Monday, October 31, 2011

Bodybuilding Diet and Nutrition Advice - Bodybuilding Nutrition and Diet Basics

Introduction

A key component of the formula for bodybuilding success is nutrition. Nutrition is what gives us the raw materials for recuperation, energy, and growth. Without a good diet, your dreams of achieving your ideal body will never be reached.

In this article I'll discuss the characteristics of a good bodybuilding diet and also cover the macronutrients that we need on a daily basis, as well as how much, in order to gain muscle and lose fat.

Characteristics of a Good Nutrition Program

1) It should favor smaller and frequent feedings throughout the day instead of large and infrequent ones. Why? Because when you feed your body several times a day, your metabolism increases. Therefore, you burn more fat. Frequent feedings are of particular importance since after three to four hours of no food your body switches to a catabolic state (a state in which you lose muscle and gain fat!).

The body believes that it is starving and it starts feeding itself on lean muscle tissue and it prepares to store calories as fat. Bad scenario! Therefore, in order for your program to work, you will eat between four to six meals (depending gender and goals) a day spaced out at 2 to 3 hour intervals.

2)Every meal should have carbohydrates, protein and fat in the correct ratios. Having a meal that is not balanced (for example is all carbohydrates) won't yield the desired results. Every macronutrient has to be present in order for the body to absorb them and use them properly. Without boring you with the effect of food on the body's biochemistry, let's just say that if you only eat carbohydrates in one meal without anything else, your energy levels will crash in about 30 minutes and your body will be storing any carbohydrates that were not used into fat. Conversely, if you only eat protein, you will lack energy and your body will not be able to turn the protein into muscle because it is difficult for the body to absorb protein in the absence of carbohydrates. In addition, the ratios for each particular macronutrient have to be correct in order to get the results that you want. The ratio of our diet will look like the following:

40% Carbohydrates

40% Protein

20% Fats

Note that for every serving of carbohydrates, you get a serving of Protein. You can use Bill Phillips' Method of creating meals which is to count a portion of carbohydrates as the amount of food the size of your clenched fist and a portion of protein as the amount of food the size of your open palms.

3) The calories should be cycled. I strongly believe in caloric cycling as this will not allow the metabolism to get used to a certain caloric level; something that leads to stagnant results.

Therefore, bodybuilders in search of just muscle mass should follow 5 days of high calories (lean body mass x 15) with two days of lower caloric intake (lean body mass x12). Bodybuilders in search of losing fat while building muscle at the same time should follow 5 days of lower caloric intake (lean body mass x12) with 2 days of higher calories (lean body mass x 15).

Note: If you build muscle and lose fat at the same time you will not gain muscle as fast as you would if you just concentrated in muscle mass. However, you get to get both goals accomplished at the same time.

People interested in body sculpting (which is moderate muscle building with enough fat loss to go down to 10% body fat for males and 12-13% for women) should alternate between two weeks of lower calories (around 2000 for men and 1200 for women) and two weeks of higher calories (around 2500 for men and 1500 for women). These caloric intakes assume a normal activity level that only includes body sculpting training. Those of you involved in activities like marathon running or heavy physical labor jobs need to adjust your calories upwards accordingly mainly in the form of carbohydrates in order to support your higher levels of activity.

What's a Diet?

While the word "diet" brings these images of pain and starvation to most people's mind, a diet is simply the food choices that you make on a daily basis. So if you eat potato chips and sodas all day long, that is your diet.

Regardless of which diet you follow, there are 3 macronutrients that are present in one way or the other in all of them. Understanding what role these nutrients play, how to obtain them, and how much to consume of them on a daily basis will lead you to the bodybuilding and fitness results you have been looking for.

Bodybuilding Nutrition Basics

There are 3 macronutrients that the human body needs in order to function properly. These macronutrients make up your bodybuilding and/or fitness diet.

1) Carbohydrates:

Carbohydrates are your body's main source of energy. When you ingest carbohydrates your pancreas releases a hormone called insulin. Insulin is very important because:

A) On a very simplistic level, it takes the carbohydrates and either stores them in the muscle or stores them as fat (assuming that the carbohydrates are not needed for energy at the moment and assuming that both the muscles and the liver stores are full).

B) It takes the amino acids (protein) and delivers them inside the muscle cell for recovery and repair.

Most people that are overweight and are in low fat/high carbohydrate diets got into that condition because they are eating an overabundance of carbohydrates. Too many carbohydrates cause a huge release of insulin. When there is too much insulin in the body, your body turns into a fat storing machine.

Therefore, it is important that we eat no more carbohydrates than necessary and that we eat the right amount of carbohydrates.

Now that we have talked about the importance of having just the right amount of carbohydrates, let's talk about which are the best sources of carbohydrates.

Carbohydrates are divided into complex carbohydrates and simple carbohydrates. The complex carbohydrates give you sustained energy ("timed release") while the simple carbohydrates gives you immediate energy. It is recommended that you eat mainly complex carbohydrates throughout the day except after the workout where your body needs simple carbohydrates in order to replenish its glycogen levels immediately, something that will aid faster recuperation and rebuild of the muscle. Below is a list of good sources of carbohydrates:

Complex Carbohydrates:

There are two types:

1) Starchy: Oatmeal (1 cup dry), sweet potatoes (8 oz baked), potatoes (8 oz baked), rice (1 cup cooked), pasta (8oz cooked), corn (1 cup canned), peas (2 cups cooked). Each serving approximately equals 40-50 grams of carbohydrates.

2) Fibrous: Broccoli (1/2 cup raw), carrots (1 cup raw), cauliflower (1/2 cup raw), green beans (1/2 cup raw), lettuce (5 cups raw), mushrooms (3/4 cups raw), pepper (1/2 cup raw), spinach (3-1/2 cups raw), zucchini (1 cup raw). Each serving approximately equals 6 grams of carbohydrates.

Simple Carbohydrates:

Apples (1 apple), bananas (1 banana), grapefruit (1 grapefruit), grapes (22 grapes), oranges (1-1/2 orange), pears (1 pear), pineapple (3/4 of a cup).
Each serving approximately equals 20-25 grams of carbohydrates.

2) Protein

Every tissue in your body is made up from protein (i.e., muscle, hair, skin, and nails). Proteins are the building blocks of muscle tissue. Without it, building muscle and burning fat efficiently would be impossible. Its importance is paramount. Protein also helps increase your metabolism every time you eat it by 20%! It also makes the carbohydrates timed release, so you get sustained energy throughout the day.

Everybody that is involved in a weight training program should consume between 1 gram of protein to 1.5 grams of protein per pound of lean body mass (meaning that if you are 100 lbs. And have 10% body fat, you should consume at least 90 g of protein since your lean body mass = 90 lbs.). Nobody should consume more than 1.5 grams per pound of lean body mass as this is unnecessary and the extra protein may get turned into fat.

Good examples of protein are eggs (I use Egg Substitute: 1-1/2 cups liquid), chicken breast (cooked, skinless and boneless: 6 oz), turkey (cooked, skinless and boneless: 6 oz), lean (90% lean) red meats (6 oz), and tuna (6 oz). Each serving size equals approximately 35-40 grams of protein.

3) Healthy Fats

All the cells in the body have some fat in them. Hormones are manufactured from fats. Also fats lubricate your joints. So if you eliminate the fat from your diet, then your hormonal production will go down and a whole array of chemical reactions will be interrupted. Your body will then start accumulating more body fat than usual so that it has enough fat to keep on functioning. Since testosterone production is halted, so is muscle building. Therefore, in order to have an efficient metabolism we need fat.

There are three types of fats: Saturated, polyunsaturated, and monounsaturated.

a) Saturated Fats: Saturated fats are associated with heart disease and high cholesterol levels. They are found to a large extent in products of animal origin. However, some vegetable fats are altered in a way that increases the amount of saturated fats in them by a chemical process known as hydrogenation. Hydrogenated vegetable oils are generally found in packaged foods. In addition, cocunut oil, palm oil, and palm kernel oil, which are also frequently used in packaged foods and non-dairy creamers are also highly saturated.

b) Polyunsaturated Fats: Fats that do not have an effect in cholesterol levels. Most of the fats in vegetable oils, such as corn, cottonseed, safflower, soybean, and sunflower oil are polyunsaturated.

c) Monounsaturated Fats: Fats that have a positive effect on the good cholesterol levels. These fats are usually high on the essential fatty acids and may have antioxidant properties. Sources of these fats are Fish Oils, Virgin Olive Oil, Canola Oil, and Flaxseed Oil. We like to refer to these type of fats as good fats.

Twenty percent of your calories should come from good fats. Any less than 20% and your hormonal production goes down. Any more than 20% and you start accumulating plenty of fat. The way that I get my fats is by taking 1 teaspoon of Flaxseed Oil three times a day (I put them in my protein shakes).

Good sources of fat are canola oil (1 tablespoon), natural peanut butter (2 tablespoons), olive oil (1 tablespoon), flaxseed oil (1 tablespoon), and fish oils (1 tablespoon). Each serving size contains approximately 14 grams of fat. Alternatively you can get these fats from good EFA products like Labrada's EFA Lean.

Water

Water is by far the most abundant substance in our body. Without water, an organism would not survive very long. Most people that come to me for advice on how to get in shape, almost always underestimate the value of water.

Water is good for the following reasons:

1) Over 65% of your body is composed of water (most of the muscle cell is water).

2) Water cleanses your body from toxins and pollutants that would get you sick.

3) Water is needed for all of the complex chemical reactions that your body needs to perform on a daily basis. Processes such as energy production, muscle building, and fat burning require water. A lack of water would interrupt all of these processes.

4) Water helps lubricate the joints.

5) When the outside temperature is up, water serves as a coolant to bring the body temperature down to where it is supposed to be.

6) Water helps control your appetite. Sometimes when you feel hungry after a good meal this sensation indicates a lack of water. Drinking water at that time would take the craving away.

7) Cold water increases your metabolism.

In order to know how much water your body needs a day, just multiply your lean body weight by .66. This would indicate how many ounces of water you need in a day.

