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What the research says about ginger’s weight-loss benefits, and why you should be skeptical – Insider – INSIDER

Posted: January 23, 2021 at 10:49 pm

Worldwide, ginger has been used both as a spice and a component of traditional medicine for thousands of years. It has been shown to possess a variety of health benefits, including antioxidant and anti-nausea properties, and some research indicates ginger may also help with weight loss.

Ginger's medicinal benefits come from two major types of bioactive compounds:

Most research around the weight loss benefits of ginger is in animal models. The limited research conducted on humans is mostly small studies that may not be relevant to the general public.

Here's what the research says about how effective ginger may be for weight loss, weight maintenance, and other metabolic and cardiovascular-related processes.

In a small 2012 study, 10 men consumed 2 grams of dried ginger powder dissolved in hot water after eating breakfast. The results showed the subjects felt fuller longer after they drank the ginger beverage.

In addition, when the subjects ingested the ginger drink, they experienced an increased caloric burn of 43 kcal after the meal compared to the control water-only beverage. However, this research is limited because it was an acute experiment, with measurements occurring after having only one ginger drink, as opposed to a long-term study.

Marie-Pierre St-Onge, PhD, a nutrition researcher at Columbia University and co-author of this study says these results indicate ginger may have an impact on a person's ability to lose weight, for instance, if they drink a sugar-free ginger beverage in place of a sugary one.

A small 2019 study in South Korea gave 80 obese people steamed ginger ethanolic extract which is more potent in shogaol than regular ginger or a placebo to see if ginger helped to reduce body fat.

Although both groups were told to follow their typical diets, the study found the group that ingested the ginger extract lost more body fat than the control group. This suggests a ginger supplement may facilitate weight loss even without other dietary changes.

A 2018 review showed ginger had no impact on insulin levels but did decrease insulin resistance, which can be a factor in mitigating symptoms of type 2 diabetes. There is also evidence that maintaining weight loss is linked to improved insulin sensitivity.

The same 2018 review also showed that ginger consumption is associated with decreased bodyweight, waist-to-hip ratio, and fasting glucose, although there was no change to BMI.

In animal experiments, ginger has exhibited anti-inflammatory properties. In human clinical trials, more research is needed, but one small study shows those who consumed ginger experienced less inflammatory pain after exercise than a placebo group.

Because obesity is a chronic state of inflammation, Burridge says consuming ginger may help to support a regular exercise routine which may aid in weight loss.

There are few drawbacks to consuming ginger, as long as you are not allergic to it. That said, there is no research on which form of ginger, such as pickled, powdered, or raw, is optimal for weight loss in humans.

Burridge warns that in most studies, the quantities tested are only a few grams, so people should use caution with dosage and consult a healthcare professional when adding it to their vitamin and supplementation routine.

"I am concerned that people spend so much money on supplements that they think are going to really help them," says Burridge, "but they may only have a minimal effect."

While a small body of limited research suggests that ginger may benefit weight loss, more research is needed on how effective it is for weight loss and obesity management.

The limited clinical studies indicate there may be a small impact on satiety, body fat, and weight management.

"I would say it's unlikely to have a major effect, but I'm also one who thinks every little bit helps," says St-Onge.

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What the research says about ginger's weight-loss benefits, and why you should be skeptical - Insider - INSIDER

Weight loss: Try this Japanese water therapy to lose weight – Times of India

Posted: January 23, 2021 at 10:49 pm

It is believed that the hydration component in the water may play a major role in helping to shed kilos. Water, as we all know, has a filling effect. Drinking a glass of water before mealtime can prevent us from overeating and even curb the craving between the meal. This can help to stay on track and prevent weight gain caused by consuming extra calories. Not only water intake, but the strict eating window breaks also help to consume fewer calories. All these factors together support weight loss and help you stay on track.

After waking up in the morning, one has to drink approximately 180 ml of room-temperature water. This has to be about 45 minutes before taking the first meal. Then throughout the day, depending on the thirst level one has to keep themselves hydrated.

