LIBIDO ENHANCERS…HOPE IN A BOTTLE?

Q. Ok…I see on health food store shelves libido enhancers and sexual performance products. Does this stuff really work, or is it like “take an eye of the newt” witches brew? I take a prescription for E. D. but would like to find something that works and is cheaper.
Tom T.
A. Ok…straight up (no pun intended) you have hit a sore spot of mine concerning these types of products on store shelves. Nothing you see on a health food store shelf…irregardless of the hype on the bottle…will work as quickly or efficiently as your little blue prescription pill. The problem with the blue pill is that most guys either can’t afford it or can’t tolerate the side effects. That’s when they come in a health food store looking for “hope” in a bottle.

Most of these over the counter libido enhancing products contain herbal compounds which have had very little and in some cases, virtually no studies done on their claims. One such herb is Yohimbe bark. Yohimbe (African tree bark) can cause your blood pressure to spike and your blood sugar to plummet. Both of which could be harmful for many men.

Your little blue pill works by relaxing the testicular sphincter muscles and increasing nitric oxide (N.O.) production and storage therefore acting in a hydraulic function. Thus far, to the best of my knowledge, nothing OTC (over the counter) has been “proven” to achieve both of these desired results with a single application.

I must say, I am a true believer in the placebo effect. If you believe it will work then it probably will. Perception is reality. Try it then let me know what you think. I would caution men who have cardio vascular (heart) issues or blood sugar irregularities to stay away from these OTC products.
AMV

*Health Disclaimer: This information is not presented by a medical practitioner and is for educational and informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

TASTELESS HERBAL TEAS!

Q. Why do the teas I buy from health food stores seem tasteless? I am trying to drink less coffee and more tea but I can’t find an herbal tea that I like. What do you recommend?
Mary B.

A. For many years herbal teas were nothing more than dried herbal (weeds) essence. You could count on it being nearly tasteless, odorless, colorless (unless you didn't mind drinking what looked like dirty water) and usually meaningless colored water. The health food purists loved it, the buying public usually hated it.

Fast forward to today’s herbal tea market and you've got a whole different pot brewing. Many of the herbal tea companies that began back in the 1960’s and 70’s have begun to listen to their customers. They are now expanding there lines to include herbal teas that are now blended or “infused” with natural flavor enhancing substances. These are usually products that will give it a boldness or “kick” such as ginger, mint, berries, cinnamon etc.

You may also want to try adding you own flavor enhancing to your herbal tea. Try a squeeze of lemon or a teaspoon of honey the next time you brew.
Check out your health food store again and look for some new herbal tea blends by the following manufacturers: Celestial Seasonings, Good Earth Teas, Higher Living Teas and Dr. Stuart’s Tea Company.
AMV

*Health Disclaimer: This information is not presented by a medical practitioner and is for educational and informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

TAKE A CHILL PILL…LITERALLY!

Q. My Dr. just told me that I have hypertension, high blood pressure and –maybe- borderline Type 2 diabetic. I am 47, a bit overweight, working two jobs and trying to survive a divorce. Dr. wants me to start taking a handful of meds. Any suggestions? 
Rich T.

A. Actually you sound like the typical, middle age, American male…a heart attack or stroke waiting to happen. I have 3 strong recommendations below:

1. Take a CHILL PILL…literally! Futurebiotics Supplement manufacturer has come out with at product called the CHILL PILL. It’s a combo of herbs, amino acids and nutrients, all of which have a (safe but effective) sedative effect. It won’t melt away the stress in your life but will allow your body to deal better with it.

2. Eat WATERMELON…Really! Recent research shows that common watermelon is rich in the amino acid L-Citrulline. See excerpt from research article:

“To put it simply, the findings imply that the common watermelon, sometimes called the "functional food" possesses a vasodilatory effect. Dr. Figueroa further adds that watermelon consumption can actually keep pre-hypertension at bay, and prevent it from advancing into a full-blown case of hypertension; and as previously mentioned, hypertension is the precursor to more serious health conditions such as strokes and heart attacks”.


3. WORK OUT…Sorry! You probably knew this was coming. You have got to loose weight therefore you simply must find the time to get moving. For your age, housework, yard work or the occasional walk will not be enough. You need to get your heart rate up for extended periods of time. Combine this cardio with some weightlifting and above all…be consistent!
AMV

*Health Disclaimer: This information is not presented by a medical practitioner and is for educational and informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

THESE ARE PROTEIN SOURCES?...GET REAL AMV!

Q. Just read your poster of Protein foods. I sometimes eat about 3 of them. Holy Cow…Not much inspiration there! Let's enter the real world. 
Anonymous

A. As I mentioned in my post, the “real world” seems to be full (based on the frequency of protein questions) of folks looking for new and alternative protein sources. Some of these individuals have had some form of surgery (such as gastric bypass) that requires them to concentrate on any available protein source that may be more digestible than animal source protein. Many individuals are practicing vegetarians or vegans who are very interested in –any- alternative (non-meat) protein source. And then a few of the protein seekers seem to be fitness folks looking for something other than the usual milk, eggs and meat.

