Body Building Tips for Life

By Robert Johnson

Body building is a phrase that conjures a thousand pictures in people minds, but what exactly is it? Normally this is done for the purpose of competition or for vanity. Body building is a systematic way to develop a wonderful physique through the use of proper nutrition and exercise program that can sculpt strong, solid muscles. You can almost instantly notice the impressive muscular tone and the fitness level of those professional and amateur bodybuilders. While bodybuilding certainly offer some very attractive benefits, how do you ensure that all standards will be met and what could be the best way to achieve it? To begin the discussion on this interesting topic, you would need to realize that there are two parts to an effective body building program, exercise and proper nutrition.

Let's start by taking a closer look at the first element, weight lifting. You need physical endurance and strength to undergo a rigorous weight lifting session, which normally includes the use of machines and equipments. Weight lifting is often linked to sporting events, but there are plenty of non-athletes who perform weight lifting routines for aesthetic purposes. There are tremendous benefits of weight lifting for the entire body, plus it is also useful in assisting the body to recover from a serious injury. Due to its miraculous health benefits, it is a good idea to incorporate it into a health and recuperation program.

The next element of a successful body building program is the use of proper diet. Ideally the suggested best ratio of protein, carbohydrate and fat would be 2:2:1. Carbohydrates are the main sources of energy for your body. Remember to include foods that are rich in carbohydrates such as brown rice, sweet potato and oatmeal. Include a healthy portion of dietary fiber for that healthy digestive system.

Your body needs ample supply of water to avoid any damage to the existing muscles. Start a healthy habit by drinking plenty of water just before you embark in a vigorous routine at the gym and pamper yourself by indulging in more refreshing water after a tiring session. You can even drink between exercises!

The training instructor can show you how to perform weight lifting and what you need to do to stimulate the proper body parts when performing vigorous routine in the gym. - 17268

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Does Ab Equipment Really Tone Your Abs?

By Frank Powell

Sit up machines and all their variations have recently become very popular. This leaves people asking themselves one question. Can I really get a six pack from a sit up machine? If you've ever watched any late night television, you've probably seen a number of fitness equipment infomercials. These will make all sorts of promises to flatten your stomach and help you get great abs in mere weeks. Most people tend to assume that these ads are too good to be true, but often times this is not the case. Sit up machines are actually a fantastic way to help you get those toned abs you have been striving for. However, always keep in mind, that you will still need to exert a significant amount of effort to make these machines work for you and to see the results you want.

Getting that awesome six pack is no piece of cake. It will not happen overnight just by taking a few medicines and waiting for a miracle to take place. You need to work real hard and maintain the required diet. The machine is just a device that will help you reach your goal and it will only be useful if you make sure that it will be well used.

The abdomen is one of the most difficult areas to develop, and you must apply consistent work over an extended period of time. Because of the difficulty and constant effort of toning this area, many individuals give up before any breakthrough occurs. Even a sit up machine that targets its work deep in the ab muscles, requires daily repetition to achieve results. Hard work, followed by a period of laziness, is wasted.

Often, people are so focused on using sit up machines to improve their abs, that they neglect other areas of their life in which they can make health improvements. A lot of the time people do not pay enough attention to what kind of foods they are eating, which has a huge effect on your fitness. You can build up a lot of strength in your core and abdominal muscles, but if you've got a layer of fat covering your stomach, those muscles will not show.

If you have a thick layer of fat sitting right on top of your belly, the first thing you need to do is lose it. If you do not get rid of that fat, your tight abs will never be visible. The machine is mainly meant to increase the power of the abdominal muscles and to make them look good, but you could begin by using it in order to burn out excess fat.

You can accomplish this by faithfully adhering to a healthy diet that contains all the necessary vitamins and nutrients and also increases your metabolism. This will involve having 5-7 smaller meals each day, allowing your body to have continual energy for burning calories. You need to focus on low-fat, protein-rich foods, avoiding processed foods as much as possible. Cardiovascular aerobics may be necessary in addition to the healthy diet if you are carrying an excess of fat in your midsection.

