Supplements

Is Your Dog Taking Any Vitamin Supplements?

Just like humans, animals just like dogs, cats and many pets need a balanced diet with proteins, carbohydrates, fats and water, just like humans do. However, these are only the starting point for a healthy diet. Pets also need vitamins and minerals to keep them healthy.

However, it is not easy to find independent information online on the subject of canine vitamin supplements. If you are considering a vitamin supplement for your dog, be extra careful about getting caught up in the articles from the websites promoting such supplements.

What you demand is to have an objective and independent information regarding your own need for dietary supplements, your pet’s health can fall into the same category. Whoever sells the supplements says you need the supplements.

Just as we should check with our doctors before embarking on dietary supplements, so should you check hard by your veterinarian before you conclude on a supplement for your dog. Almost any website, store or publication that sells dietary supplements for pets will tell you that your dog does indeed need a supplement. However, just as humans can ingest toxic levels of vitamins and suffer dangerous side effects, so can your dog.

Your veterinarian can conduct a blood test to see if your dog is deficient in any vitamins and nutrients. Just as in humans there are medical conditions for which a supplement is warranted, there are medical conditions including mal-absorption issues that indicate a need for supplement for your dog.

In discussion with your veterinarian the possible need for a health supplement for your dog, you and your veterinarian should discuss the activity level of your four-legged friend.

Service dogs, such as guide dogs for the blind sometimes need health food due to their increased activity. Also, be sure to discuss the need for a supplement for your dog in conjunction with any ongoing medical condition your dog may have.

In modern years, there’s been a lot of controversy over pet supplements. At one point, pet owners were concerned the FDA was going to pull all pet supplements off the market. Instead, the National Animal Supplement Council was formed. It’s comprised mostly of pet supplement manufacturers whose mission is to forge compliance of supplement statutes.

The FDA regulates animal supplements the same way it does supplements for human consumption. Enforcement of the laws, though as in the human sector is lacking due to a shortage of resources. Some manufacturers take advantage of this knowing it will take a long time at worst, for the FDA to crack down on them.

If you are considering a vitamin supplement for your dog, make sure you consult with a veterinarian who does not sell supplements. This will help ensure you get an unbiased opinion as to whether you need to purchase a vitamin supplement for your dog.

After knowing why and how to choose a good vitamin supplement for your dog, it is important to realise that more information in vitamins for humans is also crucial. Earlier you are going to swallow any type of vitamin health food, you need to first consult your doctor.

However, many people sometimes tend to forget the quality and quantity of swallowing vitamins, without realizing the dangerous effects of over-consumption it, level while various kinds of these can treat chronic diseases.

Ergo, without a proper understanding of using proper vitamins to treat many chronic diseases, there will not be much illness free lifestyle to craving for.

Apply these effective tips as being highlighted here, together alongside an thorough understanding of vitamin supplements is important so that you enjoy your life once again.

anonymous
http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/is-your-dog-taking-any-vitamin-supplements-132578.html

What supplements can I take to counteract the effects of alcohol?

by that I don’t mean hangovers. I’m taking about nutrient deficiencies, cirrhosis of the liver, brain damage, sexual problems, heart disease, cancer, etc. Will supplements help me reduce my odds of getting those things? because I’m not going to give up my 4 or 5 drinks a day. I’m not an alcoholic but I like to drink.

No, nothing’s going to protect your system. You could get vitamin shots to protect you, but that’s a little extreme. I think you should just accept that at that level of consumption, you’ll shave a few years (maybe many years) off your life. I wouldn’t worry about it.

Oh – by the way – at that level of alcohol consumption, you would be classed as a ‘functional alcoholic’. That’s basically just a label though.

And – if you want to be kind to your liver, you MUST rest it one day a week – absolutely no alcohol for 24 hours.

Bodybuilding Supplements

If you’re an athlete who is into weight training, then you’ve probably encountered a myriad of bodybuilding supplements being marketed on TV and over the Internet. Because of the many options, choosing the right bodybuilding supplement can be quite overwhelming. Here’s an overview of the different kinds of bodybuilding supplements to help you make the right decision.