The eating window is restricted to only 15 minutes and there should be at least a 2 hours gap between the meals. The most important thing is that there is no restriction on what you eat. Whatever you consume, it just needs to be healthy.

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Weight loss: Try this Japanese water therapy to lose weight - Times of India

Is 30 Minutes of Cycling a Day Enough For Weight Loss? Experts Say Yes and No – POPSUGAR

Posted: January 23, 2021 at 10:49 pm

There are so many reasons to love cycling. You can do it indoors or outdoors, at home or at the gym. It's also low-impact, making it easier on achy joints, and of course, it burns calories! But if you're someone who uses cycling as your go-to workout or you're considering adding it to your workout regimen you may be wondering if cycling can really lead to better overall health, especially if you have little time to spare. POPSUGAR spoke with experts to find out if cycling for even 30 minutes a day is enough to lose weight and put you on the path to feeling stronger and healthier.

"It is possible to lose weight from cycling 30 minutes a day," Jennifer Chew, MPT, MSc, an NASM-certified personal trainer and weight loss specialist, told POPSUGAR. Thirty minutes of cycling burns 200 calories on average, although that number depends on a few factors, including your weight, the intensity of your workout, and the resistance, Chew explained.

If you're looking to burn the maximum number of calories you can in those 30 minutes, there are a couple of ways to make that happen:

While weight loss is possible while cycling 30 minutes a day, Sayer and Chew stressed the importance of incorporating strength training and making other lifestyle changes in order to ensure you make progress on your goals.

"When you're pairing a strength training regimen with cardiovascular activity, [like cycling], your body composition will change significantly by increasing calorie burn and muscle mass," Krystal Goodman, an NCSF-certified personal trainer and coach at Orangetheory, told POPSUGAR. Goodman explained that the combination of elevating your heart rate through cycling and adding in that strength-training component will "give you the real bang for your buck" when it comes to fat burn and weight loss. Chew agreed, noting that increased muscle mass "promotes better metabolism," which ultimately allows your body to lose weight more sustainably.

A combination of cardio and strength training, paired with a healthy diet, should help you get results. But the diet is key: "At the end of the day, the most important point to losing weight is daily caloric intake versus daily caloric expenditure," Chew said. "If you are constantly eating less calories than you are burning, you will lose weight."

So, now that you've committed to cycling 30 minutes a day, you may be wondering how you can sustain that moving forward! Here are some effective, easy-to-apply suggestions from the experts.

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Is 30 Minutes of Cycling a Day Enough For Weight Loss? Experts Say Yes and No - POPSUGAR

The truth diet: Do diets actually help in weight loss or are they just passing trends? – The Financial Express

Posted: January 23, 2021 at 10:49 pm

Her words carry a lot of weight and significance, especially at a time when there are a plethora of diet fads swirling all around us, luring those looking to lose weight quickly.

In her latest book Eating in the Age of Dieting, author and nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar says, Look at food as a blessing. Eat with gratitude, not guilt Move beyond carbs/protein/fat/calories. Food is culture, cuisine, and crop-cycle. Eat local, seasonal and traditional.

Her words carry a lot of weight and significance, especially at a time when there are a plethora of diet fads swirling all around us, luring those looking to lose weight quickly. Vegan, paleo, keto, Mediterranean, low-fat are just some of the popular diets in existence today. Medical experts, however, say that these are just passing trends. For good health, losing weight is not important. Its metabolic health which is key. Dieting, in fact, can lead to increased risk of cancer, diabetes, etc.

Sustainable weight loss is a scientific gradual process that involves increased metabolism with a customised diet and regular physical activity. The basics of healthy weight loss are based on eating fewer calories and burning out at the same time. A scientific diet plan for weight loss not only contains fewer calories, but also ensures enough intake of fibre, adequate protein, good fats and micronutrients to prevent any deficiency, says Mumbai-based Subhasree Ray, clinical and public health nutritionist, certified diabetes educator, International Diabetes Federation.

