The supplement industry is a billion dollar market.  However, since supplement are not regulated by the FDA it’s hard to gauge which fat loss supplements are safe and which supplements will cause potential harm to you body.  Stimulants that are added to weight loss supplements can be the number one factor for side affects and long term problems.  If you are looking to lose fat, exercise and diet are are the best ways to shed pounds.  If you want a little boost, this  natural fat loss supplement can help without  hindering your system.

CLA  - Conjugated Linoleic Acid

A double blinded study done in 2000 found that CLA preserved muscle tissue while aiding in fat loss.  This study published by the Journal of Nutrition noted that the people that took a recommended dose of 3.4 grams of CLA per day had an average weight loss of 6 pounds during the study.

Another study done by Purdue University, found that CLA helped with insulin levels in diabetic patients (about two thirds).  It also helped to reduce blood sugar levels and triglyceride levels.

Where Does CLA Come From?

There is evidence that CLA comes from the grasses that animals are consuming.  If you a vegetarian you may not be getting this crucial fat burning substance.  However, if you are drinking the juices from many grasses you could be supplying your body with supplement without knowing it!  Here’s the kicker, you could be a “meat eater” but still not getting CLA in your diet.  In order to get it through consuming animal products you must be eating GRASS FED beef and other products where it is transferred in this way.  If you are buying general meats from the grocery store without the label “grass fed” then you are consuming meat products that are fed grains.

Benefits of Conjugated Linoleic Acid 

• Increased metabolism – This is obviously a benefit for people with sluggish metabolisms (thyroid problems) and people striving to lose weight.
• Decreased Belly Fat - Adrenal problems and hormone shifts that are common in thyroid patients and aging adults can cause fat to store in the midsection.  CLA’s ability to speed metabolism and aid people with thyroid issues can help to counter act this.
• Enhances Muscle Growth – Muscle is the key ingredient to burning fat.  Everyone should want more muscle.  Don’t worry (if you are a woman) you won’t get big and bulky!
• Lowers Cholesterol and Triglycerides- Cholesterol can act as the “silent killer” building over the years until it hits.  Using CLA can help to offset the negative affects of cholesterol.
• Reduces the Affects of Food Allergies-  If you haven’t heard, food allergies are on the rise.   More and more people are reacting to foods that their body can’t process.  This can cause major issues when trying to lose weight!   Anything that can help people with food allergies is a plus!
• Lowers Insulin Resistance – People with thyroid problems are at a greater risk for developing diabetes later in life.  Lowering insulin resistance in thyroid patients and in the general public, can have a huge affect on avoiding the on set of diabetes.
• Increases Immune System – Your immune system is your shield to disease.  Making it stronger is always in your best interest!

After reading about CLA I decided to do some research.  I found a site that is easy to navigate, has a simple structure and great prices.  The ordering process on the site was clear and concise.  They also have some great prices on protein shakes, protein bars, and all protein supplements no matter what your needs may be.  Check out Nutrition Fix.com for some of the best prices on CLA and other products.

                                    Click Here to See Various Brands and Prices for CLA  

If you know someone who would enjoy this fitness tip, send it their way or post it on pinterest!   “We love helping you, one tip at a time.”

* parts of this post are sponsored.

     Dr. Oz loves to feature weight loss aids on his day time TV show.  The newest edition is Saffron Oil.  It aids in weight loss by increasing serotonin.  This keeps people from over eating or eating based on stress and anxiety.

On the show Monday, he had 2 people test out this extract.  They were both self proclaimed “emotional eaters.”  They took the extract as recommended.  They were then weighed before the show and their weight loss was shown to the crowd.  Both women had positive outcomes.  One lost 3 pounds in a week, while the other lost 5 pounds.  Not bad!

For people who struggle with emotional eating and stress eating this could be a huge break through.  Over time, those nights of soothing yourself with food can really add up.  The weight gain begins to affect your health, your energy, self esteem, and eventually your family dynamic.