The best way to get the six pack you've always dreamed of is to combine diet and aerobics with dedicated and consistent sit up machine use. It is doable as long as you are willing to put in enough time and effort. The act of simply buying a sit up machine will not magically get you six pack abs, you need to do the necessary work. Discipline and determination are two of the most vital factors when trying to improve and gain six pack abs. - 17268

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Is using a sit up equipment the best way to strengthen your abs? Learn why one sit up equipment works better than others.

Sleep Apnea and Gaining Weight

By Dr. Jason Fowler

Is lack of sleep thwarting your best weight loss efforts? There is much evidence to suggest that a lack of sleep goes hand-in-hand with weight gain. But first, it is important to address why you arent sleeping well. Is your stress level or caffeine intake to blame? Or is your sleeplessness due to a common but very serious condition called sleep apnea? Sleep apnea can affect weight loss, hunger and hormone activity in a number of ways, thwarting your best efforts to maintain a healthy weight.

Simply put, sleep apnea happens when breathing is obstructed or ceases altogether while sleeping. Symptoms of the condition range from light snoring to waking up several times during the night, gasping for air. The most common form of sleep apnea " obstructive sleep apnea " affects approximately six percent of the population. But this number is expected to rise along with the increasing rate of obesity, because obesity is a chief cause of obstructive sleep apnea.

To make matters worse, those who are already overweight may gain weight more easily if they arent getting adequate sleep, fueling a vicious cycle. Several theories attempt to explain why a lack of sleep may encourage us to pack on the pounds. Some say that a sleep-deprived person simply doesnt have the energy to be active during the day. Theyre too tired to get to the gym or even take the stairs, burning far fewer calories than a well-rested individual would. Others believe the sleep-deprived attempt to make up for a lack of energy by consuming a greater number of calories. Additional evidence surrounding sleep deprivation and weight gain suggests the problem may be hormonal.

Hormone function is largely responsible for the way in which fat cells respond to the food we eat. Cortisol is a hormone that is usually released in response to emotional and physical stress. When we dont get enough sleep, cortisol is released at an increased rate, making us feel hungry even if weve eaten enough.

And just because sleep apnea is most common among adults, do not assume that children are exempt from the problem. Its no secret that the number of obese children is rising steadily; and its no stretch to imagine that some of these children will develop sleep apnea.

If youre having trouble sleeping on a regular basis, you may be suffering from sleep apnea. Otherwise, a few simple tips and tricks just might help get you back on a regular sleep schedule. If you are already obese and suffering from sleep apnea, your chiropractor can discuss a sensible dieting plan with you, helping you return to a healthy weight and enjoy more restful, unobstructed sleep. And of course, never underestimate the importance of exercise. Exercising three to four times per week is crucial for restful sleep. Getting your workout in long before bedtime is helpful, leaving ample time for your heart rate and hormone levels to return to a resting state. Make sure your room is dark and the temperature of the room will remain comfortable throughout the night. If youre one of those people trying to squeeze extra tasks and activities into your day, leave more for tomorrow and get some sleep. Adequate sleep will increase your productivity during waking hours. - 17268

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For more information on health and nutrition feel free to contact Dr. FowlerDr. Fowler at www.lakestlouisdc.comwww.lakestouisdc.com

Eating Disorder Symptoms Checklist

By Jennifer Pereira, RD, LD, CSCS

There is a quick screening tool that can give you an idea if you or someone you know may be suffering from an eating disorder. While eating disorder symptoms are vast, these questions will indicate if there is a problem.

Do you ever want to get rid of your food because you feel too full?

This question indicates bulimic characteristics. There are many versions of bulimic behavior, so do not assume it involves vomiting. If a person feels they have gotten too full, they may try a variety of techniques to purge it. This includes, but is not limited to: restriction, laxatives, overexercise, etc.

Do you ever feel as though you have no control over the amount you eat?

The most common indicator of an eating disorder is feeling out of control with food. This feeling is common in compulsive overeating, binge eating disorder and bulimia. If you or someone you know feels this way, you need to get help.