Reality check

In October last year, 27-year-old Bengali actor Mishti Mukherjee died due to kidney failure caused reportedly by keto diet. The tragic incident raises serious questions about the efficacy of these diets. The keto diet, for one, is a high-fat, moderate-protein and low-carb one. It drastically reduces carbohydrate intake, replacing it with fat, resulting in a metabolic state called ketosis, where the liver burns body fat and provides fuel for the body, as there is limited access to glucose.

Currently, it is one of the common modalities to lose weight among many fitness enthusiasts and often lacks expert supervision. If preached by untrained professionals, it may lead to severe consequences. Keto diet is a therapeutic diet that cant be practised as a normal diet. A diet is only worth it if its safe, says Ray, adding, Another common food fad is the mono diet, which is depending on a particular food (for example, aloe vera or triphala juice, powdered fenugreek seeds, cinnamon and honey tea, detox tea, green coffee, etc) or regimen to lose weight but can result in hormonal changes, nutritional deficiencies and muscle loss.

There are many more such health trends doing the rounds currently. Ghee shots, haldi in pills, fasts for cleansing are a few examples. Fasts for cleansing, haldi in pills, or ghee shots have scientifically proved zero on the basis of facts, asserts Diwekar. Regular meals throughout the day lead to better metabolic health and sustainable weight loss in long term, she has tweeted in the past.

Arun Prasad, senior consultant, surgical gastroenterology and bariatric surgery at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi, agrees: There is no evidence that proves the contribution of such commodities to weight loss. Far from health benefits, if food items like haldi pills, ghee shots and other similar components are consumed in excess, their own toxic potential can be harmful, he cautions, adding, Before attempting to blindly follow any trend, it is important to first understand your body type, have thorough knowledge of any prevailing medical condition and family history of health conditions. There are no shortcuts to staying physically fit and healthy a balanced diet coupled with physical activity is essential.

Experts also say there is no scientific evidence to support fasting. Fasting can deplete essential vitamins, minerals and electrolytes, and can be harmful if you suffer from medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease or blood pressure. It can increase acid output, causing heartburn and resulting in dehydration and hypoglycemia, says Aastha Sharma, senior dietician at Nayati Medicity, Mathura. One should instead have small frequent meals, eat a variety of healthy and fresh foods like fruits, vegetables and nuts, eliminate potentially toxic habits, including alcohol, caffeine, excessive salt and processed sugar, etc, to stay healthy, she adds.

Mumbai-based Ray agrees: Fasting for a prolonged period is harmful and might cause nutritional deficiencies. Turmeric, amla, fenugreek seeds, triphala, aloe vera, etc, contain distinct active ingredients that help in losing weight and provide collective health benefits. However, none of these foods can help if total calories and physical activity are not considered as part of the procedure. A healthy lifestyle-comprising eating whole, regular physical activity, sound mental health, enough sleep and an adequate amount of water-is sustainable and evidence-based, she says.

Similarly, coconut oil has been advertised as a health food of sorts for long, but experts say there is little evidence to back that claim. American Heart Association (AHA) data, in fact, shows that more than 80% of the fat in coconut oil is saturatedfar beyond butter (63%), beef (50%) and pork lard (39%). The AHA, which advises against the use of coconut oil, recommends eating no more than 6% of saturated fat as part of total daily calories for those who need lower cholesterol. The oil has no known offsetting favourable effects, the AHA said in an advisory, adding that it could actually increase LDL cholesterol, a cause of cardiovascular disease.

Theres a disconnect between peoples general beliefs and what the data actually shows, Donald Hensrud, medical director, Mayo Clinic Healthy Living Program, told American daily USA Today. He recommends using oils high in monounsaturated fats (including olive oil and avocado oil) and those high in polyunsaturated fats (such as canola oil).