Sample Bodybuilding Diet For Men

Meal 1 (7 AM)
1 cup of dry oats mixed with water

1 cup of egg beaters

4 caps Labrada's EFA Lean Gold

Meal 2 (9 AM)
Meal replacement packet like Labrada's Lean Body mixed with water or a protein powder like Pro V60 (with around 40 grams of protein) mixed with 40 grams of carbs from cream of rice, grits, or oatmeal.
1 Tablespoon of Flaxseed Oil (Spectrum brand is best)

Meal 3 (12 Noon)
1 cup of brown rice, or medium sized baked potato, or 1 cup of oatmeal

2 cups of green beans, broccoli or any other desired vegetable

6-8 ounces of chicken, turkey, or lean fish

4 caps Labrada's EFA Lean Gold

Meal 4 (3 PM)

Same as Meal 2

Meal 5 (6 PM)

1 cup of brown rice, or medium sized baked potato, or 1 cup of oatmeal

2 cups of green beans, broccoli or any other desired vegetable

6-8 ounces of chicken, turkey, or lean fish

4 caps Labrada's EFA Lean Gold

Meal 6 (8 PM)

Same as Meal 2

Recommended Basic Bodybuilding Supplements For Men

(Essential to take)

Definitely make sure that you cover at least the basics of supplementation which are a Multiple Vitamin and Mineral formula, 3 grams of Vitamin C split in 3 equal servings throughout the day, 200mcg of Chromium Picolinate, and essential fatty acids coming from either fish oils, flaxseed oil, extra virgin olive oil, or Labrada's EFA Lean. Also, for convenience purposes a good meal replacement like Labrada's Lean Body or a protein powder like Pro V60 is a great way to add valuable calories and nutrients to your diet.

Performance Enhancing Supplementation

(Recommended for hard training bodybuilders who want to get the most out of their program}

In addition to those basic supplements, I would also recommend Creatine and Glutamine as these two supplements offer many of the same properties as anabolic steroids (such as increased recovery, increased strength, increased glycogen levels, enhanced immune system and higher nitrogen synthesis) without the side effects as they are not hormones. In addition, Nitric Oxide boosters may be of help as well. (Note: a product that conveniently has all of these items is the Super Charge! Xtreme).

Sample Bodybuilding Diet For Women

Meal 1 (7 AM)
1/2 cup of dry oats mixed with water

1/2 cup of egg beaters

2 caps Labrada's EFA Lean Gold

Meal 2 (9 AM)

Meal replacement packet like Labrada's Lean Body for Her mixed with water or a protein powder like Pro V60 (with around 20 grams of protein) mixed with 20 grams of carbs from cream of rice, grits, or oatmeal.

1/2 Tablespoon of Flaxseed Oil (Spectrum Brand is Best)

Meal 3 (12 Noon)

1/2 cup of brown rice, or medium sized baked potato, or 1 cup of oatmeal

2 cups of green beans, broccoli or any other desired vegetable

6 ounces of chicken, turkey, or lean fish

2 caps Labrada's EFA Lean Gold

Meal 4 (3 PM)

Same as Meal 2

Meal 5 (6 PM)

1/2 cup of brown rice, or medium sized baked potato, or 1 cup of oatmeal

2 cups of green beans, broccoli or any other desired vegetable

6 ounces of chicken, turkey, or lean fish

2 caps Labrada's EFA Lean Gold

Meal 6 (8 PM)

Same as Meal 2

Recommended Basic Bodybuilding Supplements For Women

(Essential to take)

Definitely make sure that you cover at least the basics of supplementation which are a Multiple Vitamin and Mineral formula, 3 grams of Vitamin C split in 3 equal servings throughout the day, extra Calcium (preferably calcium citrate for best absorption), 200mcg of Chromium Picolinate, and essential fatty acids coming from either fish oils, flaxseed oil, extra virgin olive oil or EFA Lean Body Gold. Also, for convenience purposes a good meal replacement or protein powder is a great way to add valuable calories and nutrients to your diet. For more information on this subject please refer to my article on Bodybuilding Supplementation Basics.

Hugo Rivera, CFT, SPN, BSCE, is a lifetime natural bodybuilder, multi-certified personal trainer, industry consultant and fitness expert who not only knows training and nutrition theory, but also applies it on a daily basis as evidenced by the fact that he's always in shape and by his awards and high placings at numerous national level bodybuilding competitions. He is also an internationally known best selling fitness author with a very successful franchise of books called "The Body Sculpting Bibles" which collectively have sold hundreds of thousands of copies.

Sunday, October 30, 2011

Force Factor Free Trial Review - How Does Force Factor Help in Body Building & Muscle Development?

Force Factor is muscle-building supplement, which claims to enhance your strength and endurance through its main ingredient Nitric Oxide. Nitric Oxide (NO) is usually produced in our body, which helps in communication of cells. It also increases the blood flow and oxygen supply in our body, which consequently pumps up our muscles.

This unique quality of Nitric oxide is the basis of this supplement. The ability to heal injuries, create endurance and bestow strength is the unique selling proposition of this supplement.

Importance of Force Factor in Bodybuilding

* Force Factor promises to create more mental awareness through this product. The blood and oxygen supply to our muscles can be stimulated by consuming this supplement which can be extremely beneficial for adding those extra muscle mass.

* A healthy nutrition and a rigorous workout session is mandatory for muscle development. This supplement should be consumed between your workouts and diets for attaining an electrifying physique.

* The main ingredients of this supplement are Nitric Oxide, Argenine, L-Argenine Monohydrate, L-Citruline, Calcium Phosphate and Di-Pottasium Phosphate.

* Nitric oxide helps in boosting Argenine. It also boosts power and endurance in our body. This supplement benefits your strength training exercises.

* Nitric oxide gives you high performance in your workouts and decreases your recovery time. It is touted to be the key for unlocking success.

* It is always advisable to combine force factor with protein supplements for achieving fast results. Even lightweight exercises can provide you higher muscle mass through this diet.

* This product claims to show results after the completion of a month.

* Force Factor free trial can be easily procured by paying minimal shipping charges of $4.99. It also offers a 30-day money back guarantee.

Saturday, October 29, 2011

Benefits of Creatine Monohydrate - Important for High-Intensity Exercise Performance

Creatine monohydrate is one of the most widely used forms of creatine, a nitrogen-containing organic compound which is naturally produced by the body. It is a very important substance because it supplies the body with the energy it needs by increasing the production of adenosine triphosphate, the substance that transports energy within the cells needed for metabolism.

In a pilot study conducted among both young, healthy subjects and patients suffering from neuromuscular diseases, creatine monohydrate supplementation was shown to have increased body weight, hand grip, dorsiflexion, and knee extensor strength.

If you are suffering from either Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis, Huntington's disease or the Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, creatine monohydrate may be able to help in increasing your muscle strength and nervous control.

Creatine supplementation is popularly used to enhance sports performance, and has been successfully tested in the treatment of neuromuscular, neurological and atherosclerotic diseases. Creatine plays a key role in brain energy stability by acting as buffer for adenosine triphosphate and its regulator, adenosine diphosphate. Another experiment conducted by the Macmaster University in Hamilton, Ontario found that short term creatine monohydrate supplementation enhances high-intensity exercise performance in both males and females.

It was also shown that males that took whey protein supplements while on resistance training exhibited significant improvement in knee extension peak torque and gained more lean tissue mass than males engaged in training alone. Males that took a combination of whey protein and creatine monohydrate showed a much greater increase in lean tissue mass and bench press than those who supplemented with only whey protein or placebo.

In an experiment conducted by the University of Sydney among 45 young adults to test how oral creatine supplementation would enhance intelligence test scores and memory performance, the results show that indeed, creatine supplementation has significant positive effect on a person's intelligence and memory. This result clearly indicates that brain energy capacity plays a key role in enhancing brain performance, intelligence and memory.

Creatine plays a key role in cellular energy metabolism and can potentially play a role in protein metabolism. With regular supplementation of creatine monohydrate, young healthy men and women may experience a higher intensity exercise performance, increased skeletal muscle volume and phosphocreatine concentration, and increased fat free muscle mass.

Recent study also revealed that creatine monohydrate supplementation protects against neuromuscular as shown in laboratory animal models of Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and after ischemia. A low concentration of phosphocreatine content has also been noticed in skeletal muscles of elderly patients and of patients suffering from neuromuscular disorders.

For more information about this high-intensity exercise performance-enhancing supplement, log on to: http://purebulk.com/creatine-monohydrate-powder

Friday, October 28, 2011

Does Nitric Oxide Work? A Nitric Oxide Supplement Review

Lately, I've been hearing alot of buzz about No2 and it's possible effects on building muscle.

No2 has been around for a couple of years and there has been plenty of people who have tried this particular supplement with mixed results.

For those of you who don't know what N02 is, let me give you a bit of background.

No2 stands for nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is supposed to relax the smooth muscle in the walls of very small arteries called arterioles.

When a muscles contracts and it's blood vessels are dilated, a "puff" of gas appears for a brief instant and than dissapears. This gas settles into the underlying smooth muscle cells causing them to relax which allows a surge of blood to pass through more easily.

This gas is called nitric oxide.

You see, everytime you do a couple sets of curls and you feel that expanding feeling in your bicep, it means that nitric oxide was released into the smooth muscle, causing an extra surge in blood to your muscles. It gives your muscles that full feeling and that"puffy" look.

However, once you finish your workout, your muscels slowly loose the blood that it accumulated during the workout and it slowly goes back to normal. Of course, the pump is one of the best feelings you can get and too lose it, well, sucks. So, the man who brought creatine to the fitness world, Ed Byrd, gives you Hemodilator N02.

This stuff is supposed to help release nitric oxide at different times of the day to keep your muscles feeling pumped. What Ed Byrd managed to do was create a delivery system called phyex 9 which is supposed to help stimulate the release of nitric oxide at different times during the day. Certainly a beautiful concept for just about everyone out there who weight trains. Who doesn't want a constant pump...Maybe just walking down the street?