Have you recently lost more than 15 pounds in a three-month period?

Rapid weight loss is characteristic of anorexia. Excessive weight loss can come from any starting weight. You may find someone engaging in these behaviors who is not actually underweight by medical standards. A person may appear healthy if they start from a weight about ideal body weight range. A person who has had rapid weight loss like this needs to get treatment, regardless of their current weight.

Is there a big difference in how others see your weight versus how you see it?

If there is a big difference between how you see yourself and others see you, there is a problem. The inability to see yourself accurately is called body dysmorphic disorder. This disorder is commonly linked with eating disorders and requires professional treatment.

Is your life dominated by a focus on food?

This is an issue that people with all types of eating disorders will have. A person who is trapped in an eating disorder will be constantly focused on food and body. Life loses all enjoyment when the thoughts are only about what foods they should and shouldn't eat. A person cannot fully experience life when they are trapped in their own thoughts about food.

If you answer yes to two or more of the above questions, chances are you may be struggling with an eating disorder. It is critical to seek help for eating disorder behavior. While some people are able to overcome the behaviors on their own, the true underlying issues must be addressed. If you or someone you know is struggling with any of the above issues, please seek help immediately. - 17268

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Jennifer Pereira, RD, LD, CSCS specializes in the treatment of eating disorders. You can learn more about eating disorders by visiting her website.

4 Caloric Restriction Mistakes When Losing Flabby Arms

By Katherine Crawford M.S.

Being in a slightly negative caloric balance is critical for losing arm fat. If you really want to get rid of those flabby arms, you are going to have to eat less calories.

Now don't get all bent out of shape. You see, by paying attention to what foods you are eating, you can eat more food while eating less calories.

Now some women go about restricting calories the bad way. And if you do this, losing arm fat will seem like a nightmare.

Thus, here are 4 caloric restriction mistakes that you shouldn't do when losing flabby arms:

1. Increasing physical activity without optimizing nutrition. Even if you're a professional competitor, you should still clean up your nutrition. Simply burning more calories through activity without paying attention to diet is not optimal or healthy. You can get far better results by combining activity and diet.

2. Visually estimating caloric restrictions. It's impossible to gauge how many calories are in the food you're eating by simply winging it. If all you're doing is putting less on your plate, then you're in for a very long ride.

3. Weighing everything. Do this and you'll feel like a robot. Weighing all your food will make you quest to get toned arms seem like a never ending nightmare. Seriously. It can also lead to some serious eating disorders.

4. Overdoing it with energy pills. Energy pills have their place in very few situations. If you use them to continually suppress your appetite, you'll end up bingeing. Their stimulatory effect will last so long, and then you'll have an uncontrollable urge to eat everything. Trust me.

Reducing calories to get rid of flabby arms doesn't have to be hard. If you do it the wrong way, you are much more likely to rebound. And rebounds are not fun because they are so demoralizing. We've all been there and done that. So make sure to follow my tips! - 17268

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Fitness writer Katherine Crawford MS, a Harvard exercise expert and recent flabby arms victim, instructs women on how to lose arm fat very fast. Learn how to get sexy arms by exploring her website about flabby arms now!

9 Mindsets for Permanent Weight Loss

By Curt Joel

The biggest problem with fast weight loss is that if you lose it fast, it will come back fast. Dieting slows metabolism, among other things. Therefore, to lose weight and keep it off forever, it is important that you keep some things in mind. First of all, realize that permanent weight loss requires a permanent shift in your attitudes, habits, and lifestyle. The best place to start with some small changes. The first change? Reduce your fat intake. If you just consume 500 fewer calories everyday you will reduce your body weight by 1 pounds in 1-week. One pound of fat is 3,500 calories (7 days X 500 calories per day = 3,500 calories = 1 pound of fat).

1. Here is a great place to start. Eggs. If you normally eat the entire egg, you are choosing to triple the number of calories you are ingesting. A simple fix is to eat only the egg white of the egg. This is a great way to get high quality protein without unnecessary counterproductive egg yolks.

