Gregory Chandler, Attorney at Law, On Supplements for Body Lubrication

I recommend fish oil and flaxseed oil as lubricants for the body. Think of the reason an automobile uses motor oil. Motor oil is used to lubricate the moving parts in an automobile engine. Likewise, we use supplements such as fish oil and flaxseed oil to lubricate the body.

GREGORY CHANDLER, Attorney at Law

Gregory Chandler, Attorney at Law, on Mycobacteria

Many individuals, especially the fitness conscious, enjoy hot tubs. One problem, however, is that hot tubs often promote respiratory problems. Hot tubs provide an excellent growth environment for mycobacteria. Mycobacteria can inflame the lungs and cause breathing problems. Since chlorine loses much of its disinfectant properties at temperatures above 84 degrees Fahrenheit, the hot tub should be cleaned often and have regular filter changes.


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GREGORY CHANDLER - DUMBARTON OAKS

Dumbarton Oaks Research Library and Collection is managed by the trustees of Harvard University and is located in Washington, D. C. The library is also known as simply Dumbarton Oaks. On the grounds of the Dumbarton Oaks is Dumbarton mansion.

Dumbarton mansion is a 19th century Federal-style building located in the Georgetown neighborhood of Washington, D. C.

Dumbarton Oaks is a center for scholarship in Byzantine studies, pre-Columbian studies and landscape studies.

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Gregory Chandler, Attorney at Law, on AMD

A large scale study was done by the Age-Related Eye Disease Study Research Group. The study involved 3,640 patients with an average follow-up of 6.3 years. Participants were randomly assigned to receive daily oral tablets containing:

Antioxidants: Vitamin C at 500 mg, Vitamin E at 400 IU, and Beta Carotene at 15 mg.
Zinc: at 80 mg.

Copper: at 2 mg.

Results showed a 25%-30% reduction in the progression of AMD in patients taking this combination of vitamins and minerals.

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Gregory Chandler, Attorney at Law, on Green Tea

Green tea, especially in the extract form, is viewed as a weight loss aid. Research has identified its main bioactive component to be a polyphenol called EGCG. Green tea also contains caffeine, and the combination of EGCG and caffeine may work together to enhance fat burning and promote fat loss.

Researchers from Germany performed a detailed study to examine the short-term effects of caffeine and two doses of EGCG on measures of fat burning. In a double-blind cross-over study, obese men supplemented daily for 3 days with either a placebo, 300 mg of EGCG, 600 mg of EGCG, 200 mg of caffeine, or a combination of 300 mg of EGCG and 200 mg of caffeine.

On day three of supplementation, subjects rested quietly for eight hours while measures of fat oxidation were made before and after a standardized meal. Fasting measures of fat oxidation were increased for the low dose EGCG (8%), high dose EGCG (15%), caffeine (26%), and combined EGCG/caffeine (35%) trials. Measures of fat oxidation after the standardized meal were increased for the low dose EGCG (33%), high dose EGCG (20%), caffeine (35%), and combined EGCG/caffeine (49%) trials.

These findings support the use of about 300 mg of EGCG from green tea per day for increasing fat burning. Higher doses did not improve fat burning results. Short-term supplementation with either EGCG or caffeine alone showed positive effects, but the combination resulted in the highest rates of fat oxidation.

It should be noted that green tea contains only a small amount of caffeine. Therefore, the caffeine must be taken as a separate supplement.

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Gregory Chandler, Attorney, on TRICARE

The Department of Defense (DOD) has formalized its plan to expand TRICARE coverage for dependent children through age 26. This will bring the military's policy in line with the national health care law enacted in 2010. The plan, called the TRICARE Young Adult Program, will offer TRICARE Standard benefits starting during the first half of 2011. To be eligible, older dependent children must be unmarried and must not be eligible for their own employer-sponsored health insurance. The dependent child will be able to purchase the TRICARE coverage on a month to month basis. The monthly cost has not yet been disclosed.


