Pharmaca Weight Loss and Health Challenge – Part 3

    If you’ve been following along you’ll know that the Pharmaca weight loss and health challenge has been running.   Both my mom and I are doing this 3 part challenge to get in better shape and to get healthier.   Since we both have different goals it was important to outline both.  I’ve also added in the supplements that we are taking and how they have benefited us.   If you want to read the other articles before reading this third recap  – use these links Pharmaca Weight Loss and Health Challenge – Part 1  Pharmaca Weight Loss and Health Challenge – Part 2 

My Third Session, Pacific Palisades, California

Weight Loss Challenge Results

I was doing the challenge here in sunny California while my mom did hers from Portland, Oregon.   In the last article I wrote about my great weight loss, and body fat loss.   I lost 6 pounds and 3 % body fat.   One my last weigh in I was on my period so my weight went up a couple pounds.  It then quickly went back down and then I drop an additional pound on top of that, making my grand total of 7 pounds lost and 3% body fat.   More importantly, I felt better, could mover better and the supplements Ricki advised me to take REALLY made a difference.   The glutamine was especially helpful because it allowed my tired (over worked) body to actually heal and recover as I slept.   Here are just some of the benefits you can receive while taking this product.  

Benefits of Glutamine 

Glutamine plays key roles in protein metabolism,

• Cell volumizing
• Increases your ability to secrete Human Growth Hormone  (the youth hormone), which helps metabolize body fat and support new muscle growth.
• Anti-catabolism ability prevents the breakdown of your muscles.

This is especially useful for people ‘cutting down’. Especially during summer when you’re trying to get rid of some body fat without losing any muscle.   Your small intestines requires the most Glutamine in your body, and your immune system also needs Glutamine because Glutamine levels deplete during workouts, bodybuilders are more susceptible to illnesses – this is why L-Glutamine supplementation is so important, not necessarily to gain more muscle, but for the ‘maintenance’ effects of L-Glutamine (source). So how much do you take if you are trying to get all these awesome benefits??   Recent studies have shown that taking just 2 grams of L-Glutamine can increase growth hormone levels by 400%.  

HOW MUCH SHOULD YOU SUPPLEMENT WITH?

Bodybuilders should take 10 to 15 grams of L-Glutamine a day – supplementing it 2 to 3 times daily, with each serving at around 5 grams. You should also know that you may already be getting some L-Glutamine in your diet from other supplements you’re taking. Many protein supplements already have some L-Glutamine mixed into it, so read the labels to know for sure. Best times to take L-Glutamine powder is in the morning, after a workout, and at night before bed time (source).

   While I took other supplements I really think this one made the biggest difference and I thank Rickie for turning me on to it!

My Mom’s Third Session – Portland, Oregon

My mom was doing the health version of this challenge.  While she would like to lose weight, her main goal right now is to just get better, more consistent sleep, have less stress, and lower her cortisol levels.   In the last post, I reported that her sleep has improved greatly due to using a natural sleep aid recommend by her naturopath, Dr. Carelton.   Due to her increased amount of sleep she’s able to focus better at work and make better food choices!  When it came to stress, it was easy to see that her job and lack of sleep were a major culprit.   Cortisol, if you’re not familiar, has the ability to flip your life, and weight upside down.   Having high cortisol levels for long periods of time can lead to disease and other health issues.   The supplement the doctor recommend helped to cut her cortisol level drastically. Here are some of the negative affects of high cortisol.

The long-term activation of the stress-response system — and the subsequent overexposure to cortisol and other stress hormones — can disrupt almost all your body’s processes. This puts you at increased risk of numerous health problems, including:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Digestive problems
• Heart disease
• Sleep problems
• Weight gain
• Memory and concentration impairment

That’s why it’s so important to learn healthy ways to cope with the stressors in your life.

  In order to lower cortisol levels and get her life back, Dr. Carelton recommended Phytisone, a product by Thorne.   It has drastically changed her stress level.  After taking the pills she returns to a calm state and is able to deal with her high stress job much better (without killing my dad when she gets home).   The lower cortisol level has also helped her to get deeper, more restful sleep.

Overall, the Pharmaca weight loss and health challenge was a huge success.   Both my mom and I are very grateful to the staff that has helped us reach an improved state of health.   The program is very inexpensive and is worth every penny.   Seeing someone periodically to help you refocus on your personal health is always a positive way to use your time and money.  We love you Pharmica!

If you want to take advantage of additional saving – Pharmica has given our readers a discount for online products!

Fit Tip Daily readers receive 20% off on all online purchases at Pharmaca.com !!! Use Coupon code –  BPWCBLOG14 

Adria Ali