by Jack Lee
Summer approaches and what is the first thing people over the age of 40 begin to think? You guessed it, I better lose some weight! All that winter fat has accumulated and now you don’t quite fit into that old bathing suit do you bunky?
I have submitted this age old… (er, or should that be… old age?) problem to our highly underpaid certified quack, I mean crack, research staff at Post Scripts and the good news is there is a way you can possibly drop weight much faster than with mere diet and exercise will allow by using a combination of cheap and easy to obtain substances.
Here is the combination of over-the-counter items [we’ll call them food supplements] that may do the trick…and fast! But, be sure to read this article in it’s entirety so you understand some of the risks associated with taking supplements.
(1) 7 Keto with DHEA
(2) 5-HTP and
(3) Glucosamine with chondroitin.
What is 7 Keto with DHEA? 3-acetyl-7-oxo-dehydroepiandrosterone is a naturally occurring metabolite (breakdown product) of the hormone dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA).1 DHEA is the most abundant of the adrenal steroid hormones and serves as a precursor for sex hormones, such as estrogen and testosterone. 7-KETO was developed by researchers who were looking for biologically active metabolites of DHEA that could not be converted to the potentially cancer-causing sex steroids (e.g., estrogen and testosterone).
The capacity of 7-KETO to promote weight loss in overweight people been investigated in a double-blind study. 6 Participants in the study were advised to exercise three times per week for 45 minutes and to eat an 1,800-calorie per day diet. Each person was given either a placebo or 100 mg of 7-KETO twice daily. After eight weeks, those receiving 7-KETO had lost an average of 6.34 pounds, compared with 2.13 pounds in the placebo group (a statistically significant difference). In addition, the percentage of body fat decreased by 1.8% in the 7-KETO group, compared with only 0.57% in the placebo group. The increased weight loss in the 7-KETO group was associated with a significant increase in levels of T3 (a thyroid hormone that plays a major role in determining a persons metabolic rate), although the levels of T3 did not exceed the normal range.
5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is an amino acid that is the intermediate step between tryptophan and the important brain chemical serotonin. There is a massive amount of evidence that suggests that low serotonin levels are a common consequence of modern living. The lifestyle and dietary practices of many people living in this stress-filled era results in lowered levels of serotonin within the brain. As a result, many people are overweight, crave sugar and other carbohydrates, experience bouts of depression, get frequent headaches, and have vague muscle aches and pain. All of these maladies are correctable by raising brain serotonin levels. The primary therapeutic applications for 5-HTP are low serotonin states.
Conditions associated with low serotonin levels helped by 5-HTP: Depression, Obesity, Carbohydrate craving, Bulimia, Insomnia, Narcolepsy, Sleep apnea, Migraine headaches, Tension headaches, Chronic daily headaches, Premenstrual syndrome and Fibromyalgia.
5 HTP is available without prescription and is generally considered safe and may be beneficial for many individuals. Contraindications to 5 HTP use or conditions under which 5 HTP use should only be under the supervision of a physician are conditions in which increased serotonin levels may be harmful. This list is generic and does not represent a contraindication for all individuals.
Professional advice may be indicated, especially if prescription medications are also being used.
Cardiovascular Diseases (high blood pressure, post-stroke, post-heart attack) – Extremely Elderly Persons
those with Parkinsons Disease, Cancer or Autoimmune Diseases (Scleroderma, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Multiple Sclerosis, Lupus) – Lung Diseases – Chronic Alcoholism – Liver diseases (hepatitis or cirrhosis) – parasitic infection
AIDS – Anorexia Nervosa – Low protein Diets – Allergies (severe) – Myalgia (persistent pain and weakness of the muscles) – Peripheral Neuropathy (pain weakness of the muscles) – Rash or Flushing – Edema – Nausea
Diarrhea – Sickle cell anemia – Hemophilia – Pregnancy.
Concurrent drug use: 5 HTP should not be used if taking:
Anti-depressant drugs, Monoamine oxidase inhibitors, Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI’s e.g., Prozac)
Tricyclic medications, Weight Loss medications (i.e., dextenfluramine), Anti-parkinson medications (e.g., L-dopa)
Barbiturates and other tranquilizing drugs, Antihistamines and cold medications, Alcoholic beverages,
Intravenous (illegal I.V.) drugs, Cancer chemotherapy or Antibiotic Medications. The principal reason for not combining 5-htp with these classes of medications is that many of them may also increase serotonin levels or affect other neurotransmitters, but by different biochemical mechanisms. The combination, in some cases, has the potential of acting synergistically to dramatically increase serotonin levels. This combined action could have adverse effects. Alcohol and 5-HTP should not be taken together. Allow at least six hours between use of alcohol and 5 HTP.
Warning: 5 HTP can increase the effect of some tranquilizing drugs.
Additional Natural Supplements with Anti-Depressant Effects. Other supplements that have anti-depressant effects include: SAM-e, St. John’s Wort and Inositol.
Glucosamine with chondroitin: Glucosamine is needed to produce glycosaminoglycan, a molecule used in the formation and repair of cartilage and other body tissues. Production of glucosamine slows with age. Glucosamine and Chondroitin are the building blocks of cartilage and connecting tissues. Glucosamine, also known as chitosamine, is a substance that occurs naturally in the covering of shellfish. Glucosamine is available in natural forms such as glucosamine hydrochloride, glucosamine sulfate as well as in synthetic forms. Chondroitin occurs naturally in shark or bovine cartilage. It is also synthesized in the labs. Chondroitin is also called chondroitin sulfate, chondroitin sulfuric acid and chonsurid.
Glucosamine is usually combined with chondroitin to help people suffering from osteoarthritis. Studies have shown that this combination can improve the function of bones and restore cartilage. Chondroitin has ophthalmic uses too. It is present in the eye drop used during cataract removal and is also used to treat dry eyes. Research is being conducted to use chondroitin as an anticoagulant.
Every action is countered by a reaction and it’s true in the case of medicines too. They cause side effects depending on the person and the dosage taken. Studies show that glucosamine supplemented with chondroitin is usually safe to consume, but may have a few side effects. Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain, irregular heartbeats, hair loss and gastrointestinal upsets. Some people suffer from major side effects like intraocular hypertension where high pressure builds up inside the eyes as a result of using chondroitin in the eyes.
People who have an allergy to shellfish must not take Glucosamine chondroitin. Diabetics must also be careful as it might elevate insulin levels in blood. Patients on blood thinners must use chondroitin only after consulting their physician.
Chondroitin is a large molecule and may not be well absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract. Oral doses of glucosamine supplemented with chondroitin usually range from 400mg to 1200 mg per day taken in two or three doses. Glucosamine chondroitin is better to consume when compared to other supplements of chondroitin like manganese. Glucosamine provides detailed information on Glucosamine, Glucosamine Chondroitin, Glucosamine Sulfate, Liquid Glucosamine and more. Glucosamine is affiliated with Hip Joint Pain.
Side Effects of Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate – Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate is well tolerated by most of those on clinical trials. In very rare instances the following side effects have been noticed.
— Motor uneasiness — Feeling of tightness in the throat and chest — Slight breathing difficulty — Rash
— Mild headache — Nausea — Diarrhea — Gastrointestinal pain — Slightly elevated blood pressure
All of these side effects could occur, but in very rare cases. The most common of glucosamine side effects that almost everyone faces is increased intestinal gas and soft stools.
Note: The results herein have been taken from the internet and therefore you should use your own due dilligence in acertaining the accuracy herein. Results may vary. You should always consult with your physician before undertaking any serious weight loss program.