GREGORY CHANDLER, Colonel, US Army Reserve

GREGORY CHANDLER, ATTORNEY AT LAW, ON DHEA

There has long been a debate among those who study bodybuilding about the efficacy of what is commonly called DHEA.

5-Dehydroepiandroepiandrosterone (5-DHEA or simply DHEA) is a 19-carbon natural steroid hormone. DHEA is the major secretory steroidal product of the adrenal glands and is also produced by the gonads and the brain. DHEA is the most abundant circulating steroid in humans. DHEA is produced from cholesterol in the body.

DHEA acts on the androgen receptor both directly and through its metabolites, which include androstenediol and androstendione, which can undergo further conversion to produce the androgen testosterone and the estrogens, including estrone, estradiol, and estriol. In this context, DHEA can be understood as a prohormone for the primary sex steroids: testosterone and estrogen.

DHEA supplements are sometimes used as bodybuilding or performance enhancing drugs by athletes. However, a randomized placebo controlled study found that DHEA supplementation had only marginal effect on lean body mass, strength, or testosterone levels.

The use of DHEA by males is problematic. DHEA gives males a small increase in the male sex hormone: testosterone. At the same time, DHEA gives males an increase in the major female hormone: estrogen. The result is often that the estrogen increase is greater than the testosterone increase in males.

My recommendation is that males who take DHEA should take the supplement with an estrogen suppressor. Supplements that are thought to be estrogen suppressors can be purchased at nutrition supplement stores. Many studies indicate that foods such as broccoli act as estrogen suppressors.

The bottom line is that DHEA can be used by males as a limited builder of testosterone, but care should be used to block the estrogens that DHEA promotes.

GREGORY CHANDLER, Attorney at Law

Gregory Chandler on Harvard Humanities Honorands

This year's roster of National Humanities Medalists, who were honored by President Barack Obama at the White House in March 2011, includes five Harvardians: Daniel Aaron, Bernard Bailyn, Stanley Nider Katz, Gordon S. Wood, and Arnold Rampersad.

GREGORY CHANDLER, Attorney at Law

Gregory Chandler - Conjugated Linoleic Acid

Conjugated Linoleic acid (CLA) is a fatty acid shown in studies to preserve lean body mass while reducing body fat. It appears that CLA affects two enzymes, one that breaks down fat from the cells and one that breaks down fat in the blood. Studies show a superior loss of body fat and increase in lean muscle mass for those taking 3 to 6 grams of CLA per day compared to a placebo.

It appears that CLA helps people lose more fat, prevents fat from being stored, and also spares muscle.


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Gregory Chandler, Attorney, on Glutamine

The amino acid glutamine provides a form of nutrition to your immune system and intestinal cells, thereby preventing muscle loss. Glutamine also produces bicarbonate, which has been recognized for its muscle-preserving effects. Like creatine, glutamine also has a cell-volumizing effect, helping muscle cells stay swollen when glycogen and insulin levels are low. By stuffing muscle cells with water, glutamine helps them stay stretched and tight, which prevents protein-destroying enzymes from switching on and devouring muscle. Glutamine can also cause growth hormone (GH) release, and helps keep muscle-building processes humming along.

GREGORY CHANDLER, Attorney at Law

Gregory Chandler, Attorney at Law, on White Kidney Beans

Eating carbohydrates can send one's blood sugar soaring, causing excess blood sugar (glucose) to convert to fat. Carbohydrates inhibitors work by inhibiting alpha-amylase, the enzyme that converts carbohydrates from glucose. This amylase inhibitor is made from white bean extract. It is all-natural and stimulant free. A double-bind, placebo-controlled study of 60 people showed those who took this amylase inhibitor lost an average of 6.45 pounds in 30 day compared to less than 1 pound for a placebo.

On can take 500 to 1,500 mg of Northern white kidney bean extract before a meal that contains large amounts of carbohydrates.