Benefits Of Saffron Extract 

• Saffran extract can enhance memory
• Protects brain cells from inflammatory damage
• Provides protection against oxidative stress in the brain
• Effective as a natural antidepressant
• Effectively reduces stress and anxiety
• Curbs appetite and helps in overcoming compulsive eating
• Safely boosts serotonin levels (source).

Research On Saffron Extract 

In Iran, researchers have found that saffron lifted depression as effectively as fluoxetine (Prozac): For both the herb and drug, depression subsided in 25% of people. So if you have mild or moderate depression, why not give it a try? It won’t interact with medicine, but consult your physician.

Saffron is a super-strong antioxidant that has numerous health benefits. It has anti-cancer effects; enhances male fertility; helps relieve anxiety and tension; and eases premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

In Texas, researchers reported that saffron improves circulation to the retina, which makes it a promising treatment for macular degeneration, a major cause of blindness. One clinical trial found that saffron extract may have a therapeutic effect in the treatment of mild- to moderate Alzheimer’s disease. The herb is also an anti-spasmodic (source).

Not many people know what the adrenal system is, even fewer, know how to fix it.  In simple terms, this system is responsible for the “fight or flight” mechanism.  It releases adrenaline that aids the body in survival.  However, over the years the human race adapted and changed.  We don’t have to hunt for our food, protect ourselves from wild animals, or fight for our lives.  The adrenal glads now help us when we are under stress, when we haven’t had enough sleep, and when we haven’t eaten enough.

Sounds like a great system right!?   Of course it is!  The only problem is, people are exhausting their systems with processed foods, caffine, lack of sleep, allergies (including food allergies), inactivity, and stress.  Over the years the system progressively gets more and more sluggish.  The result is too much insulin (blood sugar) being released.  This excess sugar begins to create the “inner tube” affect.  You know, that ring around your mid section.  Some affectionately call it the “muffin top.”

How Do You Know If Your Adrenal System Is Sluggish?

We found this awesome quiz to help you, the reader, figure out the state of your body.

Visit this site and take the quiz.

(click on the picture )

Symptoms Of Adrenal Fatigue 

• Morning fatigue. You don’t really seem to wake up until 10 a.m., even if you’ve been awake since 7 a.m.
• Afternoon “low” (feelings of sleepiness or clouded thinking) from 2 to 4 p.m.
• A burst of energy at 6 p.m. when you finally feel better from your afternoon lull
• Sleepiness around 9p.m. to 10 p.m. However, you resist going to sleep
• A “second wind” at 11 p.m. that lasts until about 1 a.m., when you finally do go to sleep
• Cravings for foods high in salt and fats
• Chronic low blood pressure
• Sensitivity to cold and feeling chilled
• Increased PMS or menopausal symptoms
• Mild depression
• Mood swings
• Mental fog
• Memory problems
• Lack of energy and feeling rundown
• A decreased ability to handle stress
• A decreased ability to recover from illness
• Muscular weakness
• Increased food allergies
• Lightheadedness when getting up from a sitting or lying down position
• Decreased sex drive
• Frequent sighing
• Inability to handle foods high in potassium or carbohydrates unless they’re combined with fats and protein
• You crave sugar

Brain Fog Is Another Symptom of Adrenal Fatigue 

1) Horrible short term memory
2) Difficulty with word finding and word substitution
3) Disorientation lasting 30-60 seconds ( You might be driving somewhere and you forget where you are and where you are going)
4) Loss of mental acuity
5) Forgetfulness
6) In ability to think clearly
7) A feeling that you’re in a fog or a dark cloud is over your head
Decreased attention span
9) Mild depression or anxiety
10) Lack of spatial awareness
11) Difficulty concentrating
12) Lack of focus
13) Confusion
14) Spaciness or Absentmindedness
15) Trouble learning new tasks
16) Trouble solving problems
17) Decrease in creativity
18) Decreased mental stamina

It’s no wonder Americans are gaining weight!  We are a nation who runs on caffeine, and thrives on stress to achieve the “American Dream.”  In order to lose weight it’s recommended that you do a detox first.  Next you take the vitamins and supplements recommended to help your body heal.  The detox IS VERY necessary!  You must clean up your intestinal tract so that the vitamins and minerals can absorb through the lining of your intestines.

