Friday, July 25, 2008

Diabecon herbal remedy for diabetes




FavorFinesse.com is now offering Diabecon from Himalaya Herbals. Diabecon is a herbal ayurvedic formulation that helps in the control of type 2 diabetes (non-insulin dependant Diabecon tablets Himalaya Herbalsdiabetes mellitus). Solely diabecon can be used or it can be used in conjunction with other diabetic medication being taken. Diabecon acts like insulin and lowers blood sugar. It increases peripheral glucose utilization and helps in glycemic control.

More information on Diabecon from Himalaya HerbalsDiabecon tablets Himalaya Herbals

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Hormone Replacement Therapy HRT Risks






Perimenopause - the transition period before menopause brings with it unpleasant symptons such as hot flashes, irritability, mood swings, depression, mental fogginess, insomnia as well as physical pain such as joint aches, headaches. These are primarily caused by disruption of adequate female hormone production of estrogen and progesterone. Synthetic estrogen and progesterone combinations are prescribed as Hormone Replacement Therapy to combat these symptoms.

However synthetic HRT is not without its risks. The risk of heart disease, invasive breast cancer, ovarian cancer, strokes and blood clots significantly go up. In fact a study involving over 16,000 women sponsored by the National Institutes of Health was stopped after 5 years when it was found that the risks of Hormone Replacement Therapy to the women in the study, far outweighed the benefits of the study.

Menosan from Himalaya Herbals is a natural herbal ayurvedic formulation that is an excellent Menosan herbal alternative to HRTalternative to synthetic HRT. It is composed of ayurvedic herbs such as Ashoka tree, Shatavari, Country Mallow, licorice and others designed to help not only with the symptoms of menopause but also to provide hormonal balance and nourishment to the female organs.

More information on Menosan, ingredients and benefitsMenosan herbal alternative to HRT

Thursday, July 17, 2008

Diabetes Control with Herbs | Herbal Diabetes Remedies





Diabetes Control with Herbs



Patients with Type 2 Diabetes are often prescribed drugs like Avandia, Avandamet and Avandaryl which contain rosiglitazone, and belong to a class of prescription drugs called thiazolidinediones. Avandia sensitizes tissues to insulin and thereby lowers blood sugar levels. However Avandia has significant and serious health risks that were first brought to light in 2007.

In a report published in the New England Journal of Medicine, 28,000 patients were studied of which 15,560 were taking Avandia. It was found that for patients taking Avandia, the risk of heart attacks increased 43% while the risk from dying of cardiovascular disease increased by 64%. Avandia and related thiazolidinedione drugs have also been reported to cause weight gain, bone fractures and liver damage.

Avandia's risks have caused the FDA to put a black box warning on it (the most serious safety warning)

There are effective herbal remedies for diabetes control. These have been recommended in Gymnema - Herbal alternative to Diabetes ControlAyurveda (the ancient Indian system of medicine). GYMNEMA has been shown to be effective in both Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes. It normalizes blood sugar levels without allowing them to fall too low. It also takes away sugar cravings.

Another much talked about herb in diabetes control is BITTER MELON also known as Karela which significantly reduces blood sugar levels in the blood and urine
Karela - Herbal alternative to Diabetes Control

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Statin Drugs Side Effects - What doctors do not tell you









Statin Drug Side Effects



Search for statin side effects on the internet and you will find hundreds of people reporting serious problems from the use of drugs such as Lipitor and Zocor. Statin drugs are commonly prescribed to control cholesterol levels and do a good job in lowering them but at what cost?

Statins lower cholesterol levels by blocking the creation of mevalonate and therein lies the problem.

Cholesterol, Co-Q10 and Dolichols are the three end products of the mevalonate pathway. All three have important functions to perform in the body. Cholesterol is vital to forming cell membranes, Vitamin D, scar tissue which is the body's repair substance, serotonin and is the main constituent of brain cells. Cholesterol also helps produce all hormones in the adrenal cortex. Without cholesterol, neurological activity cannot take place.