GREGORY CHANDLER, Attorney at Law

GREGORY CHANDLER, ATTORNEY AT LAW, EASTER GREETINGS

HAPPY EASTER FROM GREGORY CHANDLER'S WEIGHT OF THE LAW


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Gregory Chandler, Attorney at Law, on Hoodia

Many individuals have used hoodia as an appetite suppressor. The herb hoodia comes from a cactus first discovered in the Kalahari desert of Africa. Traditionally, hoodia has been used to suppress appetite. The active ingredient in hoodia is P57. According to some, P57 acts on the brain like glucose and tricks the individual into thinking he or she is full. It is reported that hoodia also helps reduce interest in food and delays the time it takes for an individual to feel hungry again.

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Gregory Chandler, Attorney at Law, on Glucomannan

Glucomannan is a natural, water-soluble dietary fiber from the konjac root. Glucomannan works by absorbing water in the stomach and forming a gel-like substance that carries moisture through your digestive system. It also helps one feel full due to its expansion in the digestive system.

Research shows that glucomannan helps delay gastric emptying, slows the absorption of dietary carbohydrates and triglycerides levels, and acts as a prebiotic. One should take glucomannan one hour before each meal to help one feel semi-full before the meal. The feeling of fullness will lessen the desire to overeat.

GREGORY CHANDLER, Attorney at Law

Gregory Chandler, Attorney at Law, on Green Tea Extract

Green tea is often consumed for its health benefits. Green tea is often used by bodybuilders as a fat burner. The type of green tea used by bodybuilders is in the extract and concentrated form. Green tea in beverage form has limited fat burning abilities. A green tea catechin called EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), when combined with caffeine, was shown to boost metabolism beyond that of caffeine alone. Green tea may slow carbohydrate absorption and increase fat burning by improving the function of insulin. One can purchase green tea extract at health supplements stores. GREGORY CHANDLER, Attorney at Law

Gregory Chandler, Attorney at Law, on Chitosan

Chitosan is an indigestible fiber derived from shellfish. When taken before or during a meal chitosan forms a gel which binds to dietary fats. This prevents the normal breakdown of fat, allowing the fat to pass through the body unabsorbed. It is suggested that an individual take 2 to 3 capsules before a fat-laden meal.


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Gregory Chandler, Attorney at Law, on 7-Keto DHEA

7 Keto-DHEA works to increase metabolic rate without the use of stimulants. 7-Keto DHEA is produced naturally in the body, but declines significantly after age 30. By age 40, it is less than half of what it was at age 20. Two clinical studies support the evidence that 7-Keto DHEA appears to regulate fat burning in the body. GREGORY CHANDLER, Attorney at Law

Gregory Chandler, Attorney at Law, on Chromium

Chromium is a trace mineral. Chromium supports healthy insulin function which helps regulate blood sugar and is necessary for proper metabolism. Keeping blood sugar levels in check may support weight loss. Many individuals use chromium for its anabolic purposes. Insulin is an anabolic hormone. When insulin is given a boost, the body is better able to make use of this anabolic hormone. GREGORY CHANDLER, Attorney at Law

Gregory Chandler, Attorney, on Conjugated Linoleic Acid

By Gregory Chandler I often write about Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA). CLA is an omega-6 fat. CLA, however, is unlike other omega-6s fats. CLA reduces inflammation and the risk of cancer. When CLA is taken for at least 12 weeks, the supplement has been shown to reduce body fat and increase lean mass. The reduction of body fat is even more so in the abdominal area. GREGORY CHANDLER, Attorney at Law

Gregory Chandler, Attorney at Law, on Resveratrol

Resveratrol is a chemical compound found naturally in blueberries, cranberries, grape skins and peanuts. Resveratrol is thought to increase the number of mitochondria in each muscle cell. Having more mitochondria in each cell means that the body can produce more energy, leading to better muscular endurance in the gym. In fact, one study from the Institute of Genetics and Molecular and Cellular Biology in France reported that mice given resveratrol had enough energy to run twice as far before reaching exhaustion as those given a placebo. Resveratrol also may help to increase one's life span. A Harvard University study found that resveratrol may help increase longevity. Resveratrol may be purchased at most health supplement stores.

