Gregory Chandler -- Docosahexaenoic Acid

Researchers have opined that healthy people with memory complaints and those with Alzheimer's disease both tend to have low levels of the omega-3 DHA (docosahexaenoic acid).

In one study, 485 otherwise healthy adults aged at least 55, with impaired memory, took 900 mg of DHA per day or a placebo.

After six months, while the placebo group had not improved, those who had taken DHA had better memory and learning compared to the start of the study and made fewer errors on memory and learning tests compared to the placebo group.

Researchers also found that DHA levels had doubled in the DHA group, and memory improved as DHA levels increased.

Gregory Chandler, Attorney at Law

GREGORY CHANDLER ON RED YEAST RICE

Red yeast rice provides helpful mono and polyunsaturated fatty acids, as well as proteins, amino acids and phytonutrients.

Recently, there has been some research that red yeast rice has cardiovascular benefits. More research needs to be conducted before red yeast rice is viewed as a worthwhile supplement for cardiovascular benefits.


Gregory Chandler

GREGORY CHANDLER ON COLLAGEN

It is wise to look for supplements that support joint health. Collagen is a protein that provides elasticity and strength throughout the body. Collagen dietary supplements provide the building blocks for producing new collagen to maintain strength and flexibility of skin, vessels, cartilage, bones, joints, ligaments, and tendons.

One can look for collagen at retailers such as GNC.


GREGORY CHANDLER, Attorney at Law

Gregory Chandler on Milk Thistle

Individuals with a concern for liver function may consider supplementing with milk thistle. Milk thistle contains bioflavonoids--powerful antioxidants in the liver that exert a protective effect against substances that may be potentially harmful to the liver.

Milk thistle is often used by individuals who take substantial amounts of medications. Bodybuilders often consume milk thistle to protect against supplements such as anabolic steroids.


Gregory Chandler

GREGORY CHANDLER ON PYCNOGENOL AND TINNITUS

Researchers in one study said that impaired blood flow to the ear may be one of the main causes of ringing in the ears known as tinnitus.

Doctors examined 82 people with mild to moderate tinnitus that began for no apparent reason and had persisted in one ear for at least two weeks. Participants were not dizzy and did not have significant hearing loss.

Twenty-four people took 150 mg of Pycnogenol per day, 34 took 100 mg per day, and 24 took no treatment. The three groups were similar in sex and age.

After four weeks, while there were no changes in the non-treatment group, both Pycnogenol groups had much better blood flow to the ear and reported far less severe symptoms. The higher dose group improved more in both measures than the lower dose group.


GREGORY CHANDLER, Attorney at Law

Gregory Chanlder -- Hyaluronic Acid for Joint Lubrication

I often write about supplementing with oils such as flaxseed oil or fish oil for joint lubrication.

Another means to lubricate the joints is with hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid (HA) is used to support joint and skin health. HA, a gel-like substance is found in connective tissue such as skin and cartilage. The synovial fluid that protects our joints is largely made up of HA and acts as a lubricant, shock absorber and nutrient carrier.

HA may support healthy joint lubrication, help maintain smooth, healthy skin and may support wound healing and eye health.

By age 50, most individuals are estimated to have less than half the level of HA as a 20 year old. One can supplement with HA to restore youthful levels.


GREGORY CHANDLER, Attorney at Law

Gregory Chandler on Cirsium oligophyllum

When choosing a thermogenic (fat burner), look for a product that contains Cirsium oligophyllum. Compared to a control group, Cirsium oligophyllum has been shown to reduce fat mass and especially subcutaneious fat. Cirsium oligophyllum has been shown to work synergistically with caffeine. In fact, the potency of caffeine and Cirsium oligophyllum combined was nearly was nearly 10 times greater than Cirsium oligophyllum alone in one study.


GREGORY CHANDLER, Attorney at Law

GREGORY CHANDLER ON FOLATE

The "bad" cholesterol, LDL comes in large and small particles. Large LDL particles are relatively benign, but small LDL particles can more easily oxidize and stick to artery linings, forming hardened plaques. Researchers wanted to explore a link between B vitamins and LDL particle size.