Nutrition first

While exercise may be the most important element of a weight-maintenance programme, dietary restriction, too, plays a critical role. Perhaps thats why consumers turn to products like nutraceuticals, supplements, metabolism-boosters, etc, and diet snacks like energy bars, trail mixes, etc. A recent report by the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) reported that 31% urban Indians and 16% rural Indians are overweight, with 53% urban Indians having abdominal obesity. Indians are largely sedentary in nature and exercise does not come naturally to us. So the attention naturally goes to other seemingly easier options like detox diets, fat-burning pills, etc. However, most of these easier options leave people and their health status impacted, says nutrition science expert Rashida Vapiwala, the founder of LabelBlind, a NutriTech digital solution startup that simplifies complex information declared on food labels for consumers.

Another thing to note is that a long-term weight-loss regimen could lead to frustration and despair. The focus should be on awareness about good nutrition, healthy eating and lifestyle correction. Obesity slipped into our lives because of sedentary lifestyles and inappropriate food choices. But now, there is a growing consciousness of returning to our roots in the pursuit of better food choices, says Vapiwala.

When it comes to good health, superfoods are key. Packed with nutrients that deliver large doses of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, these are also likely to reduce the risk of chronic diseases. In her book Indian Superfoods, Diwekar has outlined 10 such local and traditional foods. These are rice, ghee, banana, coconut, cashew nut, aliv, kokum, jackfruit, sugarcane and ambadi. Eating right is step one to getting more active. Ancient foods are wholesome in the nourishment they offer, and are invariably pleasant to the taste buds and low on the glycemic index. This ensures that your body receives sustained energy through the day unlike the high and immediate slump that comes with stimulants like cigarettes, coffee, etc, she had said in an interview with Financial Express on Sunday.

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The truth diet: Do diets actually help in weight loss or are they just passing trends? - The Financial Express

11 of the best high-protein foods for weight loss – Yahoo News

Posted: January 23, 2021 at 10:49 pm

Consider using quinoa in place of pasta. joshuaraineyphotography/iStock

Losing weight can be a challenge, but eating the right food can make it more attainable.

Registered dietitian Jenn Fillenworth explained that getting high-protein foods in your diet can play a key role in any weight-loss journey.

"High-protein foods are great for recovery from exercise and also help to keep you full for longer since protein takes longer to digest than carbohydrates," she said. "This is why a bowl of cereal in the morning sends you on a snack hunt way before lunch, while eggs for breakfast stay with you longer."

Read on for some of the high-protein foods dietitians recommend for weight loss.

Peanut butter is full of protein and "healthy" fats.

Peanut butter is low in carbs, and it can be a great source of protein and "healthy" fats.

"My favorite high-protein food for weight loss is peanut butter," registered dietitian nutritionist Rebecca Stib told Insider. "Per a serving (which is typically 2 tablespoons), you'll get about 8 grams of protein."

Start your day with some nutrient-dense eggs.

"Eggs are a great food for weight loss," Fillenworth told Insider.

They're full of vitamins and minerals, and one egg contains about 6 grams of high-quality protein with all of the essential amino acids.

Incorporate salmon into your diet.

"One of my absolute favorite foods for weight loss is salmon," Fillenworth told Insider.

Although salmon is a fatty fish, she explained that eating the right kind of fat doesn't necessarily mean you're going to gain weight.

The fish contains essential omega-3 fatty acids, which you have to get from your diet since the human body can't produce them.

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Black beans are a great plant-based protein for weight loss.

"My favorite plant-based protein for weight loss is the black bean," Fillenworth said.

She told Insider that in addition to being high in protein, black beans are also high in fiber, so they can help relieve constipation and bloating which could be attributed to some weight gain.

Opt for low-calorie lean meats, like chicken breasts.

"When looking for the best high-protein foods for weight loss, think low-calorie and high-quality ingredients," registered dietitian Sabrina Russo told Insider.

She said the first things that come to mind are lean meat, poultry, and fish. These are all a great source of complete protein with little carbs and fat.

Try switching from white to whole-grain carbs.

"High-protein seeds and whole-grain products are another great option," Russo told Insider.