Bodybuilding supplements are substances you can add to your diet that can help you lose fat while you build muscle at the same time. Some bodybuilding supplements are also used to improve your performance in your chosen sport. Other supplements can also help you recover faster from sports events, allowing you to train better.

There are several kinds of bodybuilding supplements that are available nowadays. These include protein, creatine, thermogenic products and testosterone boosters. These are available in several forms, including powders, shakes, bars and tablets.

Protein is actually a natural component of the foods we eat. It is necessary in order to build muscle and allows the growth and repair of damaged tissues in the body. Bodybuilding supplements typically contain a powdered type of protein. Whey protein is the most common kind of protein used in these supplements. Whey contains all of the essential amino acids needed by the body. Casein protein, which is found in milk, is another kind of protein in bodybuilding supplements. Casein has very high levels of the amino acid glutamine, which can help in recovery. Similar to whey, soy protein also contains all of the essential amino acids, and is a good alternative for vegetarians. Aside from this, soy also has other health benefits, such as lowering cholesterol and reducing the risk for certain diseases, such as cancer. Other proteins used in bodybuilding supplements include egg white and hemp seed.

Creatine is a substance that also naturally occurs in the body, and is used to provide energy to your muscles. Creatine can enhance your energy and strength and increase your muscle mass. At the same time, it can also minimize your recovery time and diminish mental fatigue.

Thermogenic products are supplements that can increase thermogenesis in your body and boost your metabolic rate. This will subsequently result in burning of more fat. These products typically contain caffeine, ephedrine and the newer bitter orange.

Prohormones are prescription medications that have also been used in the past by bodybuilders. These substances are actually precursors to testosterone. Some bodybuilding supplements using plants and chemicals also claim to increase the levels of testosterone. However, it should be noted that changing the levels of hormones can have serious effects on the body, such as acne and hair loss.

It is important to distinguish bodybuilding supplements from anabolic steroids. Unlike steroids, bodybuilding supplements do not aim to increase the levels of testosterone in the body beyond the normal range.

Bodybuilding supplements should not used to replace a good training program. Rather, these supplements should only be used to enhance your training plan. Make sure you maximize your exercise program and eat a healthy, balanced diet while taking bodybuilding supplements, and you’re bound to get the lean body you’ve always wanted in no time!

Mark DeRosa
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/bodybuilding-supplements-709770.html

What are good supplements to increase energy?

What are good supplements to increase energy without increasing blood pressure? My doctor told me that Ginko Biloba is a good supplement. Are there any others that work well without increasing blood pressure, especially for seasonal affective disorder?

B-Vitamins are good for energy and don’t increase BP.

What are good natural testosterone supplements/stimulants?

Could anyone recommend some testosterone stimulants/supplements for naturally producing testosterone, I am looking for a safe supplement to help promote muscle growth, lab engineered stuff is ok, like the stuff you can pick up at GNC as long as it is safe and not a "pseudo"steroid. Just looking for healthy alternatives for a hardgainer, so any supplement suggestions or products would be great!

100% Whey Protein
L-Glutamine
Creatine

Nutritional Health Supplements – How Nutritional Supplements Could Save Your Life?

Nutritional supplements could be just what you are looking for to sort out your various health issues if you are suffering from conditions caused by poor nutrition. If you happen to be the kind of person who is always hurried and stop at any one of the drive-thrus you pass as you are driving along, you are certainly not getting the best nutrition. Sodas, French fries and burgers have very little nutritional value. Usually they have much too much ingredients that are detrimental to your health. These fatty foods can actually require your body to consume the few nourishing ingredients that they have for digesting those components that are unhealthy.

Dietetic Supplements Can Delay the Number One Killer

Studies show you are more liable to die from bad nutritional habits than from a major accident. It has also been proven that cancer as well as heart disease can often prevented by taking nutritional health supplements. Several of these ailments are triggered off by not having enough the vitamins or minerals that boost your immune system and keep it to operate most effectively. Consider vitamins and mineralos as well as herbs as the tools that are needed by the body to keep serious illnesses at bay. When a person’s body does not have the appropriate tools, most diseases are invited to take over.

Which are the Supplements that are Absolutely Essential?