Recommended Supplements for Adrenal Fatigue 

Adrenal Revive 

“By far, the best performing adrenal fatigue supplement in our review has been Adrenal Revive. What I liked best about Adrenal Revive is that unlike other “fatigue” supplements you see on the market, it was specifically formulated to address the needs of adrenal fatigue sufferers. I discovered in my review that it is a very well known adrenal supplement and includes ingredients that have scored the highest in clinical studies.”

More Natural Energy

“Simply put, More Natural Energy can help dramatically reduce your fatigue. In our experience with this product, we’ve found success in its patented FOUR “Total Body” Energy System targeted to replenish your adrenals. This system infuses your body with pharmaceutical grade vitamins and organic herbal extracts that get you bubbling with energy in no time.”  Click here to read more.

ReloraMax

“Reloramax is good energy supplement, one in which we are happy to recommend for those with adrenal fatigue.

The ingredients in this 100% all natural product are absorbed by the large intestine and transported directly to the brain. Once delivered, they assist in the creation of relaxing Alpha brain waves, help control homocysteine levels, and improve serotonin and dopamine transmitters.

Because of the quick digestive quality, we found the product fast-acting and long lasting. When taken as directed the formula seems to work all day with no “down time” between doses”  Click here to read more.

*  Writers for Fit Tip Daily.com have not tried the above products.  These are reviews that have been pulled from online.  If you have tried these please feel free to write in and let other readers know about your experience. 

     Use this these fitness tips to get your system back on track!  Once you are on the healing path you will find that the weight seems to drop off without effort!  Adrenal fatigue is something that should NOT be taken lightly.  Long term stress on your body leads to the break down of cells.  Over time this can lead to disease and overall health issues.  Take care of YOU!

Adria Ali

CPT, BS, PES, CES

]]> http://fittipdaily.com/is-your-adrenal-system-keeping-you-from-losing-weight-take-the-quiz-7857/feed/ 2 http://fittipdaily.com/sea-buckthorn-for-weigth-loss-dr-oz-sheds-light-on-this-new-supplement-7647/ http://fittipdaily.com/sea-buckthorn-for-weigth-loss-dr-oz-sheds-light-on-this-new-supplement-7647/#comments Mon, 02 Jan 2012 19:29:29 +0000 adreeza http://fittipdaily.com/?p=7647  

Dr. Oz has become somewhat of a diet guru over the last year.  One of the newest things presented on the show was a berry that has the ability to help you lose body fat, grow healthier nails and hair, and clear up your skin!   Sea Buckthorn is a orange berry that is said to help people and mice loose weight without changing their diet.

Oz showed 2 mice.  One was fat while the other was thin.  The only difference between their identical diets was the Sea Buckthorn.  The skinny mouse consumed that along with his normal diet.

After hearing about this show from my mom and researching it online, I found it hard to find any info that wasn’t biased.

While these other forms of buckthorn can cause a laxative effect, sea buckthorn isn’t said to possess that quality.    The berry is also very rich in vitamin C, which is beneficial for detoxifying the body.  It can also be found in face products due to it’s vitamin C content.

Research of  Sea Buckthorn on Humans???

There wasn’t a lot of research on humans for this weight loss supplement.  The only one I found was on a supplement site but the research was  never mentioned on the popular daytime show.

 This study, published in 2011 in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition recruited 110 overweight women (80 completed the study). The women were given diets that contained either Bilberries, Sea Buckthorn, Sea Buckthorn phenolic extract, or Sea Buckthorn oil.

Researchers noted that both bilberries and sea buckthorn caused a statistically significant reduction in waist circumference. Bilberries appeared to reduce waist circumference more than sea buckthorn (1.2 cm vs. 0.008 cm respectively). That’s not a lot but it’s something I guess.

As far as I can tell, this seems to be the only human sea buckthorn weight loss study out there so far (source).

Dr. Oz recommended 500mg of sea buckthorn oil per day.  However, the show and the Doctor didn’t release any info to support this dosage.

