitamins C & E to be more potent by
lasting longer.

With its super antioxidant capabilities, Alpha-Lipoic Acid is used to treat
a number of ailments. Diabetics can benefit from ALA use to treat nerve
damage that is caused by long-term complications of the disease. It is
thought that ALA can protect free radical damage caused by high blood
glucose levels, thus counteracting nerve damage. Studies have also shown
ALA may increase blood flow to nerve areas, at the same time enhancing nerve
impulse conduction. Another study of type-2 diabetics showed a positive
response to insulin, after taking 600 mg. of ALA a day, and therefore had
lowered blood glucose levels. Insulin is the hormone that removes glucose
from the blood and into storage, which is a process that is disrupted in
diabetes. However, it is important to note here that diabetics using ALA
may have to adjust their insulin or other related medications. If you are
taking prescribed medications, it is advisable to check with a physician
before including an Alpha-Lipoic Acid supplement in your regimen.

Varicose Veins.....

Varicose veins develop when blood pools in veins. It occurs when the vein walls lose their elasticity and become dilated causing the blood to flow more slowly than normal. The problem usually occurs in veins near the skin surface, causing unsightly bulges at the back of the legs.

Varicose veins most often occur in women over 50. They can also occur in people who are pregnant, over weight, have chronic constipation, or who sit or stand for extended periods of time. They also tend to run in families.

Varicose veins can be painful. They often cause the leg to ache and feel heavy.

How to Help Avoid Varicose Veins

a.. Exercising regularly keeps circulation healthy.
b.. Keep your weight within the normal range for your height.
c.. Eat a healthy high fiber diet - this keeps your body in shape and avoids constipation.
d.. Cut down on salt - too much salt can stress veins.
e.. Avoid heavy lifting.
f.. Avoid standing or sitting for prolonged periods.
g.. Avoid crossing your legs when sitting.
h.. Wear support stockings when you must be on your feet for extended periods.
Supplements to Consider

a.. Vitamin C - 2000 - 4000mg daily (with bioflavanoids if possible) This keeps veins and capillaries strong and healthy.
b.. Vitamin E - 400 IU - The worst potential side effect of varicose veins is blood clots. Vitamin E has been shown to reduce the risk of blood clots.
c.. Bioflavanoids - These will also keep blood vessels strong and healthy. Bioflavonoids are found in dark colored berries like cherries, blackberries, blueberries, bilberries, the white material found under the peel of citrus fruits, peppers and buckwheat.
d.. Horse Chestnut Extract helps strengthen blood vessels.
e.. Bilberry Extract - rich in Bioflavonoids.
f.. Butcher's Broom helps strengthen blood vessels.
g.. Gotu Kola helps improve circulation.
h.. Witch Hazel applied topically helps sooth painful legs.

Bladder Infections.....

Most bladder infections are caused by the bacteria Escherichia Coli, often called E Coli, which is normally found in the intestines. The E Coli sticks to the wall of the bladder causing inflammation. This inflammation is called cystitis.

Women are more likely than men to suffer from bladder infections due to the closeness of the anus to the urethra and vagina. This allows the bacteria to gain access to the bladder through the urethra.

Bladder infections can also be caused by antibiotics and analgesics destroying the "friendly" bacteria in our bodies. Be sure to take acidophilus to replace these friendly bacteria when taking these medications.

Symptoms may include:

a.. Frequent and painful urination
a.. Urgent need to empty bladder - bladder may never seem empty
a.. Urine may be cloudy and have strong, unpleasant odor
a.. Children may have pain in the lower abdomen and experience a burning sensation when urinating
a.. If you see blood in your urine this could indicate a more serious condition and medical attention should be sought.

How to avoid Bladder Infections:

a.. Don't put off emptying the bladder
a.. Keep genital area clean - wipe from front to back when emptying bladder or bowel. Douches, hygiene sprays and bubble baths are not recommended.
a.. Women should empty bladder before and after intercourse
a.. Women should wear white cotton underwear
a.. Drink plenty of liquids - cranberry juice is especially good, make sure it is a good quality pure juice with no added sugars
a.. If you don't like the taste of cranberry juice you can take concentrated cranberry juice extract capsules twice a day - but drink plenty of fluids too.
a.. Limit your consumption of coffee, caffeine, chocolate, carbonated sodas and alcohol - when you have a bladder infection these should be avoided altogether.
a.. Celery, watermelon and parsley are natural diuretics and they should be included in your diet.
a.. When taking antibiotics you should take acidophilus tablets or capsules to replace friendly bacteria
What can help if you have a bladder infection??

All of the above, PLUS

a.. Drink pure unsweetened cranberry juice or try cranberry capsules. Drink plenty of water.
b.. Acidophilus will help restore your bodies friendly bacteria
c.. Vitamin C and Echinacea help to strengthen the immune system.
Vitamin C also has an antibacterial effect by making urine more acid.
d.. Garlic acts as a natural antibiotic and can be helpful
e.. Hot Sitz baths can help relieve the pain of cystitis. Adding a cup of vinegar or a couple of crushed garlic cloves or garlic juice can also be helpful.

The information presented is for information purposes only. It is based on scientific
studies or traditional usage. Consult a health care professional before using supplements or making any changes in prescribed medications.

Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.