It is sometimes difficult to decide on which are the necessary supplements and which supplements are really not necessary. Several stores stock a huge range of supplements of various types. Most stores will usually keep supplements that contain vitamins as well as those that contain herbs. The actually fact is every body does not need the same nutrients. Any vitamin supplements you decide to take, should be taken only as a supplement, to offset your nutrient levels with the food you eat. If you regularly refrain from eating sufficient fruits and vegetables, you would require a vitamin supplement. You should know though, if you are looking a special supplement that will help with boosting memory as well as energy, you will be able to find a herbal line of supplements that can solve the problem.

Nutritional Guides & How They Help

The best thing to do should be to get yourself a detailed guide on herbal supplements that also features details on vitamins. A good guide should be impartial and break down the value offered by each supplement, and also the few brands that offer the highest nutrients. The best nutritional supplement will be made up of a mix of top notch nutritional ingredients. As you are likely to experience with other products, there are products that would pass any quality test and those that would be sure to fail. Your best bet would be to get a guide that offers a break down of the ingredients contained in individual pills, what results you can expect, and a few equitable reviews from people who have been taking supplements.

Safety Issues Surrounding Nutritional Supplements

While most people will not suffer from any reaction brought on by nutritional supplements, you should make it a point to consult with a qualified practitioner prior to starting any kind of regimen. If you currently have a health condition of any kind or are currently on a course of medications, speak to your doctor about supplements that are not harmful in any way.

Oktay Ozadam
http://www.articlesbase.com/supplements-and-vitamins-articles/nutritional-health-supplements-how-nutritional-supplements-could-save-your-life-684428.html

What supplements to use during a workout plan?

I’m starting a daily workout plan and was wondering what supplements to take before / after my workouts. I have a Creatine powder that im taking about 30 mins before each workout and then a recovery drink right after the workout, am i doing anything wrong or anything else i should / need to take?

You could also try some weight gainer, nitric oxide tablets, whey protein, glucosamine… Just some ideas.

Have a look at http://www.maximuscle.com/ and you can look at supplements based on the results you want.

The Best Bodybuilding Supplements to Take

Sport nutrition supplements help promote muscle growth in bodybuilders. Nutritional bodybuilding supplements also enhance performance and workout routines that include physical exercises. Weightlifting programs or weight training with free weights or machines will benefit from the addition of body building supplements.

Whether you are body building, weight lifting or working out with body toning exercises, always read and review the nutritional information on supplements before adding them to your workout routine. There are many different kinds of nutritional supplements which can be used for bodybuilding, weightlifting or even the general exercise enthusiast.

Many body building supplements also work well for weightlifting programs and even certain diet programs. On the other hand, you may find some sports supplements and nutritional products work better for the specific style of workout routine you are following.

For body building enthusiasts working towards muscle growth, there are some excellent weight gainer whey protein supplements available to help meet your goal. Because these bodybuilding products help add weight and muscle, they may not be best suited for workout routines designed only to tone muscle.

Body Building Supplements

Building muscle mass while sculpting your body for the perfect look can be a long and difficult process.

You can improve workout results with sports nutrition products like whey protein isolate, nor androstenediol, guggulsterones, amino acids, DHEA and meal replacement bars. Bodybuilders and weightlifters alike reach their goals as well as their limits while depending on quality bodybuilding supplements.

Weightlifting Supplements

Weightlifters are always pushing themselves to the limit or lifting weights to the point of ‘failure’. To ‘burn’ through these sets and increase muscle growth, weightlifters employ nutritional supplements. You can safely combine supplements, such as a whey protein isolate, Nitric Oxide and Testosterone Boosters, whether you are just beginning or wanting to reach your peak performance. Weight training programs at all levels benefit when bodybuilding supplements are used in weightlifting workouts.

Nitric Oxide

Nitric Oxide is a free form gas that is produced in the body and is used by the body to communicate with other cells in the body. To produce this gas, enzymes in the body break down the amino acid Arginine.

Nitric Oxide is a molecule consisting of one atom of nitrogen and one atom of oxygen. The production of Nitric Oxide occurs when the amino acid L-arginine is converted into L-citruline through an enzyme group known as Nitric Oxide Synthase (NOS).