GREGORY CHANDLER, Attorney at Law

Gregory Chandler - Need for Military Pay Law

Congress prevented a complete federal government shutdown on April 8, 2011. The Congress did not agree to a 2011 budget. The Congress only agreed to a continuing resolution that will continue to fund the federal government until April 15, 2011. By April 15, 2011 the hope is that a full federal budget can be agreed upon and that there will be no need for a government shutdown. Nonetheless, military members and their families should never be put in a situation about a worry over military pay. Concerned individuals should contact his or her congressional representative about enacting a federal law that protects military pay in case of federal government shutdowns. GREGORY CHANDLER, Colonel, U. S. Army Reserve

Gregory Chandler, Attorney at Law, on Beta-glucan

By Gregory Chandler


Individuals who engage in vigorous exercise are at risk for a breakdown of the immune system. Beta-glucan, researchers believe, helps activate macrophages. Macrophages are white blood cells of the immune system that trap and destroy invading bacteria and viruses. In turn, macrophages help launch other immune responses, "T" and "B" cells, that target, kill and produce protective antibodies against future invaders. In the study, 150 men and women under chronic moderate to high stress, aged 18 to 65, took 250 mg or 500 mg of beta-glucan per day or a placebo. During the four week study, compared to placebo, both beta-glucan groups reported less tension and fatigue, fewer upper respiratory tract infections, and better overall health.


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Gregory Chandler, Attorney at Law, on Omega-3s and Weight Loss

By Gregory Chandler In a recent omega-3 study, researchers found that earlier research found omega-3s can help the body burn stored fat by raising core body temperature, called thermogenesis. Researchers measured blood levels of omega-3s in 124 adults who had healthy weight, who were overweight or who were obese. As omega-3 levels rose, body mass index was healthier, and measurements at the waist and hip were smaller. GREGORY CHANDLER, Attorney at Law

Gregory Chandler, Attorney at Law, on Hydroxycitric Acid

By Gregory Chandler Hydroxycitric acid (HCA) is an extract from the rind of the Garcinia Cambogia plant that helps reduce body fat by turning stored fat into fuel during exercise. Pulling more fat out of fat stores increases endurance, allowing one to exercise longer and harder. Furthermore, researchers from Ohio State University report that HCA can alter genes that govern how the body burns fat, leading to greater fat loss. A beneficial dose is two to three doses of 500 to 1,000 milligrams of HCA per day. Take one of these doses about 30 minutes before you begin weight training. GREGORY CHANDLER, Attorney at Law

Gregory Chandler, Attorney at Law, on White Bean Extract

A study was conducted on weight loss. 101 individuals took 1,000 mg of white kidney bean extract or a placebo 15 minutes before each of three meals per day. After 60 days, the placebo group had lost less than one pound while the white bean group lost more than four pounds, without side effects. As to waist size, the placebo group lost two-tenths of an inch compared to seven-tenths of an inch for the white bean group. GREGORY CHANDLER, Attorney at Law

Gregory Chandler on Prenatal Folic Acid Supplementation

By Gregory Chandler Researchers in one study began measuring blood folate levels in 100 mothers at the 14th week of pregnancy, and followed up on their children's behavior for nine years. Kids whose mother's had lower blood folate levels were more likely to be hyperactive and to have behavioral problems with peers. Mothers who consumed an average of 466 mcg of folic acid per day had babies with larger head circumferences at birth than kids whose mothers got an average of 413 mcg of folic acid per day, suggesting that folic acid influences brain development. GREGORY CHANDLER, Attorney at Law

Gregory Chandler, Attorney at Law, on Alzheimer's

By Gregory Chandler In an Alzheimer's disease (AD) study, researchers measured signs of inflammation and blood levels of vitamin B12 in 271 adults, aged 65 to 79, who did not have dementia at the start of the study. After 17 years of follow-up, doctors found two strong links: as levels of the inflammatory protein homocysteine rose, so did chances of AD, and as vitamin B12 levels increased, chances of AD decreased. Vitamin B deficiencies can cause high homocysteine levels. The scientists said that older adults are often low in vitamin B12 and suggested more study to confirm that vitamin B12 helps protect memory. GREGORY CHANDLER, Attorney at Law