2. Or look at the percentage of fat you get when you eat that snack cake or cookie. Why do you like the taste of butter or margarine on your foods, or do you have the idea that skim milk tastes like cloudy water? Well, that could be your biggest problem. If you're over weight, you most likely got that way because of consistent, tiny daily actions. It was your life-style that did it to you. And part of your lifestyle is the foods you currently enjoy eating.

3. It is not that hard to learn to enjoy new types of food. Just realize that it's part of the process of body transformation. It's a necessary process. Also realize this, if you do make the change, your transformation will become inevitable. If you don't make the change - nothing changes. Easy choice, right?

3. To get rid of excess body fat - permanently - you'll have to change how you think about food. If you think that you need to eat certain foods, the foods that got you to be overweight, for example, that is going to be a problem. Make the commitment to changing those small habits that overtime will add up to a big change in your life. Here is a simple one: stop using butter to flavor your bread. All butters. Just stop cold turkey. This will save you 100 calories every time you say no.

4. Now consider cheese and nuts. These foods, popular as snacks and condiments, provide huge fat-calorie load. Many health advocates recommend both nuts and cheese as "health" foods. Unfortunately, if fat loss is your goal, the high fat content of nearly all cheese, even those that advertise themselves as part-skim, makes cheese an unwise choice for most people who are interested in ridding their bodies of excess fat.

Most cheese gets an abundance, more than 75% of total calories from fat. They are far NOT "health" foods. They can be eaten in small doses as part of a healthy diet; but remember the very high saturated fat content and total fat content. High fat foods are easily stored in the body. Stay away from them.

6. Portion size should also be a consideration. The amount of fat you eat every day is cumulative. So, if you eat small portions of foods containing fat all day, although the fat count could be low, the total fat consumed adds to your daily total calorie consumption total. - 17268

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How Can Practicing Martial Arts Help Me Prevent Bruising?

By Carolyn Cooper

Once you decide to improve your physical condition so as to feel confident and in control, you will in all likelihood be considering a some form of martial arts. Whatever kind of school or style that you choose to pursue, you will discover that as a side effect of martial arts you may somewhat offset your being prone to bruise easily, at least to some limited extent. The practice of martial arts itself may add a some more bruising, but if you choose certain forms of martial arts, you might not be subject to any extra bruising. Research the choices of styles that are available.

Initially you should realize that practicing martial arts can help you reduce bruising generally. As an example, most styles of martial arts will deliver an aerobic workout; as your cardiovascular system improves, blood vessels will begin to become stronger, and thus less likely to rupture allowing blood to make its way to the skin surface, creating bruises.

Martial arts will also provide positive results in increasing your metabolism, and it's unlikely that you can avoid breaking a sweat. If you speed up your metabolism, you will be helping your body to heal itself much more rapidly. Sweating causes you to relieve your system of certain impurities, which otherwise ties up your immune system for this work. This healthful combination contributes to your bruises healing more efficiently.

You will learn how to properly fall in your martial arts classes. Many schools use their first lessons to teach you how to fall without pain, injury, or bruising.

Do keep in mind, however, that when it comes to martial arts, you are also going to have to worry about getting new bruises as well. This will not be something that is true across the board; there are many different disciplines out there that will tell you all about how to best go about enjoying physical and mental health, and some of these schools do not involve physical contact at all.

The styles to be wary of are any martial arts styles that concentrate on combat tournaments, where the combat is the central focus. Even though some schools don't necessarily focus on tournament preparation, you should know that there are certain disciplines that are based on full contact. The Korean martial art, Tae Kwon Do, with its emphasis on kicks and striking falls under this proposal, as does Jujitsu, which is a Japanese style based on grappling.

However, Tai Chi is also considered a martial art, and you will find that if you look for Tai Chi classes that are more interested in flexibility than combat, you should be fine; many of these classes involve no contact at all. Also depending on the school and the style Aikido can be relatively gentle, as it is all about the redirection of force rather than the absorption of such.