Well, I heard alot about no2 and it got my attention. So, I decided to give this supplement a shot. I have to admit, this stuff is not cheap. At $80 bucks a pop, it's kind of steep for the everyday working, weight trainer. Today, there are a whack of nitric oxide supplements out there and they all cost about
the same.

Now, I had my doubts. You see, this supplement uses arginine as it's main nitric oxide delivery mechanism. That is, arginine is supposed to cause the nitric oxide reaction which will produce the"pump". Now, back in the mid 80's, I vividly remember a supplement called"Inosine" which was supposed to do the same thing as No2. It was supposed to cause the small artieries to expand which would cause more blood flow into
the muscle.

Well, as a young, wide eyed teenager looking for a miracle supplment, this fit the bill. I bought a bunch of inosine in the hopes that it would help me build more strength and power. The result? A couple of hundred dollars down the toilet. I still see adds for inosine and I still shake my head.

So, after a bit of research I decided to give this particular supplement a shot and see if the results were as good as they claimed on the label. I choose to use the Hemodilator No2 for my nitric oxide supplement review.

According to the label, it reads "NO2 generates a PERPETUAL PUMP, Helps Boost Strength, Augments Peak Power, Delays Muscle Fatigue"

Well, does it do all that? First off, according to the label, they performed a clinical trial of this supplement at Baylor University. According to the results, there was a 300% increase in bench press strength for those who were taking Hemodilator compared to those who were taking a placebo (fake), over an eight
week period.

Also, the group taking the Hemodilator gained more endurance and power than the placebo group over the same 8 week period.

So, how did I fare with this supplement? Now, I'm just finishing up my third bottle and the results have not been mind blowing. Maybe I was expecting too much from this supplement but I haven't gained as much as I would have hoped. There has been a slight change from the pumps I get in the gym but they are not perpetual. The pumps stay in the gym.

In terms of strength, I gained a little bit in some of my compound movements but not as nearly as much as I would have if I would have taken creatine. For endurance, I can't say I noticed any thing at all. In terms of overall power, I would say that it has increased...But not 300% or even 20%.

Did I get my monies worth? That's a hard one to say. I mean, would have I gotten the same results if I didn't use the supplement? Probably not. The thing I noticed most about this product was the pumps in the gym. Like I said before, pumps are the reason I mainly go to the gym.

Am I happy with this product? I guess you can say that I'm "ok" with it. However, when I take the supplement Xpand, which is a combination of the nitric oxide booster arginine and tri-creatine malate, I simply explode! Maybe the combination of nitric oxide and creatine compliment each other more so than regular creatine or straight arginine.

In terms of side effects, I didn't experience anything. Just remember, huge doses of arginine can be toxic. However, there are some reports of users experiencing diarrhea nausea with relatively high doses.

Now, do I recommend this product? If you do not want to take a product such as creatine, I would have to say yes. It does work and will produce some results provided you have a well laid down eating plan and steady lifting habits. Just remember, you have to be on it for at least 8 weeks to see any sort of results.

However, next to a good creatine product such as SAN V12 or Dymatize Xpand, I would have to say no. These products
are so much better and the results are more immediate and dramatic.

So there you have it. A personal nitric oxide supplement review.

Thursday, October 27, 2011

What Every Major League Muscle Building Program Should Have

Muscle building is a long process that takes months for obvious results. First of all, if you're not looking forward to getting into the gym any more, that may be a sign. It is true, you have to decide what you want to do and since you want to build muscle, you need to increase overall caloric intake.

One more very important ingredient in a muscle building diet and every muscle building program should go over is water. While you are working out in the gym you are stimulating your muscles but it is only when resting that your muscles get a chance to recover. Once you know exactly why you should never listen to that "buff guy" at your gym, you'll have an unfair advantage over all the rest who hang on his every word.

Weight Training

Weight Training Periodization Learn how to incorporate weight training periodization into your training and you will unlock all of your muscle building potential. We will go against the grain and gain weight fast. Guess how many people perform weight training exercises correctly.

Protein Tip: To promote a positive nitrogen balance, use approximately 1 to 2 grams of protein per pound of body weight per day from a combination of high protein foods and supplements. If you want to succeed and build muscle mass fast you have to follow some basics principles and the first one is lift heavy weights with low repetitions, usually about 70-80 percent of your max strength this will put a lot of pressure on the muscle and give them a really good workout. A great muscle building program is based around this princible.

Nutrition

Don't try and get big off of mc Donalds' or you'll end up harshly over weight and in worse shape then you were to start out with. This male hormone is what builds muscle and it needs protein, carbs and fat if you want to build muscle.

There are some major key parts to a successful muscle building program. One major aspect of body building includes diet and nutrition. There is so much conflicting information out there when it comes to the topic of building muscle, and sometimes it can be very difficult to know where to start.

Building Mass

Mass plus strength doesn't always equal increased speed. With a little intelligent bodybuilding training, you can build muscle mass and gain weight fast. A solid muscle mass building program won't take anything more than a little intelligence and a few extra hours a week to implement so.

Yes, the foods you choose will be one of the deciding factors as to the kind of mass you want to gain. A diet high in quality nutrients will produce much better results for building muscle mass and maintaining body fat levels than a diet high in fat and processed foods. If you can do this, while training hard and heavy, you will gain quality muscle mass while maintaining current body fat levels. Choice of food is the real key to building lean muscle mass. I suggest you do the following: Find your starting point; Multiply your body weight by 20 to get your base starting caloric intake for adding mass.

Muscles

Some elite athletes perform special exercises specific to their sports to improve the neural stimulation of their muscles, and many do weight training to build more muscle. Besides making muscles bigger, anabolic steroids may help athletes recover from a hard workout more quickly by reducing the amount of muscle damage that occurs during the session. In fact, these studies show that supplemental andro stenedione doesn't increase testosterone and that your muscles don't get stronger with andro use. Creatine monohydrate is a compound produced by your body that helps release energy in your muscles. Creatine helps muscles make and circulate more adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Creatine is stored in your muscles, and levels are relatively easily maintained.

These are some Muscle building and weight lifting tips that work. You can try following these techniques for excellent muscle building. Ensure that you don't listen to every piece of advice you hear in the gym or read on a message board. In case you are planning to get involved in muscle building, just ensure that you create your training in such a way that it includes all muscle groups. Most beginners and even a lot of seasoned gym goers can't. It also can't hurt to talk to your doctor before choosing any muscle building supplements as well.

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

What Exactly is Nitric Oxide? Why is It Such a POWERFUL Bodybuilding Supplement?

What is Nitric Oxide anyway?

The chemical compound nitric oxide is a gas with a chemical formula NO. It is an important signaling molecule in the body of mammals including humans, one of the few gaseous signaling molecules known. Nitric oxide (NO) is not nitrous oxide (N2O) or with nitrogen dioxide (NO2). (Formal definition courtesy of Wikipedia)

What is L-arginine (the key ingredient used to produce Nitric Oxide)?

L-arginine is an amino acid found in grains and fish, meats, supplements and passes through the intestine into the blood. From the blood, it enters endothelial cells, (these are the layer of cells lining the inside of the blood and lymph vessels of the heart) where it is used to produce nitric oxide.

L-arginine can be found in many foods such as meat, poultry, dairy products, and fish. The body also uses arginine to produce nitric oxide, which relaxes blood vessels. For this reason, it has been used to treat cardiovascular disorders such as heart failure, intermittent claudication, impotence, female sexual dysfunction, and interstitial cystitis. (Formal definition courtesy of Wikipedia).

It can also be used as an ergogenic aid to supplement bodybuilding and sports endeavors.

L-arginine supplements cause a delayed release of Nitric Oxide into the blood. Ed Byrd (the creator of NO 2) called this the "pHyser3" effect of creating a sustained hemodilation or blood flow in the body.

How does this help with bodybuilding?

Nitric Oxide helps with a sustained blood pump in your body. The blood vessels that deliver muscle building agents (nutrients, creatine) to your muscles are "forced open" for an extended period of time throughout the day. This means quicker recovery, enhanced muscle gains, greater strength, more endurance due to the prolonged pump NO2 provides. You know how you feel "pumped up" after a workout? Nitric oxide helps perpetuate this muscle pump effect.

Are there other health benefits to Nitric Oxide besides bodybuilding?

There is evidence that nitric oxide can prevent heart disease and stroke. The vasodilation effect nitric oxide helps protect the blood vessels from dangerous constriction. This increases the blood vessel flexibility to blood can circulate at a lower pressure. Nitric oxide may also help control platelet function, reduce artery plaque and even lower cholesterol.

Nitric oxide supplements is available at most supplement and health nutrition stores. Here are five nitric oxide products I would recommend:

-Nitrix by BSN. Nitrix has quickly gained the reputation as the world's top Nitric Oxide (NO) supplements.

-NO-xplode by BSN. NO-xplode uses both creatine and nitrix oxide to help you explode you bodybuilding regimen.

-A-AKG by Pro-line. This is perhaps the most economical priced nitric oxide supplement I could find.

-Mid-Cycle by Fizogen. Mid Cycle effectively enhances nutrient uptake, increases cell-signaling vasodilation and promotes improved muscle torque and intercellular energy levels.

-Cold Fusion by Legal Gear. This bodybuilding supplements is especially appropriate for serious athletes looking to maximize muscle gains with NO2. Cold fusion has twice as much NO per serving than any other nitric oxide product.

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

What Is Glutamine? Discover Its Energy-Giving And Wound-Healing Properties

Glutamine is the most abundant non-essential amino acid that is naturally produced by the body. It is called non-essential amino acid because it can be naturally produced by the body, not because it is not an important element.

It is produced in the body by the action of the enzyme glutamine synthetase which assists in the condensation of glutamate and ammonia to ultimately form glutamine.

It is found in abundance in the skeletal muscles and in the blood. The largest amount of glutamine is produced in the muscles, accounting for 90% of the total amount synthesized by the body. It is also produced in small amounts in the lungs, in the brain and in the liver. However, since the liver takes much of its glutamine supply from the gut, its role in glutamine metabolism has purely been regulatory rather than being part of its production.