Co-Enzyme Q10 or Co-Q10 is also critical in maintaining cell membranes and the formation of elastin and collagen. You will find Co-Q10 being advertized as a primary ingredient in many skin care products. Co-Q10 is essential for the heart. Without it, heart failure can occur due to wasting of heart muscles. Co-Q10 deficiency also leads to weakness and rupture of tendons and ligaments.

Dolichols work in cells by ensuring that cell proteins are used for their proper uses according to DNA programming.

By inhibiting the production of mevalonate, statin drugs remove not just cholesterol but other vital substances required by the body to function physically and neurologically.

It is therefore no wonder that websites such as medications.com contain testimonial after testimonial from patients about the horrendous side effects. Currently there are 1,200 side effects posted against Lipitor alone on medications.com. Here are some of the comments:

" I haved been on Lipitor for a number of years
with many of the side effects posted here. I have had Heart Failure for
a year now and the best doctors could not help me....Statins deplete
th heart muscle of COQ10 a natural enzyme in the Heart Muscle.
This depletion over time can caused Heart failure due to weak walls."

"I am 53 years old and was almost 4 years on Lipitor and started experiencing periphial neuropathology that was horrible! I had a keen neurologist who took me off after doing several tests for Lyme, Lupus, MS, etc. She said she sees more and more of my symptoms 3 to 8 years plus on Lipitor"

"Here are some more side effects that I encountered during my ordeal with Lipitor. A week after I started the medication, I started experiencing blurry and decreased vision, this used to go away and come back sometimes, I could swear I always had 20/20 although I never went to eye doctor, but I never needed glasses all my life, if fact any type of glasses will blurry my vision and make me dizzy. I had my first eyes exam a couple days after I discontinued Lipitor, guess what? I have 20/20 vision.
More details about the back and right arm pain, not only the pain was unbearable, I felt my muscles sagging and they did not have any strength, this thing sucked the life out of my muscles, it made me very tired and easily irritable. My first victim was my little baby ( my beautiful 4 year old), her daddy couldn’t hold her anymore, I even avoided staying close to her, because anyone who touches that right arm will make it feel like another deep stab to the arm deep into the bone"

Even though there are so many testimonials on side effects as a result of using Statin drugs, patients are still not advised by their doctors. In fact in a study conducted by the University GUGGUL HERB - Natural Cholesterol Controlof California, San Diego, it was found that doctors generally ignored or dismissed patient claims of side effects from statin drugs...even going so far as to tell them that muscle pains cannot be caused by statins. Here is the article on the Washington PostIs Your Doctor in Denial?
Survey Finds Physicians Often Dismiss Complaints About Drugs' Side Effects


It goes to show that patients need to be proactive about their health and glean as much information as possible about the medications they are being prescribed. Before using statin drugs such as Lipitor, Zocor, Mevacor, try and control cholesterol with diet and lifestyle changes. Herbs such as GUGGUL and GYMNEMA are also very helpful in cholesterol control and being natural and beneficial to the body, have no side effects.


GUGGUL HERB - Natural Cholesterol Control

Monday, July 14, 2008

Diet Weight Loss Fertility




Weight loss increases male fertility

A new study shows that excess weight in men can cause reduced sperm production and sperm quality. A study of 2,037 men showed that men who were of an ideal weight that is neither overweight or underweight were able to produce more normal sperm and more semen than men in groups who were overweight.

This study was prompted by the fact that obesity in women is a known infertility risk factor. As per Dr. Shayeb of the University of Aberdeen, Scotland, the reason for the reduction in sperm quantity and quality owing to obesity in men could be different hormone levels, heat in the testicles caused by fat or diet and lifestyle.

Ayurslim is a completely natural weight loss supplement composed of ayurvedic herbs like Guggul and Garcinia. Find out more

Speman from Himalaya Herbals is a natural herbo-mineral formulation that has been shown to improve sperm count, quality and motility.

Friday, July 11, 2008

Spirulina protein - highest natural protein content




Spirulina Protein


Spirulina is 65-71% protein which is the highest content of natural protein. Proteins are made up of 22 amino acids. Nine of these are essential amino acids but cannot be produced by the body. These must be provided by diet. Non-essential amino acids can be produced by the body but need to be synthesized. The higher the number of amino acids contained in a protein, the better its quality. Spirulina is known as a complete protein because it contains all 22 amino acids. Due to this, the body gets all of its protein requirements without the need to process animal products.