Take some time to consider if martial arts might fit into your plan to help reduce your bruising. Also remember that there is a great daily program built around the unique, all natural supplement Bruises Be Banned which can help overcome your easy bruising and help you prevent bruising altogether. If you are going to take up a high impact sport like the martial arts, you should definitely consider having some of this proven supplement formulation in your bag. - 17268

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Carolyn Cooper is known as a renowned expert on bruise treatment through a combination of her educational experience in nutrition and her real world experience with natural supplements for athletes, ranging from children to the professional ranks. Get a free Special Report on bruising causes and see what she's done to get us beyond the nightmares of easy bruising and prevent bruising

How To Preserve Eye Health In The Modern World

By Candace Hubbs

If you want to maintain good eye health, it is advisable to go about it in a similar way to taking care of your general health. Like the rest of the body, the eyes need good nutrition, exercise and occasional examinations by a physician.

Your eyes will get all the nutrition they need if you ensure yourself a consistently balanced diet. Unfortunately, a balanced diet is not that easy to get today despite the array of produce lining supermarket walls. Much of this food is deficient in nutrients as a result of modern agricultural practices as well as preservation and packaging techniques. Your eyes may not have regular access to adequate supplies of essential nutrients even though you may think that your diet is varied and includes all the right things.

In order to get a proper balanced diet, you will need to consume what many might describe as a power diet. For example, eyesight can be helped with a diet that is rich in omega fatty acids. This does not mean you can rely on a weekly dose of frozen products from the supermarket to do the trick, no matter how beautifully 'OMEGA 3's' is emblazoned on the packet. You need lots of freshwater fish, cooked very lightly, as soon as possible after it was caught. Alternatively, you can take bottled or capsule fish oil. These should be organically sourced and optimally prepared to maintain the volatility of the fatty acids.

Eyes are mainly muscles and like other muscles in the body they need exercise to remain strong and healthy. In the past it was easy for eyes to get as much exercise as they needed. This was because eyes had much more varied work to do and had to work in different conditions. For example, long range viewing was much more necessary when our ancestors had to keep watch for enemies and prey. Also, as bright light of day faded into the depth of night, our eyes had to work accordingly. Today, with artificial lighting and new light sources from TV's and computer monitors, eyes are not expected to work in the same way they did before. Now there must be a concerted effort to include eye exercises daily.

Anyone serious about eye health will include regular visits to an optician as part of their annual schedule. An eye professional will be able to detect developing eye problems and with early treatment, arrest any further decline in sight. - 17268

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The last thing you ever want to get is bad or outdated information about eye health. You'll never have to worry about that again after you vistit this site eye health

Acai Berry for Weight Loss and Total Health

By Patsie Adams

Acai Berry health supplements are still worth a shot, despite all the Acai scams that came out of this wonder food's popularity. Acai Berry does aid weight loss because it is great for detoxifying your system and stimulating circulation.

The Brazilian Acai Berry is also rich in antioxidants and health benefits that counteract aging. So yes, Acai can also help you look younger.

From Oprah to skin doctor to the stars Dr. Perricone, Acai has received good reviews. This is why it is already widely available today. You can now take Acai in many ways - as whole Acai berries, pills, powders or juices.

Your local health food store is likely to have the Acai Berry supplement for you. You can also have it delivered straight to you through many online sellers. Just make sure you get you Acai Berry supplements from a good source!

Acai Berry for weight loss and anti-aging is no lie. Lab tests have already been done on this so-called wonder food. It has been found that the antioxidant-rich Acai is also rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and phytonutrients.

It even has good fats - the omega fats - that can help keep aging skin young and taut. Dermatologist Dr. Perricone explains that this is one of the reasons why Acai berry has anti-inflammatory properties that fight wrinkles and sagging skin.

Your cardiologist would be happy as well. These omega fats also benefit your heart and overall cardiovascular health.

Anecdotal evidence from many Acai users show the supplements also boost immunity. After taking Acai regularly for at least one month, they attest to getting less common illnesses like coughs, colds and flu. Another bonus they say is more energy and less fatigue.

