The health market is flooded with nutritional health supplements but do you think you really need a supplement? This article has given the real fact on whether you need a supplement or not?

After watching a promotional presentation of a recently launched nutrition supplement, I wondered how many normal persons would begin to take them and how many of those people really needed them. Not only I but many of my friends asked an expert on nutrition the same questions. The expert said that misguided information about supplements is leading more people who need less or no supplements to take them. For example, recently a body builder’s comment in a health program on TV informed the viewers that one does not get adequate proteins by eating food and therefore one requires supplements!

The fact is that those who really need supplements are the hungry or undernourished people who can’t afford to buy them. On the other hand, those who can afford to buy supplements and do take them regularly do not really need them because they can get adequate nutrients from natural foods if they balance their food intake well. Supplements are best utilized by patients in a clinical setup when properly prescribed by the dietitian.

Most of the supplements are available through network marketing and not directly from the shop. Those who sell or promote these supplements claim that product helps to prevent a disease or disorder or promote healthy function.

Though many have long lists of ingredients and nutritional values printed on the labels, most consumers either do not read or don’t understand the terms. Some studies show that a nutrient in excess can actually cause harm. The bottom line is that nothing can replace the goodness of natural foods and their nutrients. So the next time a supplement is pushed into your palms, think before buying it. One should ask for professional advice from a qualified nutritionist before buying it.

The health books designed by health and fitness experts are better option than supplements. This is because they focus on finding natural treatment of the health problems.

Disclaimer: This article is not meant to provide health advice and is for general information only. Always seek the insights of a qualified health professional before embarking on any health program.

Copyright © Nick Mutt, All Rights Reserved. If you want to use this article on your website or in your ezine, make all the urls (links) active.

Read information on Yoga for Weight Loss and know how yoga helps in maintaining an optimal health. Know How to Lose Water Weight with scientifically designed weight loss system. Also know how to Detox Your Body and Lose Weight in a healthier way.

Nick Mutt
http://www.articlesbase.com/supplements-and-vitamins-articles/do-you-really-need-supplements-know-the-fact-717899.html

Prostate problems? According to statistics 1 in every 4 American men above 40 are in the high risk category for health problems associated with the prostate gland. About half the men in the age group of 60 and 80% of the men over 80 are predicted to suffer from Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) possibly leading to prostate cancer. And the numbers are growing.

Whether you are below 40 or over 40—educating yourself on the reasons, causes and management of prostate problems could:

• Help prevent prostate problems
• Alleviate their symptoms

With statistics showing American men at greater risk and given that prostate cancer is the number one cancer killer among men in our country, the time for you to act is now.

What is the Prostate?
The prostate, a small organ approximately the size of a walnut, found below the bladder, forms a part of the male reproductive organ. The prostate produces semen. At birth the size of the prostate gland is the about the size of a pea. At puberty the prostate doubles in size. After 40, the prostate begins to increase in size because of a change in levels of the male hormone, testosterone.

Understanding the Problem
Change in the levels of the hormone, testosterone affect the size of the prostate. This happens because testosterone is converted into another, more powerful male hormone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the prostate cells. DHT is triggers the division of prostate cells increasing their number. Levels of DHT are known to be 5 times higher in enlarged prostate glands than in those of a normal sized prostate. If the conversion of testosterone to DHT is prevented, BPH may not occur and may even be reversed once it has developed.

Who is at Greater Risk?
It is seen that factors like age, heredity, lifestyle, diet and ethnicity have much to do with prostate related problems. For example, African American men are at more risk than Caucasians; men who live sedentary lives are also at more risk.

Various Options

1. Treatment with Drugs. This may give temporary relief to prostate problems. As soon as the drug treatment stops the prostate begins to increase in size. Drugs also may have harmful side effects such as headaches, dizziness, tiredness. Some drug treatments may inhibit your sex life and temporarily affect the ability to perform.
2. Surgery. Not all surgical treatment has turned out to be a permanent solution. The prostate may grow again involving a repeat operation. There is also the risk of inhibitions to your sex life.
3. Nutritional support through prostate supplements.

Nutrition and Prostate Problems
While heredity and ethnicity are important factors, research has shown that nutrition also plays a critical role in prostate related problems. Studies indicate lack of certain nutrients increases the risk for prostate enlargement. Doctors recommend a healthy diet that includes more fruits and vegetables and cutting down on red meats and saturated fats.

Nutritional Support: Does It Really Work?
Beta-sitosterol is a phytosterol or plant sterol. It is a nutrient found in plant sources like wheat germ, rice bran, flax seeds, peanuts, soybeans, pumpkin seeds and corn oil.

Beta-sitosterol inhibits an enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase, blocking the conversion of testosterone into DHT (dihydrotestosterone), thereby decreasing the amount of DHT. Since DHT is considered to be responsible for the enlargement of the prostate, beta-sitosterol may help to support normal prostate size.

There are numerous clinical studies that note the inhibiting effects of beta-sitosterol on the growth of the prostate gland and positive benefits in relieving patients of the symptoms of benign prostate hypertrophy.

• The Journal of the American Medical Association (1998). 2,939 men were treated for BPH in a 31-year study comprising of 18 trials. They were given beta-sitosterol extracted from saw palmetoo. The conclusion: “The evidence suggests that Serenoa repens (saw palmetto) improves urologic symptoms and flow measures.”
• The British Journal of Urology 177 men suffering from BPH were given beta-sitosterol for 6 months.. In their report, the effectiveness of beta-sitosterol was substantiated by 32 references. The conclusion: “These results show that beta-sitosterol is an effective option in the treatment of BPH.
• The Lancet, reported a study conducted for a year in which 200 men participated. Half of them were given pure beta-sitosterol and the other half a placebo . The conclusion: “Significant improvement in symptoms and urinary flow parameters show the effectiveness of beta-sitosterol in the treatment of BPH.
• The Current Therapeutic Research (1994) reported a six-week study using standardized extract of beta-sitosterol conducted at the University of Brussels, Belgium. The conclusion: “Traditional parameters for quantifying prostatism, such as the International Prostate Symptom Score, the quality of life score, urinary flow rates, residual urinary volume, and prostate size were found to be significantly improved after only 45 days of treatment. After 90 days of treatment, a majority of patients (88%) and treating physicians (88%) considered the therapy effective.”

None of the clinical studies indicate any significant side effects of beta sitosterol.

Prostate Supplements
We cannot get enough of beta-sitosterol through diet alone. You would have to eat 4 lbs of palmetto berries to get 600 mg of beta-sitosterol which is the suggested dietary allowance.

Super Beta Prostate contains pure mixed sterols from natural plant sources along with other herbs, essential vitamins and minerals to support prostate health and a healthy sex life.

Kevin Agrawal
http://www.articlesbase.com/supplements-and-vitamins-articles/prostate-supplements-a-great-way-to-support-prostate-health-670627.html

CH-Alpha is a nutraceutical that was developed to help millions of Americans with chronic joint symptoms improve their flexibility and enhance their quality of life.

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