SIDE EFFECTS OF SEA BUCKTHORN 

If you are in good health then there isn’t any side effects.  However,  this oil does cause a blood thinning effect and if taken with other blood thinning medication it could cause some serious problems.  SEA Buckthorn should NOT be mixed with blood thinning medication.

Only time will tell if this miracle berry is what the mice showed it to be!  However, the timing of this supplement on prime time TV at the end of 2011 and into 2012 could make it the supplement to buy in the new year!

Adria Ali

Unlike men, women never expect to lose their hair as they age.  Therefore when it does happen no one has any idea how to prevent it, control it, or remedy it.   While we know that this is a Health and Fitness Site, there is a strong link between hair loss in women and general health.

Reasons For Hair Loss In Women 

Telogen Effluvium

Telogen effluvium is a phenomenon that occurs after pregnancy, major surgery, drastic weight loss, or extreme stress, in which you shed large amounts of hair every day, usually when shampooing, styling, or brushing. It can also be a side effect of certain medications, such as antidepressants, beta-blockers, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. During telogen effluvium, hair shifts faster than normal from its growing phase into the “resting” phase before moving quickly into the shedding, or telogen, phase.

The symptoms: Women with telogen effluvium typically notice hair loss 6 weeks to 3 months after a stressful event. At its peak, you may lose handfuls of hair.

Hereditary Hair Loss

Hair loss that is genetic is known as androgenetic alopecia and, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, is the most common cause of hair loss. The gene can be inherited from either your mother’s or father’s side of the family, though you’re more likely to have it if both of your parents had hair loss.

Hypothyroidism

Millions of people, most of them women, suffer from thyroid disease. When your body produces too little thyroid hormone, the hormone responsible for metabolism, heart rate, and mood, you are said to have hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid. If your body makes too much of the hormone, you’re said to have hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid. Thyroid hormone is responsible for everything from your basal metabolic rate—the rate at which your body uses oxygen and energy to function—to the growth of your hair, skin, and nails. But when you don’t have the right amount, you may notice changes in bodily functions.

The symptoms: Hypothyroidism (too little hormone) may cause a host of symptoms, including unexplained weight gain, fatigue, constipation, depression, and difficulty concentrating. Hair, nails, and skin may become more brittle and break more easily. It’s more common in women, especially over the age of 50, says Theodore C. Friedman, MD, MPH, chief of the division of endocrinology, metabolism, and molecular medicine at Charles Drew University in Los Angeles and coauthor of The Everything Guide to Thyroid Disease (Adams Media, 2007). It affects about 5 percent of the US population but is nearly 10 times more frequent in women.

Lupus

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the body’s own immune system attacks healthy tissues. The condition affects about 1.5 million people and tends to strike women during their childbearing years.

Iron Deficiency Anemia

Women who have heavy periods or don’t eat enough iron-rich foods may be prone to iron deficiency, in which the blood doesn’t have enough red blood cells. Red blood cells transport oxygen to cells throughout your body, giving you the energy you need.

The symptoms: Iron deficiency anemia causes extreme fatigue, weakness, and pale skin. You may also notice headaches, difficulty concentrating, cold hands and feet, and hair loss. Any type of exertion may leave you short of breath.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

As many as five million women in the United States suffer from polycystic ovarian syndrome. The condition, which can begin as early as age 11, is caused by a hormonal imbalance in which the ovaries produce too many male hormones. PCOS often causes infertility.

The symptoms: PCOS can cause facial hair growth, irregular periods, acne, and cysts on the ovaries. And while you may experience hair loss on your scalp, you may notice more hair elsewhere on the body, Dr. Fusco says.

Skin Conditions of the Scalp

An unhealthy scalp can cause inflammation that makes it difficult for hair to grow. Skin conditions that lead to hair loss include seborrheic dermatitis (dandruff), psoriasis, and fungal infections such as ringworm.