In one study, researchers measured levels of blood fats and folate (a B-vitamin) in 225 hospital workers. Scientists found a strong link: as blood levels of folate rose, LDL particle size increased; HDL, the "good" cholesterol, also increased; and triglycerides decreased.


Researchers believe folate may help enhance and control LDL particle size, reducing chances of hardening of the arteries.


GREGORY CHANDLER, Attorney at Law

GREGORY CHANDLER ON GRAPE SEED EXTRACT

I often change my antioxidants from time to time to expose my body to different nutrients. I understand that grape seed extract is an antioxidant that benefits the cardiovascular system.
I will do more research on grape seed extract and I will later write about this supplement.


GREGORY CHANDLER, Attorney at Law

GREGORY CHANDLER, ATTORNEY, ON BCAAs

Researchers have concluded that supplementation with branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) may help fight obesity. BCAAs are the amino acids leucine, isoleucine, and valine.

Researchers in a study measured the diets of 4,429 Asian, European, and U. S. men and women, aged 40 to 59, who were free of diabetes.

Compared to those with the least BCAAs in the diet, those with the highest levels were 30% less likely to be obese.

According to the researchers, leucine stimulates the anti-hunger hormone leptin and promotes insulin secretion, lowering blood sugar.

Isoleucine stabilizes and regulates blood sugar and, together with valine, helps repair muscle tissue and increase energy.

BCAAs are found in many plant and animal based foods and the estimated average daily requirement for adults, per pound of body weight is, 15 mg of leucine, 7 mg of isoleucine, and 9 mg of valine.

BCAAs may be purchased at most drug stores.



GREGORY CHANDLER, Attorney at Law

GREGORY CHANDLER -- BACOPA MONNIERI

Individuals who want to purchase a thermongenic (fat burner) may want to consider products that contain bacopa monnieri. Extracts from bacopa monnieri have been shown to increase thyroid hormone production naturally. In one study, the thyroid hormone T4 increased by 41% compared to controls. However, because there was no increase in negative hormones, the researchers concluded that bacopa monnieri extract directly stimulates the release of T4 from the thyroid gland.

Gregory Chandler

GREGORY CHANDLER -- BITTER ORANGE

Bitter orange is a compound used in many weight loss products. Bitter orange contains alkaloids that directly stimulate the body's beta-3 receptors. These receptors act like sparks that ignite one's metabolic rate and energy levels to help increase fat burning. Bitter orange also indirectly helps release body fat by stimulating the body's powerful natural fat burners, epinephrine and nor-epinephrine.

When reading the label on weight loss products, one can see if a weight loss product contains bitter orange.


GREGORY CHANDLER, Attorney at Law

Gregory Chandler -- Magnesium and Heart Health

I often write about the supplement ZMA. Of course the "M" in ZMA stands for magnesium. Magnesium helps the heart maintain its normal rhythm. Researchers in one study measured the diets of 88,375 women who were disease-free at the start of the study, and followed up for 26 years. Researchers also measured blood levels of magnesium in 99 women who had a fatal heart attack during this time, and compared them to 291 women in the study of similar age, ethnicity, smoking habits, and cardiovascular condition who did not have a heart attack.

Women with the highest magnesium levels were 37% less likely to have a fatal heart attack than those with the lowest levels. Researchers also found a direct link: each 0.25 mg increase in magnesium per deciliter of blood meant a 41% lower chance of heart attack.


GREGORY CHANDLER, Attorney at Law

Gregory Chandler on Bauhinia purpurea as a Thermogenic

Bauhinia purpurea has great possibilities as a thermogenic (fat burner). Due to many factors such as stress, dieting, and overtraining, many individuals may have impaired conversion of the thyroid hormone T4 to the active version T3. An extract from the plant Bauhinia purpurea has been shown in healthy adult animal models to increase T4 by 37 % compared to controls while increasing T3 by an amazing 83%. Increasing thyroid hormone is important because it is known to increase the release of fat into the bloodstream where it can be burned as fuel.

One can look for supplements that contain Bauhinia purpurea at retailers such as GNC.