Most of us living in North America are NOT protein deprived. Never in history has there been such availability and diversity of quality protein sources. The problem hits home with our willingness to step out and try new sources. I’ll list a few from the poster that may be new to you:

SPIRULINA…A blue/green algae which is spectacularly high is “balanced” protein. Spirulina can be purchased in powder (bulk) or in tablet form. It doesn't have a heavy fishy taste and is popular among vegetarians in a morning “breakfast” shake.

CHIA & HEMP…Small, slippery seeds that are amazingly high in protein, calcium and Omega 3. They can be sprinkled in or on most other foods. A popular chia seed brand is Salba and hemp seeds can be purchased at most health food stores.

BRAZIL NUTS…Easy to find, easy to eat as a finger food, Brazil nuts can be found year round at most supermarkets and health food stores.
If you want to stick to traditional protein sources you may want to scroll back and check out the AMV post called CHEAPEST SOURCES OF PROTEIN, dated for March 21st. 

AMV

*Health Disclaimer: This information is not presented by a medical practitioner and is for educational and informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

 

PEA PROTEIN POWDER…NOT MUSHED PEAS!

Q. I have had several rounds of chemo. (cancer) and am doing pretty good. I’m loosing weight but dr. keeps telling me I need to gain a few pounds My appetite sucks and nothing tastes as good as it used to. I would like to take a protein powder. Any suggestions? 
Yvonne R.

A. The residual effects of chemotherapy can be tough to live with. Weight loss during chemo. due to food deprivation is not unusual. I have two recommendations based on customers (chemo. patients) who were sent to us by their doctors for these specific products:

1. PEA PROTEIN…This form of protein powder is emerging as an excellent source of highly absorbable, hypo-allergenic protein. Get mushed peas out of your mind. Pea protein powder is nearly tasteless, mixes well and has a PER (Protein Efficiency Ratio) nearly as high as whey (dairy) protein.

2. B VITAMIN-COMPLEX…Chemotherapy quickly robs the body of these water-soluble nutrients. Loss of B-vites. can cause loss of appetite and in-ability to taste food (nerve damage). Since B-vites. are synergistic (they all need each other to work) a B-Complex is your best bet. I would recommend taking an extra pill of B-12 (5000 mcg. methyl-cobalamin) along with the complex. These products can be found at most health food stores.
AMV

*Health Disclaimer: This information is not presented by a medical practitioner and is for educational and informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

THE GREAT & POWERFUL OZ!

Q. I go in stores (drug stores, health food stores etc.) and there are shelf signs that say “As Seen on Dr. Oz”. I don’t have a TV. Who is Dr. Oz? Should I be buying stuff he recommends?
Shari B.

A. Wow…you need to come out from under your rock once in awhile. Actually I admire your “no TV” discipline. Wish I could be so strong. Anyway, it’s healthy that you are questioning what you see.

As we Americans are making the effort to get healthy, we often look to someone who “has the answers”…such as…Ask Mr. Vitamin. Today, on a nationwide scale that person is Dr. Mehmet Oz. A cardiothoracic surgeon. Dr. Oz first appeared on the Oprah Winfrey Show in 2004 and launched the Dr. Oz Show in 2009. One of Dr. Oz’s most popular topics on his show is weight management. Many of his viewers are so dedicated that if he mentions an ingredient on the air, they are in search of his recommended products the moment the show is over. Within 60 minutes after the show airs, most of his recommended products are wiped off store shelves. Manufacturers are rarely prepared for this onslaught and are caught off guard by the sudden surge in nation wide demand. This of course creates a product shortage until everybody in the supply chain can get caught up.

As with any professed health guru (I include myself in this group) you need to weigh the source as well as the motive. Do they have knowledge based history (experience) or upper level education? What is their motive? Who is funding their program and are they actually trying to sell a product?

As for Dr. Oz, with the exception of a couple of areas, I highly recommend most all his chosen products. They are usually backed with proper research and manufactured by “A” rated supplement companies. Please understand…without exception, these products are not overnight cures. You must be willing to make a long term commitment before starting on these regimens.
AMV 

*Health Disclaimer: This information is not presented by a medical practitioner and is for educational and informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. 

QUINOA…A NUTRITIONAL POWERHOUSE!

Q. Have you ever heard of this different grain called quinoa? What can you tell me about it? 
Doug S.
A. Quinoa (pronounced keen-wah) is a light, fluffy, edible seed that feels and tastes more like a grain. Thanks to its mild, somewhat nutty and irresistible flavor, organic quinoa is an immensely popular food. But this “ancient grain” (also been called a mother grain) is also valued for its tremendous nutritional content.
Among the nutritional attributes that make quinoa special are:

12% to 18 % protein…more than any other grain.
Contains all nine “essential” amino acids (building blocks of protein).
Gluten-Free
High in dietary fiber
Good source of phosphorous, magnesium and iron

This power-packed nutritional combo helped give quinoa the name "Gold of the Incas" when it was cultivated thousands of years ago in the Andes; Incan warriors highly valued the crop for the energy and stamina it gave them.

Excellent recipes are all over the internet and excellent, easy to make, quinoa pilaf mixes can be found in most health food stores and supermarkets. When available always opt for the “organic” variety quinoa.
AMV

*Health Disclaimer: This information is not presented by a medical practitioner and is for educational and informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.