The symptoms: Seborrheic dermatitis causes the scalp to shed its skin, so you’ll notice greasy, yellowish scales on your shoulders or in your hair. It may be the result of yeast called Malassezia, hormonal changes, or excess oil in the skin. Psoriasis, an autoimmune condition that causes excessive skin cell turnover, produces a very thick white scale on the scalp that can bleed if pulled off. With ringworm, a fungus you contract by touching an infected person or animal, you’ll notice red patches on your scalp, which may be diffuse, Jakubowicz says.

Alopecia Areata

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks hair follicles. It affects about 4.7 million people in the United States and occurs equally in men and women. The cause is unknown, but it may be triggered by stress or illness.

Excessive Styling

Too much shampooing, styling, and dyeing can harm your tresses. Heat and chemicals weaken the hair, causing it to break and fall out. Often, it’s a combination of treatments—keratin, coloring, and blow-drying, for instance—that does the damage (source).

If you can identify with the causes of hair loss above then it’s a key to helping you reverse the symptoms.   Along with identifying the cause of hair loss, you must find ways to combat it.

Supplements to Comabat Hair Loss 

• B-12 , B- Complex including biotin ( 3 mg of biotin daily for his hair loss)
• Zinc (80 mg per day)
• Vitamin A – is an important antioxidant help make healthy sebum, an oily secretion of the sebaceous glands in the scalp which is necessary for good hair follicle health and hair growth. Vitamin A is most prevalent in fruits and vegetables but is also found in the maligned dairy products and beef. Another source: fish oil supplements.
• Vitamin C – supplements are a good hair loss vitamin women should consider incorporating into their diets.
• L-Lysine
• Copper
• Multivitamin

    The obesity epidemic has put scientists into overdrive. New research is developing a drug that attacks the blood supply of fat cells.  Recent tests showed that the drug helped shed 40 percent of body fat in a month!

The research on this new drug “Adipotide,” was carried out on monkeys.  However, due to the genetic similarities, scientists are confident that this drug will work the same on humans.

Previous attempts at developing weight loss drugs have failed.  In the past, research was set on developing drugs that alter brain chemistry.  The side affects of these drugs was too substantial to make them worth taking.  Since this drug targets the cells of the fat rather then the brain, scientists are hopeful that this will give lasting results free of side affects.

   Adipotide, which is injected, homes in on the blood vessels that supply fat with blood, triggering their death, and leading to the flab melting away. Appetite is also curbed.

When monkeys that had become fat by overeating and not exercising were given daily jabs of the drug, they shed 11 per cent of their weight in just four weeks.

In human terms, an obesity drug is usually seen as beneficial if a person loses around 5 per cent of their weight in six months.

The animals also shed 39 per cent of their overall body fat and bellies were trimmed by 27 per cent, the journal Science Translational Medicine reports.

Some kidney problems were noted but researchers, from the MD Anderson Cancer Centre at the University of Texas, believe these can be overcome (source).

 

Just the mention of this drug is exciting!  However, I am curious to know what the side affects are and what lasting affect they have.  Generally speaking, if you kill fat cells do they grow back?  In the case of liposuction where cells are sucked out, fat can still exist  because cells have the ability to expand.  Drugs and surgeries may help the process along but to stay lean you must commit to a healthy life style.  Fitness will never be obsolete due to a new drug, remedies or surgeries.  So, continue to read these fitness tips and stay health inside and out!

Adria

]]> http://fittipdaily.com/kill-fat-cells-pot-belly-drug-banishes-up-to-40-in-a-month-7437/feed/ 0 http://fittipdaily.com/pagg-supplement-winner-7405/ http://fittipdaily.com/pagg-supplement-winner-7405/#comments Wed, 02 Nov 2011 20:52:36 +0000 adreeza http://fittipdaily.com/?p=7405  

Thank you to all of those who entered the contest for the PAGG supplement giveaway!  We had a large turn out and we are grateful to everyone that got involved!

The Winner IS……

*

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Elaine Larson!!!

Everyone that entered the contest will be receiving a coupon code for 20% off within the next week.  Watch your emails!  If for some reason you don’t receive the code due to spam settings, please email us and we will send it from a different address.

Thank you for your participation!