The organs that benefit greatly from the production of glutamine are the kidney cells, cells of the intestines, the active immune cells and the many cancer cells.

It plays a key role in the different functions of the body such as in the manufacture of proteins by serving as an important precursor of nucleic acids, nucleotides, and amino sugars, it promotes an acid-base balance in the kidneys by producing urinary ammonia, it serves as a source of cellular energy by serving as respiratory fuel for rapidly growing cells such as lymphocytes, it transports nitrogen between tissues, and promotes carbon donation required to efficiently carry out the citric acid cycle. It is one of the few amino acids that can directly cross the blood-brain barrier.

Extensive study on glutamine and its important uses has been undertaken for the past 10 to 15 years and the results show that it is useful in the healing of wound after surgery, in the treatment of burns, injury, trauma, and in the treatment of the side effects of cancer treatment.

It is also popularly marketed as a supplement that promotes muscle growth and development during weight lifting, body building and endurance and other sports activities.

It is also believed that oral supplementation of glutamine may increase the Human Growth Hormone in the blood by simulating the functions of the anterior pituitary glands.

It is also believed that glutamine significantly reduces the healing period after surgery. Studies show that hospital confinement after abdominal surgery is greatly reduced by feeding the patient intravenously with substances containing high amounts of glutamine.

Studies show that patients who are on glutamine supplement demonstrated an improved level of lymphocyte count; an improved permeability of the intestines especially among patients who have just undergone surgery and; and an improved balance of nitrogen content in the body among patients recovering from surgery under parenteral nutrition.

You can get your daily supply of glutamine by eating foods rich in glutamine such as beef, chicken, fish, eggs, milk, dairy products, wheat, cabbage, beets, beans, spinach, and parsley. Minimal amounts of free L-glutamine can also be found in certain vegetable juices and fermented foods, such as miso.

In the field of research, glutamine is usually mixed with the culture medium in cell culture.

More interesting facts about glutamine and how it can benefit your body can be obtained at: http://purebulk.com/l-glutamine

Monday, October 24, 2011

Nitric Oxide - More Than a Great Pump

Nitric oxide is a relatively new substance on the bodybuilding circuit and is commonly abbreviated as NO. It has phenomenal results due to the effects it has within the body. The main thing to realize when first starting out with nitric oxide (NO) as a supplement for bodybuilding is where it comes from and how it can affect the body positively. Gaining an understanding of NO will help enormously when trying to implement it into a weight or strength training regime.

Nitric oxide is a gas that is naturally made within the body. It is directly responsible for opening up blood vessels to allow increased blood flow. When the body generates these molecules the blood vessels open wider and more blood is allowed to travel up to muscles, fibres and tissues. The more blood that is being delivered to these muscles and tissues means that there are more nutrients and amino acids also being carried to them. This surge feeds the muscles and it is with this information that is scientifically studied that the role of NO in bodybuilding becomes apparent.

The increased blood flow that nitric oxide provides is exactly what is needed for any strength training individual. The boost that this bodybuilding supplement provides allows for the increased blood flow of nutrient rich blood being transported to the relevant muscles. This atmosphere not only gives the muscles an extra boost it also increases stamina and strength that is required to develop stronger muscles.

There is one large drawback to using NO as a supplement. There is no set schedule for dosing instructions. Overdosing with nitric oxide is a possibility and can potentially cause stomach upset and weakness. An efficient dose of NO will provide the consumer with opposite results from an overdose making the signs and symptoms quite obvious. The only method to discover the right individual dosage of nitric oxide falls on each person who uses it. This method is called 'tolerance mapping' and is a simple process to follow.

Tolerance mapping to find the right dose of NO takes place over several weeks. The first week the bodybuilder begins with a small dosage and documents every side effect whether good or bad. This system is carried out for a few weeks by slightly increasing the dosage of nitric oxide every week after all side effects are taken into consideration. After several weeks the optimal dosage should become clear to the individual NO consumer. Remember the key to successful dosages of nitric oxide is to meticulously record the experiences during the tolerance-mapping phase.

NO is a great supplement to help strength train when used with caution and appropriate steps have been taken to avoid over dosing. You are now equipped with the knowledge that drives the nitric oxide supplement to work within the body so give it a try! Discover today what NO can do for you in increasing muscle strength and stamina.

Sunday, October 23, 2011

Understanding Your Blood Test Results

There is no need to go to medical school if you want to understand the results of your blood test. In fact, it is good that you are taking an interest in your health. However, it is important to know upfront that lab tests are diagnostic tools and not the diagnosis. These tests are meant to provide your doctor or health physician with information that will help him understand you better and keep you healthy. So, a rule of thumb when scanning through your blood test result, do not overreact and do not interpret the results yourself. Although you will learn what the numbers mean, remember that there are so many factors that make the numbers what they are, not the least of which include - family history, age, race, medications, current regimen, lifestyle, sex, etc.

One of the most common blood test is Chem 7 which tests for 7 kinds of chemical components in your blood. Glucose measures the sugar level in your blood and this is used as a means to detect diabetes or an endocrine disorder.Blood Urea Nitrogen or BUN indicates kidney functions. Carbon Dioxide (CO2) refers to the level of CO2 (in the form of bicarbonate) is indicative of how the lungs and the kidney manage the levels of bicarbonate in the blood. Creatinine is associated with normal muscle breakdown (relates to blood pressure, kidney, and muscle-related issues). Serum chloride (CI) tests for chloride levels in the blood. Chloride helps maintain proper blood pH. Serum Potassium (K) tests for potassium in the blood. Potassium is related to muscle contractions and cell function. Serum Sodium (Na) tests for sodium in the blood. Excess sodium is excreted by the kidneys.

Other blood tests include CBC (Complete Blood Count) which basically counts red and white blood cells platelets, hemoglobin, and mean corpuscular volume. Remember, being outside the normal range does not necessarily mean a bad thing for you. There is a tolerance factor for any kind of test. Whatever the result may be, make sure you discuss it with your health provider.

Saturday, October 22, 2011

Comprehensive Metabolic Profile Lab Testing

Do you know what CMP blood test is? It stands for comprehensive metabolic profile or comprehensive metabolic profile and it is frequently ordered by doctors to check the status of the blood proteins, blood sugar, acid/base balance, electrolyte, liver, and kidneys. If the readings of the results reveal abnormalities, the doctor can conduct further tests to give an accurate diagnosis.

The CMP testing is actually a group of tests and each test has an assigned current procedural terminology code. Laboratories are free to adjust the tests being conducted, as they see fit. It is vital that you know the CPT codes since you will use them when you file for claims with the insurance provider. In the US, the tests have already been standardized.

The CMP can test for glucose, calcium, proteins (albumin and the total protein), electrolytes (sodium, potassium, CO2, and chloride), kidney tests (blood urea nitrogen and creatinine), and liver tests (alkaline phoshatase, alanine amino transferase or SGPT, aspartate amino transferase or SGOT, and bilirubin). It is important that an increase or decrease in glucose or calcium is determined. This is also true with the total protein wherein albumin and other proteins are measured.

When there is an imbalance in the electrolytes, it can indicate chronic and acute illnesses. In most cases, the examination for electrolytes is carried together with other tests and is rarely ordered individually. If there is an increase of BUN and creatinine in the blood, it can mean that the kidneys are not functioning well. When tests reveal that there is an elevated concentration of the AST, ALT, and ALP in the blood, it can indicate a liver dysfunction or disease.

Once your doctor requests for the CMP, you have to ask if there is a need to fast before the blood is drawn from your arm. Follow the instructions of the medical professional so that the test can provide reliable readings. This will usually depend on the reason why the CMP was ordered. Most professionals use this test to identify if a patient has kidney disease, liver disease, and diabetes. In some cases, it can also be used to monitor side effects of kidney or liver related conditions and hypertension.

The comprehensive metabolic profile test is usually ordered for yearly physicals or part of the routine checks. In most cases, the patient should avoid food or water intake for 10-12 hours prior to the test. Ask the medical practitioner about the costs involved, and the implications that the readings can have on your health.

Thursday, October 20, 2011

What is Protein?

Protein is an essential part of our diet. It is needed for the body to be able to grow and repair tissue and is the main building block of the human body. Protein is a molecule made up of 22 amino acids.

Your body can make literally hundreds of different proteins to perform various functions from these amino acids, such as:


Antibodies - for immune defense

Collagen - for supportive tissue

Enzymes for metabolism

Haemoglobin - for transport

Hormones

The human body can create 12 of these amino acids naturally, while the remaining eight need to be obtained by eating foods which contain them.

These eight amino acids are known as 'Essential Amino Acids' which include:


Isoleucine

Leucine

Lysine

Methionine

Phenylalanine

Threonine

Tryptophan

Valine

The body's proteins are broken down continuously, therefore our bodies needs to produce thousands of proteins every day to replace them. Basically the more active you are - the faster your proteins break down - the faster your protein breaks down - the more protein is needed to refill them. Protein needs to be replenished daily as it is unable to be stored in the body unlike carbohydrates or fats.

The body breaks down and absorbs protein to help our body in many important ways such as:


Balance hormones

Regulates metabolism

Builds and repairs muscle

Grows tissue

Fights against illness and infection

Did You Know?... Protein, like water, is the most plentiful substance in the body. Roughly half of the non-water mass of our bodies are made up of protein.

Parts of the body primarily made up of protein include:


Bones

Eyes

Hair

Individual cells

Ligaments

Muscle

Nails

Organs

Skin

Teeth

Tendons

Tissue

FACT: Our bodies generally require 1-2 grams of protein daily for each kilogram of body weight.

Did You Know?... Protein can also be burned as a source of calories. The amino acids that are not combined into protein are converted to calories or energy.

Will low Protein intake damage my body?

Without a sufficient amount of protein, the body will break down other muscles or tissues; or could even 'borrow' amino acids from the immune system or other body functions to satisfy its protein needs.