Acai supplements do really aid weight loss and overall health. The operative word here though is AID. Taking the supplement does not mean you can skip exercising or eating right. Any good supplement or wonder food cannot work all by itself... but it can give you much better results when part of a generally healthy lifestyle.

If you are on an exercise program, Acai berry helps by increasing your energy. Coupled with healthy eating, the exercise will definitely do you a lot of good.

Acai Berry supplements should generally be affordable. Make sure you get yours from a trustworthy supplier. Some try to sell highly diluted products that won't give you full benefits. Research. Ask around from people you trust who are already taking it. Read labels!

If your are serious about losing weight and improving your health, the Acai berry is one of the best supplements on the market. Research proves that yes, Acai berry is for good for weight loss and has anti-aging properties. - 17268

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Discover the secrets of losing weight naturally with quick and easy tips from Patsie Adams. Visit Patsie's blog for daily advice on fast easy weight loss, plus motivation to keep you on track.

The Risk Factors for Ischemic Heart Disease

By Barb Hicks

Ischemic heart disease is defined as decreased blood flow to the heart due to narrowed coronary arteries. The obstruction results from cholesterol deposits sticking to the artery wall interrupting the flow of blood to the heart. The deposits harden causing hardening of the arteries. This is called atherosclerosis, which is a medical term sometimes interchanged with arteriosclerosis. Both have the same affect, whereby both impede blood flow to the heart.

High cholesteril and triglyceride levels are what creates the placque buildup or arteriosclerosis. When this occurs, blockage occurs in the blood vessels which are the life giving forces that feed the heart. Once this has occurred, the blockage to the heart will result in heart attack symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath and irregular heart beat. However, if heart disease was already present, the patient will not feel these symptoms as the nerves surronding the heart have already been damaged.

As time passes, plaque deposits narrow the arteries causing inefficient blood flow, which can also lead to the development of a type of Ischemic heart disease called angina. Angina Pectoris, or strangling, is chest pain caused by lack of oxygen to the heart due to poor blood supply. This puts the patient at an extremely high risk for heart attack and cardiac arrhythmia.

People who are at risk for ischemic heart disease most likely have a family history of heart disease, high blood pressure, or diabetes. The risks, in most instances, can be alleviated or eliminated altogether by drastic changes in lifestyle such as losing weight and stopping smoking. While these changes may reduce risks, they do not necessarily cure ischemic heart disease that is already present. If the person has had a previous heart attack, they have an increased risk for having another heart attack within 5 years. Regular visits with your physician to monitor any changes in the patient's condition will alert the physician to any potential problems that may crop up and slow down the rate of disease progression.

The good news about ischemic heart disease is it can be prevented, or at least lessen its severity. The answer is simple but may not be easy to implement. Its not easy to change the way we have been doing things for the past 20 to 30 years, but when you think of the alternative, change can be a good thing. - 17268

About the Author:

Barb Hicks is a licensed registered nurse who loves to share her knowledge with others. She writes for Clivir.com and provides useful resources on Women Heart Disease Symptoms and Dying Stages of Congestive Heart Failure.

Ganoderma Extract's Many Uses

By Dr. Markho Rafael

Revered in the Orient for two millennia as the "Mushroom of Immortality," Ganoderma has been demonstrated to have a therapeutic effect on 16 out of 17 areas of health in Paul Stamets' chart on medicinal mushrooms. That's more than any other mushroom species.