Spirulina is also very easy to digest since it has no cellulose. Spirulina protein is 85-95% digestible and is almost instantly absorbed by the body. Spirulina also complements other vegetable proteins found in legumes and improves their amino acid quality.

Spirulina protein capsulesPurchase pure certified organic Spirulina from the reputed Parry's brand. It has received US Pharmacopia certification, ECOCERT from France, IMO from Switzerland. Spirulina protein capsules

Thursday, July 10, 2008

Manage your cholesterol naturally



Knowledge and self care go a long way in cholesterol management. Get a blood profile done regularly so you know your HDL and LDL numbers. Overall cholesterol level is considered high if equal to or over 240 mg/dL. LDL cholesterol of 190 mg/dL and over is considered high and HDL cholesterol of less than 40 mg/dL is considered low.

Here are related blog posts on cholesterol levels
http://favorfinesse.blogspot.com/2008/07/ldl-hdl-cholesterol-levels.html

http://favorfinesse.blogspot.com/2008/07/blood-cholesterol-congestive-heart.html

High LDL levels are generally on account of excessive trans fats and saturated fats in the diet. It is recommended that no more than 30% of total calories should be from fats.

Nutrient composition of a Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes (TLC) diet:

Nutrient Recommended intake
Saturated fat Less than 7% of total calories
Polyunsaturated fat Up to 10% of total calories
Monounsaturated fat Up to 20% of total calories
Total fat 25-35% of total calories
Carbohydrate 50-60% of total calories
Fiber 20-30g/day
Protein Approximately 15% of total calories
Cholesterol Less than 200 mg/day

Energy intake and expenditure should be balanced to maintain optimum weight. It is recommended that daily energy expenditure should include moderate exercise contributing at least 200Kcal per day.

Find out more about natural cholesterol management with natural herbs such as GUGGUL and GARCINIA.

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

Statin side effects




Statin drugs are commonly prescribed for cholesterol control. These drugs include medicines such as Lipitor (atorvastatin), Crestor (rosuvastatin), Zocor (simvastatin), Mevacor (lovastatin) and Pravachol (pravastatin). Statins work by inhibiting an enzyme, HMG-CoA reductase which is produced in the liver to generate cholesterol. However the problem is that statins have been found to inhibit not only cholesterol production but other bio-chemical processes as well. Statins are prescribed mainly to reduce risk of heart disease and stroke. However it has been found that Statins can actually raise the risk of heart attacks owing to depletion of Co-Q10

Another very perturbing side effect is memory loss and reduced brain function. Many patients on statin drugs report amnesia like effects on account of taking statin drugs like Lipitor.

Muscle cramps, pain and weakness - a condition known as rhabdomyolysis is also a very common side effect of taking statin drugs. In fact 98% of patients taking Lipitor seem to suffer from this muscle problems and coordination problems.

Cholesterol is a natural substance produced by the liver and has important benefits for the body. It is only when the cholesterol level is higher that 240 mg/dL that it is a cause for concern. However reducing cholesterol naturally is the best way to proceed. A change in lifestyle and diet are recommended. In cases of high cholesterol, improving cholesterol levels especially the composition of LDL and HDL is best achieved by natural herbs such as GUGGUL.

Monday, July 7, 2008

Cholesterol control in children




A report today in the NY times talked about cholesterol medications for kids. It stated that the American academy of pediatrics was issuing new guidelines for testing children for cholesterol and administering cholesterol-lowering drugs. Previously the academy had recommended that children should be cholesterol medications should be given to children over 10 years old if they failed to lose weight within a 12 month period. However as per the new recommendations, children as young as 8 years old should be medicated with cholesterol drugs containing statins.
Here is the article http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/07/07/cholesterol-drugs-for-kids/

This is cause for concern. Statins are known to have serious side effects especially on the liver, muscle tissue and kidney. Statins also appear to raise heart risks instead of lowering them. Statins have also been known to induce memory loss.