FACT: It is essential that your entire body receives enough protein from food to ensure proper growth and maintenance.

Protein is important when working out, for if you have inadequate protein in your body, you won't have enough to rebuild your muscles and other cells and tissue, leaving you weaker and more prone to injury.

Insufficient protein can affect your health and body functions such as:


Bone cell construction

Enzymes

Heart cell turnover rate

Hormones

Immune system

Neurological system

Organ function

Range of Motion/ mobility

Red blood cell production

Skin elasticity

Stamina

Did you know?... An inadequate protein intake during pregnancy may cause a less than ideal body weight for the baby.

Symptoms of protein deficiency include:


Anaemia - usually caused by a lack of iron, it causes insufficient amounts of oxygen to be delivered through the blood to the cells

Oedema - is a build-up of fluids which particularly occurs in the feet or ankles

Slow growth - in children

Wasting and shrinkage of muscle tissue

Is too much Protein dangerous?

Everyone has a different opinion regarding whether or not too much protein is dangerous. If you are generally healthy, don't have any problems with your kidneys or liver, and are not on medication, it is unlikely that it could do any harm.

What happens is when amino acids are not combined into protein, they become calories or energy. During the conversion the body separates the amino acids from their nitrogen atoms, therefore creating nitrogen waste which then enters the kidneys as 'urea' and gets filtered out through the body's urine.

Too much protein can actually cause harm to your kidneys if you have reduced kidney and liver function as the build up of nitrogen waste can strain the kidneys and liver, and can cause them to further weaken.

Did You Know?... A very high protein diet can also prompt excessive mineral calcium loss.

As with anything in life, protein intake needs to be balanced. As a general rule of thumb, 1-2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight is adequate. If in doubt, it is wise to consult your Nutritionist to work out what is best for your needs.

What foods are high in Protein?

Almost every animal food including dairy products contain the most protein. If you are a vegetarian, you can easily obtain all of you protein needs by eating a diet with a variety of vegetables and grains.

Proteins rich foods include:


Black beans

Black-eyed peas

Chicken - chicken breast is high in protein

Chickpeas

Cottage cheese

Crab

Dairy

Eggs - egg whites

Fish

Lentils

Lobster

Nuts - Almonds, Peanuts, Cashews, Pecans

Orange roughy

Pork

Prawns - shrimp

Red meat - lean meats such as round steak, sirloin and ground beef

Salmon

Seeds - Sunflower seeds, Pumpkin seeds, Flax seeds

Soy beans

Soy bean products - tofu, tempeh etc

Split peas

Swordfish

Tuna

Turkey - turkey breast and lean ground turkey is protein rich

Vegetables

Wide variety of beans and legumes

Whole dried peas

Although starches and vegetables have only a small amount of protein, it adds up over the day.

Different protein sources include the following:

Casein Protein

Casein is a white odourless, tasteless combination of phosphor-proteins separated from milk by an enzyme known as rennin. It is very nutritious as it contains all eight of the essential amino acids and is also the basis of cheese. Muscles seem to love casein as they are found to use greater amount of protein through this source in comparison to others.

Did You Know?... Studies suggest casein not only assists in toning and firming muscles but can also assist in increasing muscle strength.

Soy Protein

Soy protein is made from the soybean which is native to East Asia. It is one of the very few plants which provide a complete protein source. The soybean not only provides high quality protein, it is also provides a good amount of vitamins, minerals and fiber, and is fairly low in fat content, making this protein source fantastic for vegetarians.

Whey Protein

Whey protein is a high quality protein naturally produced through cow's milk. It contains a high source of the essential amino acids. Whey protein is one of the most widely used forms of protein as it has numerous health benefits and fitness properties.

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Kidney Health Nutrition and Understanding Your Lab Values Through Its Stages

After being diagnosed with kidney disease of any kind, many people will be faced with a lifetime of doctor visits, specialists, lab tests, dietary and fluid restrictions and changes and the looming possibility of dialysis or the need for a kidney transplant if the disease continues to progress.

Medications and diet will be important to keep this from happening, which makes it even more important for the patient to pay careful attention to what is said by the nutritionist during each stage of kidney disease. While some will be lucky enough to slow or stop the progression of the various forms of kidney disease, it is very important to note that even if you do everything the way that you are supposed to, the disease may still move forward and become more serious.

One of the things that you will have to deal with is the constant need for many lab tests, which starts with a blood draw or a urine sample. In those who have serious kidney disease, a port may be placed so that the doctor can have constant access without having to puncture a vein each time. The port can also be used to give medications and can be more convenient, but can also be problematic because it needs specific care either by the patient, the patient's family or, in some cases, a visiting nurse or care provider.

Some of the lab tests that you will have to have during treatment for kidney disease include:

Serum creatinine: muscle activity in the body creates creatinine, a waste product that is normally removed by the action of the kidneys. This tends to be one of the first waste products that start backing up in the blood vessels, which marks the start of kidney trouble.

Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR): this rate determines how well the kidneys are functioning. A GFR that is below 30 indicates a problem and will warrant the need for a nephrologist (a kidney specialist). Any GFR below 15 indicates that the problem is serious and there will be the need for dialysis, and it may indicate the impending need for a kidney transplant.

Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN): when the body breaks down proteins, not only from the foods that you eat but from normal metabolism as well, urea nitrogen is formed. This normal waste product is usually filtered from the blood by the kidneys and can rise if the kidneys are failing or if the patient is eating more protein than the body can effectively handle. The BUN can drop if the patient is eating too little protein as well.

Urine Protein: protein is a vital macronutrient, used by the body for a very wide range of systems and functions. Your body also creates some forms of protein from other forms to be used for other reasons. The kidneys filter protein and protein byproducts from the bloodstream when they are working correctly; however, when they are not, protein will accumulate in the urine. Although there are other instances when protein can be detected in the urine, persistent, detectable protein levels in the urine is an early sign of impending kidney disease or damage.

Microalbuminuria: in those who are at higher risk for kidney disease, including those who have other conditions like high blood pressure or a very serious family history of kidney disease, this test will be used to detect even very small amounts of protein in the urine before the amount gets high enough to be detected by less sensitive tests.

Ratio of Protein to Creatinine: for some patients, the doctor will ask for a 24 hour sample of collected urine, which will show him how much protein is found in the urine each day. This test can be complicated because it relies on the patient collecting all urine for a full 24 hours, storing the container in their refrigerator and then bringing it to the lab the following day for testing. Instead, the doctor may choose to use the protein to creatinine ratio, which will estimate the amount of protein that is excreted in the urine instead.

Serum albumin: the body uses protein that it gets from food to create other types of protein, amino acids, hormones and enzymes. Albumin is one of these body proteins. Low levels of this in the blood can be caused by not receiving the adequate amount of protein in the diet or enough calories. It is also important to note that the body cannot store protein and needs new sources of it every day. Even a small amount of blood albumin can cause serious health problems, including the inability to fight off infections.

Normalized protein nitrogen appearance or nPna: this test is often used by the doctor to tell if you are eating enough protein or, in some cases, too much. The testing is done by collecting urine and blood samples, and you may be asked to keep a food diary as well.

Subjective Global Assessment (SGA): this testing may be asked for by the nutritionist rather than the kidney specialist and is used to check for symptoms of nutritional problems. The testing is done by asking questions about the daily diet, completing a weight check and a check of the fat and muscle amounts in the face, arms, hands, shoulders and legs.

Hemoglobin: the blood is made of several parts, including the hemoglobin, which is the part of the red blood cells that work to carry oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. A low level of hemoglobin indicates anemia. Treatment for anemia includes iron and a specific hormone.

Hematocrit: this is the measure of how many red blood cells your body is actually making. A low value for this test also indicates anemia.

TSAT and Serum Ferritin: these tests both measure iron in the body.

PTH or Parathyroid Hormone: an imbalance of calcium and phosphorous in the body can result in high levels of PTH and can cause bone disease.

Calcium: because calcium is vital to healthy bones and may be leached out during some forms of kidney disease, the level will be checked.

Phosphorous: a high level of this mineral can lead to weak bones. The doctor and nutritionist may put you on a phosphorous-restricting diet and may also give you a medication that will bind the remaining phosphorous in foods.

Potassium: this mineral is needed by the body so that the heart and other muscles work properly. The level of potassium has to be balanced or it will weaken muscles and can lead to heart irregularities.

Blood and Urine Tests, Good Nutrition and Protein Supplements: A Case Study

Dave has kidney disease. At this point, he does not need to have dialysis; however, he does come to the lab very frequently to have blood work and to give a urine sample. He has had to do the 24 hour urine collection a time or two and is glad that the doctor has switched to using the protein to creatinine ratio instead. His overall diet was fairly healthy, but the nutritionist suggested that he change his fat intake to healthier Omega-3 fatty acids over the other, less healthy fats that he was eating and to increase the amount of protein and calcium in his diet. He will include a protein supplement because he has a lower appetite lately.

After trying protein shakes, Dave started using a new supplement. Because it is so small it can be consumed in a few seconds. While it only has 100 calories per serving, it gives Dave a high amount of digestible protein. He aims for two servings each day and then tries to increase his dietary protein from healthy plant sources for the rest of the day. On days when he simply cannot eat healthfully, he ups his intake to maintain his levels.

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Chemistry Blood Tests - The Basics

The medical/hospital laboratory is divided into departments, such as Hematology, Microbiology, Blood Banking, and Chemistry. This article discusses typical Chemistry tests your doctor might order.

Chemistry tests can be ordered singly, such as glucose (blood sugar), or in groups called "panels." Different labs offer different panels. Typically, the following panels will be offered.


Liver panel-tests for a variety of liver enzymes. If the liver is damaged or diseased, the liver cells release their enzymes. If these enzyme levels are high in the blood, it indicates liver damage or disease. This panel screens for hepatitis, blocked bile duct, or liver function. It usually consists of protein, bilirubin, and the enzymes SGOT (also known as AST), SGPT (also known as ALT), and Alkaline Phosphatase.

