27 February 2009

Supplements

I have been on the following regime of supplements for several months now, with little variation. I wanted to post my daily supplement regime for reference and to see what others are taking; what works and doesn't. This is just my personal preference, along with benefits and rationale for each product.


AM:
  • 1 T. Acai Berry Powder
    Benefits: Acai (pronounced ah-sigh-ee) is a palm berry with a high anti-oxidant content, including Omega 3, Omega 6 and Omega 9. It was used by tribes in the Amazon to build and strengthen the immune system, fight infection, protect the heart, and as a natural remedy for erectile dysfunction. It is also popular as an energy food, and recently has been featured as a “Super Food” by anti-aging researchers and writers, due to its Omega 3,6,9 content, which helps reduce the production of free-radicals in the body. The berry is also rich in fiber, and contains vitamin C, E, A, Calcium, Iron and Protein.
  • 1 t. Bee Pollen Granules
    Benefits: Bee pollen is one of nature’s healthiest and most powerful “superfoods.” It’s been used as a dietary supplement for thousands of years. The early Egyptian and early Chinese civilizations both used it as a physical rejuvenator and medicine. The Greek physician Hippocrates, recognized as the father of modern medicine, used pollen as a healing substance over 2,500 years ago. Today natural health practitioners often refer to bee pollen as an herbal “fountain of youth” that can be used for everything from weight loss to cancer prevention. It may be nature's most perfect food...
  • 1-2 t. Apple Fiber Powder
    Benefits: Cleanse toxic substances from the colon by binding to carcinogens and toxic metals (such as lead and mercury) to help prevent malignancies and serious colon disease. Helps normalize bowel function by giving substance to the stool to resolve both diarrhea and constipation problems. Helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels by binding to and removing unhealthy fats before they are absorbed into the body. Reduces the risk of arteriosclerosis, heart ailments and stroke by reducing blood clotting and improving blood circulation. Combats several types of diarrhea-causing bacteria. Promotes healthy intestinal flora. Can improve a sluggish liver, supports kidney health, and especially good for maintaining healthy blood sugar levels by impeding the absorption of glucose in the bloodstream. Highly beneficial for hyperacidity by coating and soothing irritate intestinal linings. May help dissolve acid crystal deposits in joints and relieve the pain and stiffness associated with gout, rheumatism and arthritis. May help combat fat in the body. Gluten-free for sensitive people.
  • Detoxatrim, 2 capsules
    Benefits: Detoxatrim is not a just a temporary detox product. It is a long-term weight loss solution. By maintaining pH balance and controlling intestinal bacteria and Candida yeast, Detoxatrim will prevent weight gain and the other negative effects caused by toxins. Further weight loss is achieved as its appetite control ingredients help to reduce caloric intake and its metabolism boosters increase caloric expenditure. This dramatic shift in reduced caloric intake verses increased caloric expenditure will guarantee weight loss!
    Ingredients:Chromium (as chromium dicicotinate glycinate and polynicotinate) 240 mcg; Yeast/Candida Detoxification & pH Correcting Blend: (Lactobacillus acidophilus and bifidobacterium bifidum, fructooligosaccharides [from chicory root], caprylic acid, glutamine) 130 mg; Appetite Control Blend: (Glucomannan, hoodia gordonii extract [aerial parts]) 872 mg; Metabolism Boosters: (papaya fruit, uva ursi [leaf], green tea leaf extract [caffeine free], apple cider vinegar, grapefruit extract) 336 mg
  • L-Lysine Plus (3 tablets), 1000 mg
    Benefits: L-Lysine is an essential amino acid. It assists in the body’s absorption of calcium. It also promotes the formation of collagen, contributing to healthy bone, cartilage and connective tissue. It is a building block for all protein. L-Lysine boosts the immune system, enhances circulation and helps maintain healthy blood vessels. As an essential amino acid, it cannot be manufactured by the body. One effective way to acquire it is through supplementation.
    Vitamin C—also known as ascorbic acid, promotes cardiovascular health and sound cholesterol levels. This water-soluble vitamin also encourages antioxidant activity within the body, helping block some of the effects of free radicals. It boosts the immune system and also helps to build and maintain tissue.
    Vitamin B6—this vitamin helps convert food into energy. It contributes to a healthy heart and immune function. B6 also contributes to the production of serotonin, a brain neurotransmitter that influences mood, appetite, sleep and pain sensitivity. In addition, it helps boost the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins.
    Zinc—contributes to a healthy immune system. It also enhances the appearance of skin, hair and nails. Zinc promotes the growth and maintenance of muscles. It has also been used to boost libido and sperm count. Pregnant women, vegetarians and vegans should try to retain favorable levels of zinc in their bodies.
    Ingredients: Vitamin C (as ascorbic acid, rose hips (rosa cannia) (fruit), acerola cherry (malpighia punicifolia) (fruit) 1 gram; Vitamin B6 (as plyridoxine HCI) 10 mg; Zinc (as zinc citrate, picolinate, amino acid chelate) 25 mg; L-Lysine (as lysine HCI) 1 gram (1000 mg)
  • Xyience XFB AM (2 capsules)
    Benefits: XFB AM is an Ephedrine-Free thermogenic formula to promote energy, fat loss, and lean muscle appearance. It's perfect for anyone who wants to decrease their appetite and lose weight. XFBAM provides a premium blend of natural ingredients formulated to promote thermogenesis (fat burning), appetite control, and increased energy levels.