Try incorporating whole-grain pasta or high-protein crackers into your diet, as these grains help keep you full without as many calories as processed white carbs.

Eat low-fat dairy products.

"Low-fat dairy products are also examples of high-protein foods that may be beneficial for weight loss," Russo said.

She suggested opting for plain, low-fat, or fat-free milk, yogurt, or cheese.

You can also enjoy plain yogurt with fresh berries for some natural sweetness.

Add some cottage cheese to your diet.

"At 23 grams of protein per cup and less than 200 calories, this protein-rich dairy product is a great addition to any meal," registered dietitian Staci Gulbin told Insider.

A cup of a lower-fat cottage cheese with 1% milk fat can even have around 28 grams of protein.

Although a serving of cottage cheese is fairly high in sodium, you can look for low-sodium or no-added-sodium brands.

Use quinoa as an alternative to rice or pasta.

"This gluten-free seed is a delicious and healthy alternative to rice or pasta," Gulbin told Insider.

A serving contains approximately 8 grams of protein and 5 grams of gut-friendly fiber.

Nuts are another great plant-based protein option.

"Nuts are a great portable and nutritious addition to any healthy lifestyle plan," Gulbin told Insider.

Almonds, pistachios, and peanuts average around 6 grams of protein per 1-ounce serving with about 3 grams of gut-friendly fiber.

Add shrimp to your shopping list.

"Shrimp is an extremely low-calorie filling protein," said registered dietitian Summer Yule.

It's also an excellent source of iodine, she added, which we need to support our thyroid health and manage our metabolism.

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11 of the best high-protein foods for weight loss - Yahoo News

Weight Loss Surgery Benefits Emphasized by Reduced Severity of COVID-19 Infections in Bariatric Surgery Patients, says West Medical – PR Web

Posted: January 23, 2021 at 10:49 pm

The medical group offers weight loss procedures and more to patients throughout Southern California.

LOS ANGELES (PRWEB) January 22, 2021

A January 8 article on Springer Link finds that obese patients who had previously undergone bariatric surgery were 72 percent less likely to require hospitalization for severe COVID-19 symptoms and were 78 percent more likely to survive the illness compared to the control group. Dr. Hooman Shabatian of West Medical says, The findings are extremely significant because they provide further scientific backing for what we already know weight loss surgery has substantial benefits for patients, including those who remain clinically obese after surgery.

While the end goal of bariatric surgery is to help patients defeat obesity, the results always take some time, says Dr. Shabatian. He notes, Its normal for patients to remain medically obese for a time after they get weight loss surgery, but the health benefits of losing excess weight can begin to show soon after the procedure, and now we know that also applies when it comes to COVID-19.

For example, someone who weighs over 300 pounds may suffer from many conditions, including osteoarthritis, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes, says Dr. Shabatian. In the months following weight loss surgery, as weight loss is achieved, symptoms of these comorbidities may ease or even disappear. Clinically-speaking, patients may still be considered obese if their ideal weight is 150 pounds and they have so far only lost 75 pounds. While they are still considered obese at 225 pounds, that person is nevertheless much better off in regards to a great many health factors than before the surgery and it appears that their body will also do a better job of fending off COVID-19 complications as well.

Dr. Shabatian says, Patients who have lost only 50 to 100 pounds and are still considered obese shouldnt view this classification as a setback or failure. Weight loss is not an all-or-nothing game. Its much, much better to be at the lower end of the medically obese spectrum than to be at the more severe end. Every few pounds lost and kept off makes a notable difference, says the bariatric surgeon.

For patients who are aware that being obese puts them in one of the high-risk groups for COVID, getting the procedure now may provide some additional peace of mind along with the many other benefits of bariatric medicine, says Dr. Shabatian. Interested readers can learn more about weight loss procedures and West Medical by visiting the centers website at https://westmedical.com/ or by calling (855) 678-4778.