Everyone REQUIRES nitric oxide to carry out key physiological processes within the body. From a bodybuilder’s perspective, nitric oxide supplementation may prove useful in increasing growth due to increases in blood flow to certain areas of the body. Further, men suffering from erectile dysfunction may also find supplementing with nitric oxide helpful.

Signs of deficiency include the inability to achieve and sustain erections, physical weakness and extreme fatigue. Most “nitric oxide” supplements contain the amino acid Arginine-alpha-keto-glutarate.

With any amino acid containing product, overdose is a possibility. Dosing with too much arginine can lead to diarrhea, weakness and nausea. Clear dosing guidelines have not been established, so it is best to do what is known as “tolerance mapping”. Take a small dosage for one week, note the benefits and the side effects, and increase the dosage until the benefits are maximized and the side effects minimized. Over time the two will converge and you will hit the optimal dose. This process is similar to “receptor mapping”

for bodybuilders who use insulin.

Protien Powders

Many protein powders are fortified with amino acids, including arginine. With this in mind, pay particular attention to how much arginine you are ingesting from all supplements taken.

Protein powders are formulated to be the perfect meal in a quick and easy shake. It is easy to take them with you to work or school or anywhere that you need to get your protein or satisfy your hunger in a healthy way.

Need to eat one gram of protein per pound of body weight? Or maybe you are trying to eat six small meals each day? Sounds easier than it really is, huh? Protein powders like the ones listed below may be exactly what you are looking for.

How do you pick a protein out of the hundreds that we have for you to choose from? Basically, you are looking for a powder that has the right amount of protein, carbs, fat and the correct protein type for your goal.

If you are trying to lose fat, you will most likely want a low carb, low calorie protein. The extra protein will help you keep your current muscle mass. If you are trying to gain muscle, you would want a high protein, high calorie powder that is relatively low in sugar and fat. If you are simply trying to find a quick meal replacement, a protein powder with medium carbs and medium calories would most likely be for you.

The three most popular types of protein are whey, casein and soy.

Whey

Out of the many protein sources out there, whey protein is the ultimate. It comes from milk. During the process of turning milk into cheese, whey protein is separated out. Protein can be found in a variety of foods -mainly meats, such as fish, beef, and chicken.

Dairy products as well as eggs, cottage cheese, soy and vegetable protein also contain good amounts of protein.

Nevertheless, none of these sources compares in quality or ease of use like whey protein. Whey protein has the highest value in providing branched-chain amino acids, which result in building and retaining muscle tissue.

Whey protein (the highest quality and best form of protein) is incredible stuff. It provides the body with the necessary building blocks to produce amino acids that are used for building muscle tissue. Whoa! Nearly every bodybuilder knows the importance of protein supplementation. Studies have been conducted that compare whey protein to other sources. They have found that whey protein contains the perfect combination of overall amino acid makeup… and in just the right concentrations for optimal performance in the body. Both hormonal and cellular responses seem to be greatly enhanced with supplementation of whey protein, too! Not to mention the benefits whey protein has on the body’s immune system according to documented scientific research. Whey protein also plays a role as an antioxidant and helps support a health immune system. Most importantly, consistent whey protein intake coupled with exercise will result in consistent muscle building.

Training athletes often consume 25 grams of whey protein per day. Bodybuilders who want serious gains (and are burning serious calories), generally consume 150 grams per day. Extremely high doses of whey protein is not recommended, as this will cause the body’s liver to be overloaded and you won’t get the same benefits as with a consistent lower amount taken three to five times per day.

BCAA:

Amino acids are the building blocks of protein. Amino Acid supplements are an effective and useful blend of essential amino acids for the human body.

Amino acids come from protein rich sources such as meat, fish, dairy products, and vegetables such as legumes, peas, and grains. There are many types of amino acid supplements on the market. Some products claim to have a large quantity of amino acids, but come primarily from a weak protein source (such as milk). Unfortunately, people may have allergies associated with the protein source. Our supplement formula is comprised of the highest quality crystalline protein source.