    What!  My original thought was that this was the “clean” mans version of cocaine.  However, what if your teen walked around the house huffing a white substance from a vile?  From a fitness perspective, this could save people a lot of calories by avoiding the usual coffee drinks, energy drinks, and sodas.

  Aero Shots delivers an an instant shot of caffeine powder anytime, anywhere.  The inhaler is heat and cold resistant and is TSA approved due to size.

Each shot of powder caffeine contains 100 mg  which is the same as a cup of coffee.  You puff in a fine mist of caffeine that falls out in the air and dissolves instantly in your mouth.  According to their site it’s “safe and healthy.”

If you think you won’t abuse it then it may be worth a shot.  The deciding factor could be the amount of calories you are consuming to get your “daily fix.”

Adria

The majority of the world  runs straight for their coffee pots in the morning.  Personally, my stomach hates coffee.  I turn into an edgy, jittery personal when I consume this mud colored drink.

Being a personal trainer with crazy hours makes energy a key ingredient to my hectic life.  I have tried everything to keep my energy levels up.  I have been disappointed by the side affects of most energy drinks.  Here is a review of the energy drinks I have tried.

Monster Energy Drink – Love the flavor, love the energy, hate that my face breaks out EVERY       TIME I drink one of these.  If you use these everyday you will be in a coma by day  4 or 5 due to a total energy drink crash.

5 Hour Energy Drink – Worst flavor ever, doesn’t seem to work.

Coffee – Great energy, horrible backlash affect.  I get irritable and edgy with in the hour.

Red Bull - Supposedly, this drink “gives you wings.”  It gave me nothing.

Zip Fizz – These all natural drinks worked for a while.  However, I found out that I could only consume half of the serving and I could not take them everyday.  If I consumed the whole amount I would become edgy similar to coffee.

Rock Star Energy Drink – Horrible flavor!  Choking one of these down had the same affect as the Monster energy drinks.

Herbalife Liftoff Energy Drink – Not a bad drink, has a decent flavor, and provides good energy.  However, after taking these daily for a couple weeks they stopped working for me.

FRS Energy Drink – LOVE IT, love it, love it!  Awesome product with a good flavor, tons of antioxidants, carbonation free and and very low calorie.  It’s also sugar free

If you are looking for an energy drink that provides energy without the crash, then FRS is the way to go!

Adria Ali

This mythical creature is hugging her scale ... who does that?

The sun is a key factor in mood, energy, and weight loss. As fall and winter approach, your body converts less and less from its natural source, the sun.  It’s a common  pattern for people to get tired early, gain weight, and get lazy due to the change in sun.  You can get vitamin D from food sources such as dairy.  However, the easiest way to ensure that you don’t fall victim to the winter weight gain is through supplementation.

Other Benefits of Vitamin D

1.It helps the intestine absorb nutrients, including calcium and phosphorus. This ensures strong bones and a strong immune system.

2. Vitamin D prevents osteomalacia and rickets. Osteomalacia, which causes weakness of the muscular system and brittle bones, is most prevalent among adults with vitamin D deficiency. Rickets is a skeletal deformity mostly seen in children with vitamin D deficiency.

3. Vitamin D provides calcium balance in the body that prevents osteoporosis or arthritis.

4. Vitamin D regulates blood pressure, reduces stress and tension, relieves body aches and pains by reducing muscle spasms, reduces respiratory infections, helps in differentiation of the cells, aids in insulin secretion, helps fight depression, improves overall skin health by reducing wrinkles, makes skin soft, strong, and smooth, and improves cardiovascular strength by providing a protective lining for the blood vessels.

5.Vitamin D is recommended in the treatment of several diseases. It may prevent preaclamsia by improving kidney function, cancer by controlling abnormal multiplication of cancer cells, diabetes mellitus by controlling insulin production, hyperparathyroidism by reducing parathyroid numbers, osteomalacia by improving bone and muscle strength, hypophosphatemia by controlling the phosphates in the body, hypocalcaemia by preventing abnormal deposition of calcium, and renal osteodystrophy by regulating calcium content and fibromyalgia (source).