In Tibet, it goes by the name Ling Chi, and many Buddhist temples and shrines are adorned with artistic renderings of this beautiful fungus. Tibetans have a long tradition of using Ganoderma extract for infections as well as high-altitude sickness. [25]

Something you'd probably never hear an ancient healer refer to is that Ganoderma extract is exceptionally high in anti-oxidants. And perhaps the resulting protection from free radical damage may have something to do with its acclaimed anti-aging effect. [34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41]

Or might the magic of Ganoderma extract instead be attributed to the powerful anti-inflammatory properties of its triterpenoid compounds? [42, 43, 44, 45] Anything from allergies, asthma and atherosclerosis [46] to arthritis, [47, 48, 49, 50, 51] bronchitis and the common cold involve an inflammatory response. Studies with promising results have also been performed that involved inflammation of the brain [52] and prostate. [53]

Now, inflammation is of course also part of a natural and well functioning immune system. So it bears mention that Ganoderma extract is an immune system "adaptagen", which means that whereas it will slow down an overactive immune response, it will likewise improve an underactive immune system. In other words, it helps the immune system to "adapt." [48, 54, 55] Case in point, one study showed Ganoderma extract as having a dampening effect on HIV replication in lymphocytes. [56]

Another rejuvenating (anti-aging) effect of Ganoderma extract relates to its effect on the alveoli of the lungs and increased oxygen absorption, [57] as well as increased coronary flow and decreased blood pressure, [58] both of which contribute to an energizing and vitalizing effect. For this reason, two studies have shown promise in the use of Ganoderma with chronic fatigue. [59, 60]

Like several other medicinal mushrooms, Ganoderma also contains anti-tumor compounds. Research on Ganoderma extract has yielded positive results on cancers of the cervix, prostate, liver, lungs, bone and blood. [61, 62, 63, 64, 65] Two studies indicate that this effect is secondary, by way of stimulating the body's own immune system and cancer fighting mechanisms. [66, 67]

Two Chinese studies have shown Ganoderma extract to have liver protective effects in cases of post-hepatic cirrhosis [69] and chronic hepatitis [68].

One study showed it to have a restorative effect on certain functions of the spleen. [34] A variety of skin disorders have been treated with powdered Ganoderma, [70] including rashes from poison ivy and oak, although this claim still may need to be conclusively verified. [25]

In the book Mycelium Running, Paul Stamets lists the following additional areas where Ganoderma extract has demonstrated a beneficial therapeutic effect: Blood Sugar; Candida; Cholesterol; Kidneys; Lungs; Nerves. [134]

Note: The statements on this page have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Always consult a licensed medical practitioner before using any herb (or mushroom) for medicinal purposes.

Credit to Paul Stamets for research and source material. - 17268

About the Author:

Dr. Rafael has worked in the natural health field since finishing Chiropractic College in the mid-90's. His current focus is medicinal mushrooms, including Extract of Ganoderma lucidum, in cooperation with the business Cordyceps Reishi Extracts, LLC. For research references to this article, please go to the Ganoderma extract page and click on any number to find its corresponding reference.

There Particular Muscle Building Techniques That Work For Everyone?

By Ryse Edwards

People world over are always wondering about how what are the best methods to build perfect muscles. However, the problem is that like weight loss methods, muscle building can also be done by a number of ways and methods which can be used by everyone.

Because everyone's body is different, it is difficult to say there are specific techniques that will work for everyone. Instead of focusing on what others are doing, you have to find what is going to work best for you.

As soon as you put together the perfect training regimen, you then have to stay consistent. Working out once a week is not going to get you anywhere. You have to be dedicated and motivated to lift at least three to four times a week if you want to build muscle.

You have hundreds of different ways to build each muscle of the body. However, you need to know what you really want. The main muscle groups that people generally pay attention to are the pectorals, biceps and shoulders. Nevertheless, abdominals and triceps are also important muscle groups as well.

Since upper body is the one that really gets noticed, most people like to just concentrate on their upper body development. But the fact is that building your lower body muscles is also important since that helps in supporting your upper body and building overall strength and stamina. There are a variety of leg exercises like lunges, calf raises and squats.

However, there are no universal muscle building methods which can be used for all. Hence, instead of wasting time on looking at what works for others, you can utilize the same time in researching different techniques for your self and trying them out. Once you have the right techniques which suit your individual needs and goals, you will also be able to see the results that you want. All you need to realize is that you can include a variety of exercises and lifts to suit your training routine. - 17268

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Looking for a how to gain muscle fast? Then visit Ryse Edwards' website now and learn how to get ripped fast. Click HERE now for more information.