Kidney panel--tests for kidney disease or damage. Consists of BUN (blood urea nitrogen) and creatinine and electrolytes. Tells the doctor if the kidney is functioning properly.

Cholesterol panel-consists of triglycerides (also known as fats or lipids), cholesterol, and two types of cholesterol called HDL and LDL. HDL is the "good" cholesterol and LDL is the "bad" cholesterol. You need to be fasting for this test.

Electrolyte panel-consists of sodium (Na), Chloride (Cl), Potassium (K), and carbon dioxide (CO2). Abnormal electrolyte levels can indicate a variety of problems such as dehydration or diseases such as Addison's or Cushing's.

Cardiac panel. This panel tests for heart damage. When the cardiac (heart) tissue is damaged, the cardiac cells release their enzymes, elevating the blood levels of those enzymes. The enzymes are called CPK, SGOT (AST) and LDH.

Comprehensive Metabolic Panel. Various labs offer different panels. They can have 6 tests, 12 tests, or 20 tests. The latter would run tests for various organ function such as kidney, liver, and heart, covering the entire body. Different labs will have different names for this panel.

FBS stands for Fasting Blood Sugar, which is the same as glucose. This test will be ordered separately, or in a panel. Tests for diabetes.

ABG stands for Arterial Blood Gas. The above tests are done on venous blood. A separate draw is needed for arterial blood, where a specially trained nurse, respiratory therapist, or lab tech will go into an artery to draw blood. This is a specialized draw which tests for the pH of the arterial blood, and the oxygen and carbon dioxide levels. Normal arterial blood pH is 7.38 to 7.42. A high pH may indicate a hyperventilator.

Sunday, October 16, 2011

Loken Senior Syndrome Overview

Loken senior syndrome is a congenital or genetic disorder. This is a very rare progressive eye disease that features nephronophtisis. It is defined as a Ciliopathic, Autosomal Recessive Disorder. It is considered as a very common genetic disorder and is widely linked to genetypical root causes.

To layout the Loken senior syndrome overview, it is essential to know that it is linked with numbers of anomalies such as genetic, kidneys, urinary tract, eye and vision, mental retardation, intellectual, head, growth, and metabolic conditions. Symptoms include thirsts, excessive urination, mental retardation, progressive vision loss that will potentially lead to blindness. It may also exhibit symptoms such as increased Blood Urea Nitrogen, Increased Blood creatinine, anemia, polyurea and others that rare, such as tapetoretinal degeneration.

This also includes retinal dysplasia and retinal aplasia. It is also synonymous with Juvenile nephronophthisis with Leber amaurosis, renal dysplasia and retinal aplasia, Loken-Senior syndrome, Senior-Loeken syndrome and Renal-retinal syndrome. Loken senior syndrome may also exhibit cerebellar ataxia and skeletal abonormalities such as conal epiphyses.

The treatment for such disease is symptomatic. Kidney treatment and dialysis are available for future management. Eye vision care and blindness are also ready to give services and assistance for future rehabilitation and coping. Since the disease is progressive and mostly fatal, it is advised that you consult a doctor for extensive and long term treatment. This is a very rare genetic disorder and not all doctors are familiar with this. However, genetic karyotyping may help to confirm the disease but until now, there has been no found cure despite of efforts being given by the medical field. Also, only fewer than 200,000 are affected by the loken senior syndrome that is why it has not been paid attention by doctors and other research. Loken senior syndrome is a set or combination of symptoms due to a certain genetic error or abnormality. It has not been established that this disease can be cured. Furthermore, the disease process is not yet fully understood, what we only know is that Loken senior syndrome can be hereditary.

Friday, October 14, 2011

Creatine Sport Supplements: Positive Benefits of Creatine Supplementation

Buy Creatine is not a drug, steroid or artificial aid. It is made in your body and every single person carries a significant amount of creatine around in their bodies at all times, with around 95% of this creatine stored in muscle tissue.

The idea of ingesting creatine to increase creatine levels in the body is not new. First discovered in 1832 by French scientist Michel Eugene Chevreul, the name 'creatine' is based on the Latin name for 'meat' as meat is one of the common sources of dietary creatine.

It was first noted in 1912 that ingesting creatine boosted the levels of creatine found in skeletal muscle tissue. By even the early part of the 20th Century it was well known by researchers that creatine was one of the principal parts of muscle metabolism.

By 1992 numerous athletes had begun to utilise creatine supplementation to boost muscle levels and enjoy an ergogenic (performance enhancing) effect. In 1993, the company EAS released Phosphagen, the first branded mainstream form of Creatine supplement. Since that time studies on Creatine have led to a greater understanding of its benefits, effects, method of action and numerous attempts to improve and expand the uses of this substance making it one of the most ubiquitous supplements ever produced.

What is creatine?

Creatine is made up of three amino acids - Arginine, Glycine and Methionine. These amino acids can be synthesized in the liver to produce creatine. It is also possible to ingest creatine from dietary meat sources, though vegetarians and vegans will generally have lower creatine stores due to lack of meat ingestion. Today's creatine supplements are not derived from meat however; they are synthesized in laboratories from the three amino acids to produce a simple powdered format creatine.

The average male weighing 160lbs in bodyweight will carry approximately 120grams of creatine in their bodies. 95%-98% of this is stored in skeletal muscle tissue, with the remainder in various organs, primarily the brain, heart and reproductive systems.

Vegetarians and Vegans will generally ingest no dietary creatine and their stores are produced entirely by synthesis in the liver from amino acid sources. Meat eaters may ingest anywhere between a few hundred milligrams up to 3 or 4 grams daily depending on the meat sources chosen.

Supplemental creatine use allows users to ingest in the range of 5 to 20 grams of creatine daily without high meat consumption in a directly usable form.

When creatine has moved through the energy cycle, it produces the waste by-product creatinine. Creatinine release is a marker of kidney dysfunction which often accounts for early (but now dismissed) concerns that creatine supplementation placed stress on the kidneys. Increased creatinine waste products in the case of athletes do not signal kidney stress, it is merely the by-product of ingesting larger amounts of creatine and utilising more creatine in muscle energy metabolism than a non-athletic individual.

The Purpose of Creatine

Creatine is directly involved in the ATP-PC (adenosine tri-phosphate-phosphocreatine) energy system of the body. The body has various energy systems available to it to power activity and processes. Systems such as the aerobic and anaerobic energy systems involve the creation of energy from synthesis of carbohydrate and fat stores and fuel sources, although these are more complex processes that are efficient but slow. The ATP-PC energy system is an immediate source of energy for muscle tissue - any sudden, explosive activity where muscles contract fast will initially rely on the ATP-PC system. This includes weight lifting, sprinting etc.

During the ATP energy cycle ATP is broken down very rapidly into simpler chemical compounds offering a burst of energy. Unfortunately this system is depleted very rapidly with maximum exertion activity depleting current stores within 10 to 15 seconds. Once this system is exhausted the body must move onto the more complex process of anaerobic activity.

Creatine binds with the reduced ADP (adenosine di-phosphate) using phosphorus stores which helps regenerate ADP back into ATP (adenosine tri-phosphate). This means a very rapid return of fast action energy source for muscles. You can immediately push more weight for longer, sprint harder without burning out etc.

This is the central role played by creatine. By increasing supplemental creatine levels users will often find they can perform more reps at maximum exertion or sprint longer without switching over to the anaerobic system. It also means faster recovery of ATP levels, meaning shorter rests are needed between maximum exertion efforts.

Other Athletic benefits of Creatine

There are noted benefits from using creatine other than the direct replenishment of ATP.

*Cell Volumization - When larger than normal levels of creatine saturate the muscles from supplementation, this draws fluid into the actual muscle cells themselves, creating a 'super-hydration' effect. This is not to be confused with the term 'fluid retention' which is the bloat caused by water retained under the skin. In the creatine scenario fluid actually swells the cells of muscles. This accounts for much of the initial weight and muscle size gains found with creatine use. This weight gain generally occurs within the first 7 to 14 days of supplementing with higher levels of creatine. If supplemental creatine is withdrawn, this 'super-Volumization' slowly erodes until muscles return to their normal hydration state.

*Enhanced Protein Synthesis - There are numerous studies which now suggest creatine also helps increase the nitrogen retention and protein synthesis of muscle metabolism. This essentially means that higher protein ingestion will lead to faster muscle growth development and improve retention of lean muscle tissue. This benefit is likely a combination of the ATP-replenishment and Cell volumising properties.

Other Benefits of Creatine supplementation

More recent medical studies have shown that creatine supplementation may have other, non-athletic benefits. Creatine is now used in those with both muscle wasting and neuro-degenerative diseases, showing major benefits in retaining muscle and protecting nerves and nerve signalling pathways. This has led to numerous studies on the effect of creatine supplementation on preventing cognitive dysfunction in conditions such as Alzheimer's and Dementia, as well as nerve related conditions.

Creatine supplementation is currently undergoing trials as a 'cognitive nutracuetical' or 'smart drug' - which may enhance brain function, improving memory, co-ordination, focus and mental alertness. Many athletes have noted these effects but strict medical studies are required to understand these anecdotes.

Creatine Forms

Creatine supplements come in a wide variety of forms.

*Creatine Monohydrate - This simple form of creatine bound to a single water molecule is the most common and widely available form of creatine. It is usually found as a simple white powder which may be mixed with protein shakes, beverages or come in specialised loading drinks which utilise fast action carbohydrates and other insulin stimulators to increase uptake of creatine to muscle cells. This is the most economical form of creatine and the most widely used, however around 1 in 7 users will be a poor responder to creatine monohydrate and see little ability to uptake it, often resulting in digestive distress, bloating and no increase in strength or energy levels. Creatine Monohydrate may also be found in 'Micronized' form. This simply means the powder is reduced in granularity making it easier to dissolve in water or other liquids.

*Creatine-Ethyl-Ester - Creatine bound to an ethyl ester group as opposed to a water molecule as with Monohydrate Creatine. Ethyl Ester groups are designed to allow more creatine to pass into muscle tissue without wastage and without the need to ingest higher and higher doses for low responders. Users of Creatine-Ethyl-Ester generally find less digestive problems than creatine monohydrate and it may work well for non responders. Ethyl-Ester creatine is more often found in tablet or capsule format as opposed to drink mix powders.