Managing cholesterol whether in children or in adults should be done in a wholistic way. A lifestyle change is called for. Switch to a diet comprised largely of natural low-fat, high fiber vegetables and whole grains. Avoid processed sugars and saturated and trans fats present in fried and most baked goods. Consistent regular exercise is also important. Use natural herbs such as GUGGUL and GYMNEMA for cholesterol and lipid control. Pure Guggul capsulesPure Gymnema capsulesCholesterol lowering herbs

Thursday, July 3, 2008

Blood Cholesterol Congestive Heart Disease CHD



Blood cholesterol and congestive heart disease (CHD)

Congestive heart disease (CHD) or congestive heart failure (CHF) occurs when the heart is unable to pump sufficient quantities of blood. Blood cholesterol level and high blood pressure is an important factor in determining risk of congestive heart disease. Excessive cholesterol in the blood causes plaque build-up in the arteries leading to atherosclerosis (hardening of arteries). This causes arteries to narrow and block blood flow to the heart. Deprivation of oxygen-rich blood to the heart can cause congestive heart disease or congestive heart failure

Symptoms of Congestive heart disease:

  • Chest pain (angina or angina pectoris)

  • Fluid retention which show as swelling in legs or gaining weight of more than 5 pounds in a week

  • Laborious breathing

  • Heart attacks (myocardial infarction)

  • According to the American Heart Association, more than 36 million adults in the USA have cholesterol levels of 240mg/dL or higher which is a major risk factor for heart disease. Cholesterol is obtained both from food and is also generated in the liver. It helps make cell membranes, hormones and Vitamin D. To allow cholesterol to travel through blood, it gets coated with a layer of protein and thereby a lipoprotein is created. There are two types of lipoprotiens - LDL (low density lipoprotein) and HDL (high density lipoprotein) also known as bad and good cholesterol respectively. High levels of LDL cause cholesterol build-up in the arteries while the HDL helps to remove it and prevents fatty buildup.

    Arjuna herb for heart health
    More information on Arjuna herb for heart health


    Guggul herb for cholesterol controlMore information on Guggul herb for cholesterol control

    Wednesday, July 2, 2008

    LDL HDL Cholesterol levels





    LDL HDL Cholesterol levels

    The National Cholesterol Education Program released their updated recommended levels of LDL, Total and HDL cholesterol in 2004. The following chart shows the recommended levels for an average low-risk patient:

    LDL Cholesterol
    Optimal <100

    Near Optimal/above Optimal 100-129

    Borderline high 130-159

    High 160-189

    Very high >=190


    Total Cholesterol
    Desirable <200

    Borderline high 200-239

    High >=240


    HDL Cholesterol
    Low <40

    High>=60

    The goal of cholesterol management is to keep LDL levels low while keeping HDL levels high. Other than diet, risk factors that can affect LDL levels are


  • Smoking

  • Age

  • Hypertension

  • Low HDL cholesterol

  • Genetic factors

    Guggul - a pure herb - is considered the best herbal remedy to control cholesterol. It can lower blood cholesterol by 14-27%, triglycerides by 22-30% and raise HDL cholesterol levels by 16%.

    More information on Guggul and cholesterol control

    Purchase pure Himalaya Guggul capsules.
    Guggul herb capsules


  • Tuesday, July 1, 2008

    Neem benefits Neem for blood purification





    Benefits of Neem

    The Neem tree also known as Margosa (Azhadiracta indica) has numerous medical properties and benefits causing western companies to attempt to get patents on it. The leaves, bark, fruit, seeds - in fact almost every component of the tree is used for medicinal purposes in traditional remedies and several modern formulations such as toothpaste and skin creams.

    Benefits of Neem:

    Neem capsules1. Neem is considered an excellent blood purifier.
    2. Neem applied topically to the skin helps treat acne and gets rid of infections.
    3. Neem gets rid of instestinal worms.
    4. Neem is a detoxifying agent.
    5. Neem is a digestive aid and helps in hyperacidity and gastritis.
    6. A paste made from neem leaves is soothing and is applied during chicken pox which soothes itching and helps heal the scars.
    7. Neem is very useful in diabetes control.
    8. Neem has also been used in treating malaria.
    9. Neem helps in strengthening the immune system

    Purchase pure Himalaya Neem capsules. Lowest online prices, FREE Shipping worldwide