GREGORY CHANDLER, Attorney at Law

GREGORY CHANDLER -- GLUTATHIONE

Glutathione is one of the body's most powerful self-generated antioxidants. Glutathione is found in almost all living cells and plays an important role in immune function and detoxification.

The recommended daily dose is 250 mg.

Gregory Chandler, Attorney at Law

GREGORY CHANDLER -- STRESS REDUCTION AND OMEGA-3S

Researchers in one study inform that the body releases the hormone cortisol to respond to stress, but when cortisol levels remain high, the body can become unhealthy.

Researchers asked 44 healthy men and women, average age 34, to maintain their diet and exercise routines while taking omega-3s consisting of 1,600 mg of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) plus 800 mg of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) per day, or a placebo.

After six weeks, compared to placebo, the omega-3 group had much lower levels of cortisol, much less fat mass and more lean muscle mass.

Gregory Chandler

Gregory Chandler -- Lycopene and Heart Health

In one heart health study, 126 healthy men, average age 34, took 6 mg of the antioxidant lycopene per day, 15 mg of lycopene per day or a placebo.

After eight weeks, antioxidant activity in the blood increased in both lycopene groups, and decreased for the placebo group.

In the high-dose lycopene group, there was less DNA damage, better blood vessel flexibility, and a beneficial increase in size of LDL cholesterol particles compared to the other two groups.

In addition, systolic blood pressure, and high sensitivity C-reactive protein--a sign of inflammation--declined significantly in the high-dose lycopene group.

Lycopene is the bright red carotenoid pigment found in red fruits and vegetables like tomatoes.


GREGORY CHANDLER, Attorney at Law

Gregory Chandler -- Caffeine as a Thermogenic

Those who seek fat burning should consider caffeine supplementation. Caffeine is often noted
for its ability to increase resting energy expenditure while also increasing lipolysis and lipid oxidation. In addition, caffeine is known for its ability to increase feelings of energy, alertness, concentration and euphoria.


GREGORY CHANDLER, Attorney at Law

Gregory Chandler -- Alpha Lipoic Acid

Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is known as the universal antioxidant. ALA is both fat-and water- soluble. As a result, ALA provides protection for a wide range of body systems. Researchers believe that ALA helps shift glucose into muscles and away from fat cells, increasing energy and reducing stored fat.

In one study, scientists gave 1,127 overweight or obese males and females 800 mg of ALA per day. After four months, average blood pressure had declined significantly.

Participants also had an average of two to four points lower body mass index scores. Obese women lost an average of 3.5 inches in waist size and obese men 4.3 inches in waist size.


GREGORY CHANDLER, Attorney at Law

Gregory Chandler - Geranium

When looking for a thermogenic (fat burner) one would be wise to look for a
supplement containing geranium. Geranium has been used for centuries as a food
additive and many cultures consume it as part of a regular diet. One component of
geranium is 1,3 Dimethylamylamine which is a compound that mimics norepinephrine
and therefore boosts fat burning.


GREGORY CHANDLER, Attorney at Law

Gregory Chandler on Endurance Benefits of Quercetin

Quercetin, a flavonoid found in onions and apples, has been shown to increase the number of mitochondria in muscle cells. Mitochondria are the power plants inside cells that convert food into energy.

In a study performed at the University of South Carolina, mice that were given quercetin were able to run significantly longer than mice given a placebo. Quercetin may be helpful in boosting endurance for sports or training.

A good dose of quercetin is 500 milligrams twice a day with meals.


GREGORY CHANDLER, Attorney at Law

Gregory Chandler on Casein Hydrolysate

Most casein protein is manufactured as a protein that is medium lasting or long lasting in the body. For example, caseinate protein lasts a medium amount of time in the body. Micellar casein lasts a long time in the body.

Casein hydrolysate is manufactured in a manner that breaks down the casein protein to form shorter protein chains. The result is that casein hydrolysate is digested faster than other forms of casein protein. I would suggest that casein hydrolysate be used in the manner of whey protein. If one chooses to supplement with casein hydrolysate, it should be used before or after a workout in the manner of whey protein.


GREGORY CHANDLER, Attorney at Law