*Kre-Alkalyn Creatine - Kre-Alkalyn Creatine is a patented form of creatine which claims to offer a better pH balance for creatine. This means the product will be more stable in liquids and larger amounts will reach skeletal muscle intact and not break down into the by-product creatinine. Kre-Alkalyn creatine can therefore be used in much lower doses than regular creatine monohydrate, perhaps as little as 2 grams of Kre-Alkalyn offering the same benefits of 10 grams of ingested Creatine Monohydrate. The patented nature of Kre-Alkalyn however does make it far more expensive to use than regular creatine.

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Azotemia - What is This Medical Condition?

Azotemia is a medical condition in which there are abnormal levels of some things in the patient's blood. These may include: urea, creatinine, and other nitrogen-containing compounds. This article discusses some of the general information related to the condition, including classifications, symptoms, and medical causes. This article does not attempt to tie the symptoms and underlying causes to any one particular classification, or say that the symptoms or causes are always linked to azotemia. Please look for qualified medical assistance on matters needing such advice.

For classifications, two major ones are prerenal and postrenal. In the prerenal form, a decreased cardiac output leads to insufficient blood supply to the kidneys. In the postrenal classification, the urine flow is blocked below the kidneys.

Some of the symptoms include items such as: confusion, dry mouth, fatigue, orthostatic hypotension, thirst, and more. One other such symptom is tachycardia, or a rapid pulse, which can be a serious issue. When the heart rate is elevated past the normal range, the heart is doing more work and needing more oxygen. Issues such as a heart attack or angina have the potential to follow as complications.

Some potential underlying medical causes of azotemia include these issues: blood volume loss, burns, dehydration, bloodstream fluid loss, kidney trauma, cancer, some congenital disorders, and inflammation of the kidneys. Additionally, kidney stones can be a problem that leads to this condition. Also known as renal calculi or nephrolithiasis, these stones occur from in the kidneys dissolved urinary minerals. Smaller ones can pass without leading to any symptoms or issues, however, larger ones can become stuck.

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Liquid Protein For Special Medical Needs

The term "protein supplement" has always been synonymous with body-building and Olympic athletics but it is just as appropriate in the treatment of illness and disease.

How do you define illness in an age where almost everyone has an allergy or a sensitivity to foods or environmental factors? Extreme illnesses such as cancer or renal failure are obvious to the layman and to the average doctor. However the early stages of disease, literally uneasiness, may only show as sleeplessness, depression, lack of appetite, loss of memory, low libido or lack of energy. This is the puzzle with which the medical profession is often faced and a patient is more likely to be prescribed anti-depressants rather than the dietary advice they deserve.

The simple truth is that many of us eat a poor diet, suffering the consequences not realizing that the basic building block in our recovery from our sometimes self-inflicted uneasiness is nothing more startling than protein. Many of the symptoms mentioned above could be the early stages of Hypoglycemia, a condition that diabetics will recognize as their nemesis. Protein along with starchy foods, fruit, vegetables and dairy products has an important role to play in stabilizing the body's mechanisms to avoid or prevent such symptoms.

Studies have shown that Fibromyalgia patients, who suffer from muscular pain even if they have not been working out, almost always have a faulty digestive system that cannot properly break down proteins. This has a domino effect on the systems of the body, allowing infections and imbalances to occur.

A common post-operative condition, especially amongst the elderly, is protein calorie malnutrition (PCM). As many as half of all elderly hospitalized patients show signs of undernourishment and PCM is a major cause of fatality in the hospital environment. The elderly are notorious for their fussy eating habits which can be exacerbated by a stay in hospital.

Severe burns cause the body to trigger rapid muscle protein breakdown automatically, a process called catabolism, and it can be difficult to maintain what is called lean body mass (LBM). Our LBM is our total tissue mass (organs and muscles) without storage fat. Higher than normal protein intake for severe burns patients is therefore critical but the correct balance is vital as over-dosing on protein can cause a build-up of urea and ammonia which can, in turn, cause nausea and vomiting. This will obviously reverse any benefit the additional protein might bring, so it is essential that the patient and the carers have a method of assessing protein input accurately.

Malnutrition and cancer often go hand in hand and almost a quarter of cancer patients can be classified as anorexic. To be clear, anorexia is the condition where the patient loses their appetite and as a consequence will shed weight. The anorexia leads to a condition called cachexia where muscle mass is lost and the resulting progressive weakness can cause premature death. There have been some encouraging results from nutrition therapy with these patients where muscle building protein has improved their condition.

Renal Failure, a condition where toxins build up in the patient's body and the kidneys fail to function properly, occurs mainly amongst the elderly unfortunate enough to be hospitalized. Recovery from this condition demands that the blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level and serum creatinine level are normalized. Urea and creatinine are both by-products of protein breakdown so this can be partially achieved by careful monitoring of protein intake.

Dementia patients suffer from a number of problems when it comes to protein intake. Firstly, as their condition progresses and they become depressed their appetite may reduce and it is also believed that their taste and smell senses are distorted by misfiring nerve pathways in their brains. They can also find difficulty in using a knife and fork, chewing and swallowing. Failure to recognize that the food in front of them can relieve their hunger will almost inevitably mean they will not eat a whole meal portion. The result of all of this is that it can become difficult to assess whether a dementia patient has had an appropriate intake of protein to maintain their body in a healthy state.

Protein, in the correct form, is unarguably a cornerstone of health maintenance and recovery from illness but the complication for us all is the measurement of protein intake. Protein supplements have been available for many years and generally take the form of powders that are whisked up into the equivalent of a milkshake. A half-pint or pint of shake is fine for those with a healthy thirst and the constitution to swig it back but for the feeble, the weak and the old this can be just as daunting as steak and fries with a side order of onions. The answer seems so simple we wonder why no-one has thought of it before.

The protein complex used in the capsules is Actinase, billed as a natural, hypoallergenic, enzymatically-hydrolyzed formula. It contains all the essential amino acids and 100% heat-stable, short-chain peptide proteins making it more easily processed by flawed digestive systems. Because it is such a concentrated formula and has a neutral taste and smell it should be easier for those with poor appetites to consume significant quantities of protein in line with their needs without feeling that they are being force-fed.

Many of us have digestive systems that we have maltreated for many years, throwing inappropriate "food" like alcohol, chocolate, salt and junk food into ourselves, not realizing that we have damaged our ability to properly break down proteins. The result of this is that the cell-building qualities of our food do not reach the parts of our bodies that need them.

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Lupus Nephritis - A Potentially Life Threatening Symptom Of Lupus Disease

Lupus nephritis (also known as lupus glomerulonephritis) is the medical term given to a form of kidney disease caused by systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Nephritis causes protein to leak from the kidneys which is then removed from the body through urine.

When lupus nephritis is present, inflammation occurs in the kidneys and a person may experience any or all of the following symptoms:

Weight gain
High blood pressure
Foamy urine
Swelling (edema) around the feet, ankles, and legs
Fluid retention

This form of kidney disease is found in approximately 1/3 of lupus patients. Many times it is not associated with pain in the abdomen or back and may go unnoticed for long periods of time.

The first sign of lupus nephritis is often weight gain and swelling which is the result of fluid retention caused by the loss of protein in the urine. Nephritis is a potentially dangerous symptom of lupus disease because if not treated, it can lead to kidney failure.

Urinalysis is the most common way to test for lupus nephritis and is generally conducted over a 24 hour period to test if the kidneys are functioning properly. Urinalysis looks for proteins and blood cells that are not normally found in urine. If these proteins and blood cells are found in a urine sample, then it indicates kidney damage.

Blood tests can also be performed to see if the kidney is properly removing wastes from the body. These include the blood urea nitrogen (BUN) study and the serum creatinine study. Other tests like the serum albumin study and the serum sodium study can be used to test for lower blood protein levels and salt/water imbalances, respectively.

If the above tests suggest lupus nephritis is present, a kidney biopsy may be performed to confirm the diagnosis and to measure the extent of kidney damage. Treatment of lupus nephritis is done on an individual basis and may include any of the following:

Diuretic agents to reduce excess fluid
Anti-hypertensive drugs to control high blood pressure
Anticoagulation drugs to prevent complications from blood clots
Dietary changes to control salt, water, and protein balances
Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation
Immunosuppressive drugs to reduce the activity of the immune system

In severe cases, treatment may fail and dialysis or a kidney transplant may be required. However, new advancements in the treatment of lupus nephritis have greatly increased a patient's odds of living a normal life span.

Monday, October 10, 2011

Diabetic Coma

What is a diabetic coma?

This is an acute medical emergency, life-threatening event that occurs in people with diabetes mellitus.

What causes a diabetic coma to occur?
1) that the diabetes is diagnosed
2) the lack of insulin as prescribed
3) treatment is not appropriate
4) infection
5) Surgery
6) trauma
7) the tension

What happens to a diabetic coma?

Not enough insulin to metabolize glucose to fat is used to produce energy.When these fats are broken down it causes ketone waste to build up causing metabolic acidosis. The body attempts to react to counteract the state of acidosis. What happens is that the alkali reserve is depleted causing water, potassium and sodium chloride to be lost. The respiratory rate increases, in a process called kussmaul breathing, as the body attempts to blow off excess carbon dioxide that will eventually cause hypoxia. Urinary excretion is also increased leading to dehydration.

What are the warning signs and symptoms of a diabetic coma?
1) headache that is dull
2) fatigue
3) thirst
4) nausea/vomiting
5) epigastric pain
6) facial flushing
7) lips are parched
8) eyes sunken
9) increased body temp to begin with then decreased
10) drop in systolic blood pressure
11) circulatory collapse

The treatment for a diabetic coma includes the immediate administration of short-acting insulin and replacing electrolytes and fluids to counteract the acidosis and dehydration.