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Weight Loss Surgery Benefits Emphasized by Reduced Severity of COVID-19 Infections in Bariatric Surgery Patients, says West Medical - PR Web

Quality of life improvements after weight-loss surgery – Norton Healthcare

Posted: January 23, 2021 at 10:49 pm

Quality of life after gastric sleeve or gastric bypass surgery can improve significantly and be long-lasting, according to studies of patients before and after weight-loss surgery.

In questionnaires filled out before surgery, six months after and 24 months after, patients reported significantly better quality of life after gastric sleeve or gastric bypass. The study also found significant improvements in body image and self-efficacy a psychological measure of believing in yourself.

Bariatric surgery also has been shown to improve patients sex lives.

Find out more about bariatric surgery or a medically guided weight loss plan.

In one study, women who underwent either a sleeve gastrectomy or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass reported an increase in desire and improved sexual activity after surgery, said Jeff W. Allen, M.D., director, bariatric surgery, Norton Weight Management Services, and a general, bariatric and laparoscopic surgeon with Norton Surgical Specialists. They also experienced a decrease in urinary incontinence and an overall improvement in quality of life.

Losing weight and improving obesity-related conditions such as Type 2 diabetes also contribute to improved quality of life after weight-loss surgery, according to another study. Diabetes remission is achieved at a much higher rate through bariatric surgery than any nonsurgical intervention, according to Dr. Allen.

In other words, while bariatric surgery is not the sole existing therapy for (Type 2 diabetes), it is by far the most effective available curative option, the study concluded. Other conditions that could be relieved with bariatric surgery include hypertension and sleep apnea. Lung function and functional capacity also are increased.

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Quality of life improvements after weight-loss surgery - Norton Healthcare

How the Carnivore Diet Helped This Guy Lose Over 200 Pounds – menshealth.com

Posted: January 23, 2021 at 10:49 pm

In a recent conversation with powerlifter and fitness entrepreneur Mark Bell, Hadi Doumit shared the story of how his weight loss and fitness journey began, and the role his diet played in dropping a total of 235 pounds.

Doumit explains that he had grown up big, and had been overweight his entire adult life, weighing more than 400 pounds at his heaviest, but that a turning point came on his daughter's sixth birthday. "I was feeling the worse I'd ever felt in my life. I was having to use the bathroom four or five times an hour, I didn't know what was wrong with me."

After finally seeing a doctor, something he had put off for years, Doumit learned that he was borderline diabetic, and needed to make some serious changes. This involved vastly reducing the amount of sugar in his diet. "I had to eliminate a lot of stuff in the pantry," he says. "I grew up big, and I ate like crap... I was made fun of a lot, so I was a closet eater. I had to get rid of those treats, to the point where I thought I was being unfair, because my daughter at the time, I was robbing her, but in reality I wasn't, I was making better decisions for her ahead of time, so she didn't fall into the same traps I did growing up."

Having tried a variety of different diet plans which didn't work for him, Doumit finally tried a combination of the Keto diet and carnivore diet, which he found was the best way to sustain his weight loss as well as supporting the progress he was making in his training as he began to gain muscle. He is now participating in powerlifting competitions, and can deadlift 419 pounds, which is just over what he used to weigh.

"This is something I never thought I would ever do in my life, and now I'm on my third meet," he says. "I had to learn in my head that I'm now gaining weight for a reason. Because once you see those scales moving, it triggers something. I hated being on the scale when I was 400 pounds. I still don't like it even though I'm 200 pounds lighter. So I had to get out of that habit, and learn how to be OK with it."

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How the Carnivore Diet Helped This Guy Lose Over 200 Pounds - menshealth.com

HGH for Bodybuilding: How Effective Is It?

Posted: January 23, 2021 at 10:48 pm

An Ultimate Guide on Use of Growth Hormone for Bodybuilding

When it comes to the use of human growth hormone for off-label purposes, bodybuilders are among those that easily come to mind. This group of users was quick to grasp that the anabolic properties of this substance could be beneficial in achieving their goal of an attractive, ripped body. But there exists some amount of controversy on whether HGH does help much, if at all, in this regard. We discuss here practically all you need to know about growth hormone for bodybuilding.