One and one-half grams of powder three times a day should be sufficient to provide the body with an adequate supply of available amino acids to assist in digesting food and bulking up. There are no side effects with proper supplementation.

Testosterone Boosters:

Raising your testosterone helps you to gain muscle, enhance your mood, support healthy libido, and more! Some prohormones do a great job of raising test levels, but some people prefer not to use them.

Arginine

Arginine is a semi-essential amino acid. It is a building block of protein that performs a myriad of physiological functions. It is a known precursor of the gas nitric oxide [N02].

Arginine is an amino acid that the body cannot make naturally. Therefore it is important to consume foods that are rich in arginine.1

Arginine is found in high concentrations in nuts and seeds like peanuts and almonds. It can also be found in chocolate and raisins.

Individuals with existing heart or psychiatric conditions should consult with their physician prior to supplementing with Arginine. With any amino acid containing product, overdose is a possibility. Dosing with too much arginine can lead to diarrhea, weakness and nausea. Clear dosing guidelines have not yet been established, so it is best to do what is known as “tolerance mapping” – Take a small dosage for one week, note the benefits and the side effects, and increase the dosage until the benefits are maximized and the side effects minimized. Over time the two will converge and you will hit the optimal dose. This process is similar to “receptor mapping” for bodybuilders who use insulin and steroids.

Many protein powders on the market are fortified with amino acids, including arginine. With this in mind, pay particular attention to how much arginine you are ingesting from sources. If you do not feel comfortable following the above described procedure, it is always best to follow the directions as prescribed on the products label.

Chris DiCicco
http://www.articlesbase.com/supplements-and-vitamins-articles/the-best-bodybuilding-supplements-to-take-134714.html

Using Supplements To Enhance Your Bodybuilding

For attaining peak performance in body building it is imperative that the bodybuilder uses the right nutritional supplements.

Supplements play a big part in male body building diet programs because our diets often do no contain the necessary vitamins and nutrients our bodies require to for increased muscle mass and fat loss at the same time.

Luckily for the bodybuilder, the nutritional supplement industry now provides more pills and more powders than ever before.

With a choice of chemical-based and natural supplements, it is always wise to place preference on the many natural body building supplements available today. Not only do they help to speed up the muscle building process, they are also more in harmony with the body than their chemical counterparts.

Natural bodybuilding supplements play a vital role because they feed the body with the nutrients required for muscle growth. These nutrients are not necessarily present, in the required quantities, in the staple diets that have reduced nutritional value due to cooking.

One must choose body building supplements wisely, because there are supplements that are very dangerous if not used properly or if used in incorrect quantities. Furthermore, the right time, with food, with water, and avoidance if you have certain medical conditions are also important considerations.

Some supplements are made to protect muscles and joints against injury, some are used when you want to put on weight, others improve your circulation, plus a host of other supplements for very specific applications and benefits. You must pay attention to each body building supplement that you plan on taking to ensure that there will not be interaction between supplements that could affect your health.

If you are unsure, then it is wise not take a body building nutritional supplement. Alternatively, ask your doctor or pharmacist about the supplement in question.

You need to finalize your diet and supplements only after a professional has evaluated your body weight and height so that the person can recommend the best combination of supplements for maximum fat loss and maximum muscle gain.

The goal of bodybuilding as a sport is to improve your health while providing you with an enviable physique that is attained through long hours of training and strict diets. The correct supplements will help maintain your health by feeding your body with vitamins and the nutrients that are missing from your daily diet.

Ryan Simpson
http://www.articlesbase.com/sports-and-fitness-articles/using-supplements-to-enhance-your-bodybuilding-134285.html

What supplements do any of you recommend?

I’m trying to lose fat gain muscle (no surprise with those goals I hope). Can anyone here recommend any supplements that I could get at a grocery store or something (I’m not looking for some obscure potion) that can assist me with my new diet and exercise routine? Anything that has worked for you? I am completly clueless of all things diet/fitness related by the way so if something seems too obvious to mention, please mention it anyway. Thanks.

Co-Enzyme Q10, helps the metabolic efficiency of anybody. Dosage is age related tho.
You don’t mention your age so there isn’t much more I can tell you.