Gregory Chandler, Attorney at Law, on B vitamins and Brain Health

By Gregory Chandler The human brain shrinks with age and dementia. In one study, 168 people, aged at least 70, with mild mental impairment, took 800 mcg of folic acid, 500 mcg of vitamin B12, and 20 mg of vitamin B6 per day, or a placebo. After two years, the rate of shrinking had increased 8 percent for the placebo group and decreased 24 percent for the B vitamin group. Those in the B vitamin group who began the study with higher levels of inflammatory homocysteine saw shrinking slow by 53 percent. Researchers suggest further studies to determine if B vitamins can maintain brain health. GREGORY CHANDLER, Attorney at Law

Gregory Chandler, Attorney at Law, on Melatonin

By Gregory Chandler Eyesight may be maintained with melatonin supplementation. Telomeres--the protective tips on the ends of each DNA strand--are a primary sign of aging; the longer the telomere, the younger the cell age. In one study, 55 individuals with weakening vision from age-related macular degeneration (AMD) took 3 mg of melatonin per day. After six months, 75 percent had stable eyesight and fewer AMD symptoms. In AMD, the retina deteriorates over time. In a new theory, researchers said that the antioxidants in melatonin help retinal pigment cells repair oxidative damage and stimulate the cells to produce telomerase, a protein that helps maintain healthy telomere length. GREGORY CHANDLER, Attorney at Law

Gregory Chandler, Attorney at Law, on Migraines

By Gregory Chandler Studies have shown that supplementation with B vitamins helps to lower homocysteine levels and lower the risk of migraines. According to researchers in a migraine study, prior research identified a gene that, when mutated, can raise levels of homocysteine, making people susceptible to migraines. In the study, 52 people suffering from migraines took 2 mg of folic acid, 25 mg of vitamin B6 and 400 mcg of vitamin B12 per day, or a placebo. After six months, compared to the start of the study, homocysteine levels were 39 percent lower in those who took B vitamins. While there were no changes for the placebo group, the B vitamin group--particularly those with the mutated gene--had fewer and less severe migraines, with disabling symptoms declining from 60 percent at the start of the study to 30 percent by the end. GREGORY CHANDLER, Attorney at Law

Gregory Chandler, Attorney at Law, on Vitamin D and Brain Function

By Gregory Chandler In a mental health study, doctors measured blood levels of vitamin D and mental function in 752 similar, relatively healthy women, aged at least 75. The researchers separated the women into two groups; those with low vitamin D--less than 10 nanograms of vitamin D per milliliter (ng per ml) of blood--and those with 10 or more ng per ml. The women in the higher vitamin D group were half as likely to have impaired mental function as were women with lower levels of vitamin D. GREGORY CHANDLER, Attorney at Law

Gregory Chandler, Attorney at Law, on Prenatal Supplements

By Gregory Chandler
Researchers in a study wanted to determine if prenatal supplements in mothers could improve the mental and physical health of children. Researchers followed for two years 676 Nepalese children, aged 7 to 9, whose mothers had taken vitamin A with iron and folic acid, or a placebo of vitamin A, before and during pregnancy. Compared to children whose mothers took only vitamin A, children whose mothers had taken iron and folic acid had greater intellectual ability and better control of fine muscle movements.