There are five types of diabetic coma a person with diabetes must be aware of

1. Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA; Diabetic Coma)

Diabetic Ketoacidosis occurs when there is a severe increase in blood sugar associated with poorly controlled diabetes. As a result there is an increase in the metabolism of fat and protein for energy sources. When fats are metabolized this results in the production of fatty acids that are converted into ketone bodies. An increase in the number of circulating ketone bodies leads to acidosis. This occurs mainly with type 1 diabetics. The onset can be rapid or over several days. This can be caused from stress, surgery, infection, or lack of insulin control.

With DKA (diabetic ketoacidosis) there is severe hyperglycemia 300 to 1500 mg/dl. DKA is often caused due to infection, emotional stress, fever, increased food intake, pregnancy or inadequate insulin dose. Hyperkalemia (increased potassium), metabolic acidosis, weakness, thirst, urine ketones and sugar are increased, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fruity breath, kussmaul respirations, abdominal pain, level of consciousness decreases, confusion increasing to coma, skin will be warm dry and flushed. Kussmaul respirations are very deep respirations that occur as the body attempts to blow off carbon dioxide.

Heart rate will be increased. Urine output is increased. Due to the dehydration there will be an increased body temp, polyuria, polydispia, weight loss, dry skin, sunken eyes. Large amounts of ketones will be in urine and serum Ph will be below 7.25 (acidotic). Hematocrit will be high due to dehydration. BUN and creatinine will be elevated due to dehydration. DKA occurs in all age groups with primarily type 1 diabetes but can occur with severe distress with type 2 diabetics. If left untreated DKA leads to coma and death.

2. HHNC - Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemia Non Ketotic Coma

This is a condition where there is enough insulin produced to prevent the breakdown of fat but severe hyperglycemia occurs. HHNC can be caused by infection, diarrhea, vomiting, failure to comply with dietary and medication regimen, stress, prolonged exposure to drugs that induce hyperglycemia such as steroids or poor fluid intake. In the absence of the acidotic state there is a severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. With HHNC hyperglycemia ranges from 700 to 2000 mg/100dL. This is seen mostly with geriatric type 2 diabetics. Because the body is able to maintain a very low level of insulin production this keeps the fat from being broken down resulting in ketone bodies and acidosis.

What does happen is osmotic diuresis because of the hyperglycemia causing the patient to become dehydrated quickly. HHNC will present with skin that is warm and flushed, lethargy, decreased LOC ( Level of Consciousness), weakness, thirst, increased body temp due dehydration, hematocrit will be high due to dehydration, increased heart rate, hypertension ( increased blood pressure), hyperglycemia, increased urine output, and glycosuria. BUN (Blood, Urea, Nitrogen) and creatinine levels will be increased. HHNC occurs often in elderly people that are undiagnosed type 2 diabetics. Elderly are also at a greater risk for dehydration due to their altered thirst perception.

As the patient becomes acidotic potassium moves out of the cell leaving the cell depleted of potassium, serum potassium remains normal due to the excessive excretion. With the hyperglycemia/hyperosmolar state osmotic diuresis is the result causing the serum potassium to be excreted. With dehydration the serum potassium becomes concentrated and does not show the loss of cellular potassium. When the acidosis and osmolarity are corrected and insulin is given the potassium will shift back into the cells causing hypokalemia (decreased potassium) to occur.

3. Exogenously induced hypoglycemia (insulin coma)

This occurs when the blood glucose level falls below 60 mg/dl. This can be a side effect of insulin therapy or hypoglycemic medications taken by mouth. It can occur when a meal is skipped, diabetic patient takes too much insulin, vomits a meal, or is over exercising. The signs and symptoms that are seen are a result of the sympathetic nervous system being stimulated or due to the reduced supply of glucose to the brain. What will be felt by the patient is muscle weakness, diplopia, feeling faint, tingling and numbness of the fingers lips and tongue. What will we be able to see? Diaphoresis, shaking, increased heat rate, and confusion. The patient should be given glucose orally if alert. Glucagon may be given intravenously to stimulate glycogenolysis. Patient maybe given 50% dextrose via IV if necessary.

4. Endogenously induced Hypoglycemia (Reactive Hypoglycemia)

Blood glucose falls below 60 mg/dl. This is caused by an overproduction of insulin or an insulin-like substance. This maybe caused by a tumor with the ability to produce insulin, or an autoimmune disease. This can be brought on by the under production of glucose due the hormonal deficiency including ACTH, glucagon and catecholamine's. This can be the result of liver disease or brought on by drugs such as alcohol, propranolol and salicylate's.

Depending on the cause the patient may need surgery to remove the insulin producing tumor, diazoxide therapy to suppress insulin production or hormone replacement to correct deficiencies. Patient should discontinue drugs that cause hypoglycemia. If possible correction of liver disease will also mitigate this condition. Patients should eat a low carbohydrate diet with high protein and avoid simple sugars and fasting.

5. Reactive (functional) Hypoglycemia

Reactive Hypoglycemia is due to rapid gastric emptying and often occurs after gastric surgery. This rapid gastric emptying stimulates the production of excessive amounts of insulin resulting in a low blood sugar. The patient will feel anxious, irritable, weak, fatigued. You will be able to observe hypoglycemia, pallor, and diaphoresis. Rapidly absorbed sugars should be avoided. Frequent meals are helpful. Patients who experience reactive hypoglycemia should increase protein, complex carbohydrates and fiber due to their ability to slow gastric emptying and slow glucose absorption.

A diabetic coma is a life threatening condition that needs to be dealt with quickly. Knowing the signs and symptoms is the first step to preventing this deadly occurrence.

Sunday, October 9, 2011

Common laboratory blood

When a health care provider or your doctor requests that you get the lab work blood, generally refers to commonly requested blood tests. Some of the most common types of blood tests, according to the National Heart Lung and Blood, is a complete blood count complete blood count, blood chemistry, blood enzymes, and blood tests to diagnose heart disease risk.

Often included in routine health checks, theCBC helps your doctor identify problems and blood disorders. The test measures the blood s CBC WBC (white blood cells), red blood cells (RBC) count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean hemoglobin corpuscular ( MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and platelet count and volume. Among the various diseases and health problems that this test detects immune system disorders include, problems with blood clotting, presence of infection and anemia.

The test is a blood chemistry panel. There is a complete metabolic panel (CMP) and basic metabolic panel (BMP). The complete metabolic panel usually consists of 14 types of tests, while the panel is normally 8 basic metabolic types. BMP controls various chemicals in the blood as blood glucose, calcium, electrolytes (sodium, potassium, CO2 or bicarbonate, chloride), BUN (blood> BUN) and creatinine. In CMP, proteins (albumin and total) and liver function tests (alkaline phosphatase or alkaline, alanine aminotransferase or ALT, aspartate aminotransferase, bilirubin) are also included. These tests provide the physician with various information about the status of your blood glucose, electrolytes, kidney and acid / base.

Enzymes help regulate chemical processes in the body. Enzymes as some enzymesdetermine whether the body systems are working well. There are several types of enzyme tests, but the tests cover the most common that can help diagnose a heart attack, kidney and liver disorders.

A lipoprotein panel is used to diagnose the risk of heart disease and coronary atherosclerosis. This test measures total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL) and high density lipoprotein (HDL).

Saturday, October 8, 2011

Addison's Disease in Dogs - Causes, Diagnosis and Treatments

Addison's disease in dogs occurs due to the reduced secretion of corticosteroid by the adrenal gland and is also called as hypoadrenocorticism. This disease is hard to detect in its early stages but once diagnosed it can be treated successfully.

Causes

The adrenal gland secretes a number of substances that are needed to regulate the normal functions of the body of which glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids are very important. The glucocorticoids like cortisol influence the balance of fat, sugar and protein metabolism and the mineralocorticoids like aldosterone regulate the electrolytes in the body like sodium and potassium, especially during stressful situations. Symptoms of Addison's disease appear when these hormones are not secreted in adequate amounts by the adrenal glands.

The failure of adrenal glands can be caused due to the destruction of the glands itself by the body or due to some infection in the glands. Other causes for Addison's disease include inadequate secretion of ACTH by the pituitary glands which stimulates the adrenal glands and the failure of hypothalamus to secrete CRH that controls the adrenal glands.

Symptoms

Though Addison's is predominantly a disease found in female dogs it can develop in dogs of either sex at any age. It is also not partial to any particular breed. Symptoms of this disease are quite vague and most often dogs exhibit these symptoms for a prolonged time before being diagnosed. Common symptoms include decreased heart rate, hypothermia, muscle weakness, lethargy, vomiting and anorexia. The symptoms might come and go which further complicates and delays the diagnosis. In some extreme cases the dog might collapse in shock due to electrolyte and metabolism imbalance when under stress. This condition called 'Addisonian Crisis' can be fatal without immediate treatment.

Diagnosis

Confirmation of Addison's disease in dogs is done through a blood test called ACTH stimulation test. However, since this disease is not that common and because of its many and vague symptoms the ACTH test is most often done only after other tests for more common diseases are performed to rule them out.

In case a pet is taken to a hospital in a state of shock due to electrolyte imbalance then it first receives treatment for a presumptive diagnosis and only after it recovers the ACTH stimulation test to confirm Addison's disease is done.

In case the animal exhibits one or all of the symptoms, blood count and a chemistry profile will be probably recommended first. If the tests reveal the presence of chronic anemia, elevated blood urea nitrogen or creatinine then the ACTH test is performed to confirm Addison's disease.

For a normal dog the ACTH test results will show increased levels of blood cortisol. But, if the dog has the Addison's disease then the results will not show any increase in the blood cortisol levels which confirms the presence of the disease.

Treatment

Prognosis for Addison's disease in dogs is excellent and once diagnosed treatment for Addison's disease is quite simple. Typically, treatment involves drugs like Florinef (fludrocortisones) to replace the glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids in the body. Advanced treatments involve drugs like DOCP which needs to be injected only once every 25 days. Intense tests have shown that DOCP regulates the electrolytes better than Florinef which usually has to be given two times a day.