    Ingredients: XFBAM Energy Blend (Green tea leaf extract (standardized for 45% epigallocatechin, caffeine and polyphenols),Mate Extract,Natural Caffeine) 480 mg; Slimaluma (Caralluma fimbriata) 100 mg; Sclareolide 95% (from clary sage leaf extract) 83 mg; Ginger Extract (Root) 30 mg; Cayenne 100,000 HU (Fruit) 30 mg; Acetyl-L-Carnitine HCl 20 mg
  • Primaforce MAX CLA (conjugated linoleic acid) (1 softgel), 1000 mg
    Benefits: CLA is a potent antioxidant, which is scientifically proven to help improve lipid profiles and enhance overall health. CLA is a naturally occurring free fatty acid found mainly in meat and dairy products.
    Ingredients: Sunflower/Safflower Oil (High Lineolic Acid) 1000 mg; Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) 700 mg; Cis-9, Trans-11 Isomer 300 mg; Trans-10, Cis-12 Isomer 330 mg
  • 7-Keto DHEA (1 capsule), 100mg
    Benefits: 7-KETO (or 3-acetyl-7-oxo-dehydroepiandrosterone) naturally occurs when the hormone dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is broken down in the body. It is believed to promote weight management along with eating a healthful diet and following an exercise program and may also contribute to healthy immune, cardiovascular and neurological function.
  • CoQ10 Alpha Lipoic Acid Acetyl L-Carnitine HCl (1 capsule)
    Benefits: Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), or ubiquinone, is a vitamin-like nutrient found in cell mitochondria, where energy is produced. The heart, with greater energy requirements than other organs, contains significantly higher amounts of CoQ10 than other tissues in the body. Unfortunately, levels naturally decline with age, which may result in less efficient functioning of the heart and other organs. Supplementing with CoQ10 may provide cells with the energy needed for optimal performance. CoQ10 may also benefit oral health.
    Alpha Lipoic Acid As an antioxidant, alpha lipoic acid is naturally produced by the body and functions as a defense against free radicals that damage healthy cells. Free radicals result from normal body processes, such as the conversion of food into energy, but also from environmental factors such as ultraviolet light, cigarette smoke and pollution. Alpha lipoic acid works together with vitamins C and E to neutralize these harmful molecules to help stop the chain-reaction of damage they cause.
    Acetyl l-carnitine is a nutrient similar in form and function to L-Carnitine, an amino acid that assists with the conversion of fatty acids into energy. It also plays a part in the production of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Acetyl l-carnitine may help fight fatigue and promote enhanced memory and cognitive function. It's also an antioxidant that protects the body from free radical damage.
    Ingredients: Acetyl L-Carnitine HCl 250 mg; Alpha Lipoic Acid 250 mg; Co-Enzyme Q10 (ubiquinone, USP) 200 mg
  • Nutrislim Low-Carb Dieters Multi-Vitamin, Version 2 (3 capsules)
    Benefits: A multi-vitamin designed for people who follow the Atkins other low carb diets.
    Ingredients: Pro-Vitamin A (as natural carotenoids: beta carotene, alpha carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, cryptoxanthin)(Betatene®) 7500 IU; Vitamin C (as calcium ascorbate) 500 Milligrams; Vitamin D3 (as cholecalciferol) 700 IU; Natural Vitamin E (as d-alpha tocopherol succinate) 150 IU; Vitamin K1 (as phytonadione) 150 micrgrams; Vitamin B1 (as thiamine HCl) 25 Milligrams; Vitamin B2 (as riboflavin) 25 Milligrams; Vitamin B3 (as niacinamide, inositol hexaniacinate) 70 Milligrams; Vitamin B6 (as pyridoxine HCl) 25 Milligrams; Folic Acid (as folacin) 800 micrgrams; Vitamin B12 (as methylcobalamin) 200 micrgrams; Biotin 150 micrgrams; Vitamin B5 (as pantothenic acid) 60 Milligrams; Calcium (as citrate, malate, ascorbate) 250 Milligrams; Magnesium (as oxide) 200 Milligrams; Zinc (as L-methionine) L-OptiZinc® 15 Milligrams; Selenium (as L-selenomethionine) Selenium SeLECT® 200 micrgrams; Copper (as amino acid chelate) 1 Milligrams; Manganese (as amino acid chelate) 2 Milligrams; Chromium (as chromium polynicotinate) ChromeMate® 400 micrgrams; Molybdenum (as amino acid chelate) 30 micrgrams 40%; Potassium (as citrate) 10 Milligrams; N-Acety-L-Cysteine 60 Milligrams; Bioflavonoid (as citrus biocomplex) 50 mg; FOS (fructooligosaccharides) NutraFlora® 50 mg; PABA (Para aminobenzoic acid) 50 mg; Quercetin (bioflavonoid) 50 mg; Green Tea Extract (standardized to 98% polyphenols, 80% catechins, 45% EGCG)(leaves) 40 mg; Choline (bitartrate) 21 mg; ActiVin® Grape Seed extract (standardized to 85% phenolics and 75% oligomeric polyphenols)(seed) 20 mg; Pantethine (Pantesin®) 20 mg; Black Pepper Extract (Piper nigrum)(fruit)(Bioperine®) 5 mg; Boron (citrate) 200 mcg ; Protease 10000 HUT; L. Acidophilus 500 million cfu; B. bifidum 500 million cfu
PM (with evening meal):
  • Carb Blocker (2 capsules), 1000 mg)
    Benefits:The Carb Blocker starch-neutralizer nutrient helps to inhibit the digestive enzyme alpha amylase before it can convert starch into glucose (sugar), and then fat. If these sugar calories are not converted to "fuel" and stored as fat, then the result is weight gain.
    Ingredients: Phaseolamin 2250® (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)(white kidney bean-dried bean fraction) 1 gr (1000 mg)
  • Sesamin (1 softgel)
    Benefits: Maximize Fat Loss; Support Liver and Kidney Health; Maintain Healthy Lipid Profile. Scivation Sesamin, lab tested for potency and purity, contains a high-grade extract of Sesamin, a naturally occurring lignan found in sesame oil. Research has shown Sesamin can help maximize fat loss, support liver and kidney health and maintain healthy lipid profiles.
    Ingredients: Sesame Oil (sesamum indicum)(seed) (standardized for 500mg Sesamin lignans) 1000 mg
  • Detoxatrim, 2 capsules
    See benefits/ingredients above
  • 7-Keto DHEA (1 capsule), 100mg
    See benefits/ingredients above
  • Primaforce MAX CLA (conjugated linoleic acid) (1 softgel), 1000 mg
    See benefits/ingredients above
PM (just before bed):
I alternate between the following 3 hgh-stimulating secretagogues:

Of the 3 formulas I have tried, the one that, in my opinion, yielded the best results, would have to be the ISS Research hGH Promino-Plus AM/PM formula. It gave me noticeably more energy during the day and I did sleep decidedly better when taking this product. The best tasting formula was definitely the UltraMAX HGH Gold Effervescent which you take only at night for 3 weeks and then take a week off as part of the "cycling" process. The MHP Secretagogue One comes in a 30-pack box and suggests taking it each evening, but does not recommend taking a break. I like to take a week off between a month on any HGH stimulting product. Overall, I do like the Promino-Plus formula the best because it does the most to compliment the circadian rhythm and give the most noticeable results.

26 February 2009

Sorghum vs. Popcorn

I saw a special on television featuring a grain that was popped like popcorn, but smaller and supposedly tastier. After some research, I discovered that it was popped sorghum. In a quest to find out if the sorghum was healthier than traditional popcorn, I discovered some interesting facts.



I just assumed that something so healthy-sounding and obscure as "sorghum" would have to be loaded with fiber and vitamins, but surprisingly, it is nearly identical in nutrition to traditional popcorn.

While popcorn has more calories than sorghum, it also has a lot more fiber, leading to the fact that overall, it wins for the lowest net carbs. While neither sorghum nor popcorn are "low-carb" foods, regular ole popcorn wins out for having the lowest net carbs of the two competitors in this non-scientific study.

If you want to sample some popped sorghum for yourself, go to:
Insane Grains

24 February 2009

Getting Started...

I'm just getting started with my new "Running Against the Grain" blog and want to do some customization of the layout, fonts, colors, pictures, and template, so I need to educate myself about how all this "blogger" stuff works. I'm also deciding on what I'd like to write about. I will post information about my favorite low-carb recipes, exercise regime, goals, favorite resources and experiences living the low-carb life. Stay tuned for lots of good and helpful information to support you in your own low-carb lifestyle.

This is my commentary and experience living a low-carb life in a high-carb world; being a runner who does not believe in carb-loading and sees no health benefit to eating highly processed grains and sugars. This is my life. This is my story about Running Against the Grain.

Love & Light,
~*~ Jennifer ~*~

http://www.runningagainstthegrain.com


Moderately Confused