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GREGORY CHANDLER, ATTORNEY AT LAW, ON BETA-CAROTENE

Allergic diseases may be due in part to not enough antioxidants in the diet according to a study. Researchers measured the diets and followed 861 children for eight years from birth. As levels of the antioxidant beta-carotene in the diet increased, allergy decreased. Those who consumed the most beta-carotene were 20 percent less likely to have allergies than those who got the least beta-carotene. The researchers also found fewer signs of allergic stress in children who got the most beta-carotene. GREGORY CHANDLER, Attorney at Law

Gregory Chandler, Attorney, on Omega-3s and Blood Pressure

By: Gregory Chandler Some individuals inherit the tendency to have both high cholesterol and high triglycerides. In one study, 67 people with this inherited condition took omega-3s or a placebo. After 12 weeks, LDL cholesterol had not changed in either group, but compared to the placebo group, those who had taken omega-3s had 7 percent lower blood pressure, 8 percent lower levels of a sign of inflammation--high sensitivity C-reactive protein--and 19 percent lower levels of triglycerides. Gregory Chandler, Attorney at Law

Gregory Chandler, Attorney, on L-Arginine and exercise performance

BY: GREGORY CHANDLER Nitric oxide (NO) boosters have become big sellers in the supplement market in recent years. NO is a gaseous substance that has a critical role in the body as a potent dilator of blood vessels. It is well known that increasing the bioavailability of NO improves vasodilation and blood pressure. However, new studies suggest that nutritional manipulation of NO can improve other aspects of oxygen kinetics and even exercise performance. L-arginine is the rate-limiting amino acid required for NO synthesis. Studies have shown that when large doses of L-arginine are ingested or infused directly into a blood vessel, there is a positive effect on increasing vascular function. Building on this information, researchers from the United Kingdom hypothesized that L-arginine supplementation would improve exercise efficiency and enhance performance. Healthy men performed an exercise test on a cycle on two occasions. During one trial, they consumed 6 grams of L-arginine. During the second trial, they consumed a placebo. One hour after taking the L-arginine or the placebo, subjects performed an incremental exercise test to exhaustion. The primary finding was that L-arginine supplementation reduced the amount of oxygen required to perform exercise. This means that individuals accomplished the same exercise load, but with less energy expended. In other words they were more efficient after supplementing with L-arginine. L-arginine supplementation also increased time to exhaustion by 26% during high intensity cycling. These findings provide evidence that L-arginine supplementation (6 grams in a single dose) improves exercise efficiency and tolerance. GREGORY CHANDLER, Attorney at Law

GREGORY CHANDLER, ATTORNEY AT LAW ON OMEGA-3S AND HEARING LOSS

Gregory Chandler, Attorney at Law, on Omega-3s and Hearing Loss Researchers in one study measured the diets and hearing of 2,956 participants, aged at least 50, over the course of eight years. Compared to those who ate less than one serving of fish per week, those who reported eating two or more servings of fish per week were 42 percent less likely to develop age-related hearing loss. One can supplement with fish oil capsules to obtain the benefits of Omega-3s. GREGORY CHANDLER, Attorney at Law

Gregory Chandler, Attorney, Amino Acids

GREGORY CHANDLER'S WEIGHT OF THE LAW In one study, 29 young men took a supplement containing all of the essential amino acids plus carbohydrates or a carbohydrate placebo during 12 weeks of heavy-load leg strength training. All the men had significant increases in muscle mass and strength, with the amino acid group gaining the most size and developing the best muscle shape. Gregory Chandler, Attorney at Law

GREGORY CHANDLER, ATTORNEY AT LAW, ON WHEY PROTEIN

Whey protein is a major supplement in the bodybuilding arsenal. Most bodybuilders use whey protein for its muscle building effects. I write today about whey protein's role in recovery after exercise. Researchers in one study have opined that muscles require amino acids to fully recover from new or strenuous exercise. In the study, 17 untrained men performed four sets of a single-leg resistance exercise. The men pressed, flexed, and then focused on extending the leg using 120 percent of the maximum load they could flex. Immediately after exercise and continuing for 14 days, the men took 35 grams of whey protein isolate three times per day or a carbohydrate placebo. One day after exercise, men in the placebo group had lost 21 percent of their isometric strength compared to 12 percent for whey protein. Strength returned to normal for the placebo group in 14 days and in four days for the group using whey protein. GREGORY CHANDLER, Attorney at Law