For many decades, bodybuilders have been trying out one substance or another to get ahead of the pack. The popular belief is that this has been the trend as far back as the 1950s, maybe earlier. Some of these were natural and others synthetic. Anabolic steroids readily come to mind here. The use of these substances led to extraordinary bulk, highly chiseled look among competitors, or so they say. But the experimentation continued to find something that gives greater advantage even to this day. It was this that led many bodybuilders to human growth hormone.

HGH is a naturally occurring substance that is secreted by the pituitary gland in the head. It is a single-chain peptide comprising 191 amino acids having a molecular weight of around 22 kilo Daltons (kDa). Humans mostly need it to promote growth and development in the young. But the usefulness doesnt stop there. The peptide is crucial to your overall health and well being. This is why scientists went ahead to produce a synthetic version to help people who have very low levels.

It is thought in some circles that bodybuilders started using growth hormone to achieve more impressive results as early as the 1970s. This is because it was around this period that competitors started showing greater bulk and better sculpted bodies. Some say all bodybuilders, more precisely the professionals, now have the substance in their regimen. However, the use for this purpose has been the subject of significant debate over the years.

Human growth hormone once it is secreted or introduced into the body enters your bloodstream and travels to your liver. There it stimulates production of growth factors, most notably insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). It is through IGF-1 that HGH delivers its muscle mass building benefit that bodybuilders are interested in.

IGF-1, a single-chain hormone made up of 70 amino acids, helps to speed up protein synthesis. It does this by binding to specific receptors in musculoskeletal tissue. Calories from what you eat are diverted to protein synthesis. Proteins are commonly referred to as the building blocks of the body or life. They are essential for building bigger, stronger muscles and for existence. So growth hormone does help bodybuilders by assisting with the absorption of more proteins from the foods you consume.

The role of HGH in muscle hyperplasia makes it quite enticing to bodybuilders. It just doesnt cause cell or tissue to become bigger; it also promotes creation of new cells. The substance causes cells to multiply very fast leading to greater increase in lean muscle mass. But this proliferative effect may predispose you to some scary medical conditions as well.

HGH has also been shown to discourage fat synthesis. Weight gain or lopsided body fat has been observed in people who have low levels, including elderly individuals. The substance is said to help use up body fat for energy, rather than storing it up. This makes you lose excess fat faster. To the bodybuilder, this helps to achieve better chiseled appearance.

Among the other benefits of growth hormone for bodybuilding is enhancement of cartilage strength. It promotes strong bones and joints. Another benefit that also makes it more attractive for some competitors is that it promotes faster recovery. It helps injuries and wounds to heal faster.

The extent of boost you get from the use of human growth hormone for bodybuilding depends on knowing the right dosage to use, among other important considerations. The optimal amount of the peptide to use is put within the range of 6 to 8 International Units (IU) per day. This should ideally be divided into two equal doses taken about 5-7 hours apart.

Some people may take higher amount than this suggested dosage in their desperation to achieve faster, more jaw-dropping results. This is not a great idea because doing this exposes you to very great health risks. Consistency is more important than the amount you take. It is better to take the recommended dosage for longer period than to use double the amount in a shorter period of time.

However, some people say dosages in the range 4 to 8 IU suggested previously is best for people who are taking growth hormone for the first time. You may use up to 15 IU a day as time goes on, according to them. We advice professional guidance before you consider such higher dosages.

Growth hormone is usually given via injections. This could be through subcutaneous or intramuscular means. Subcutaneous injections have, for many years, been the most popular. This is probably because injections for medical conditions are given this way. But this doesnt deliver the best results when taken for athletic purposes.

Intramuscular method provides the more effective means for people using HGH for bodybuilding. Injections that are given in this manner enter into your system quicker. This means they get down to work faster to promote the desired results.

The half-life of growth hormone is estimated at between 15 and 20 minutes from the time it enters the body. Its amount in the body reaches the highest level about one to three hours from when you take the injection. That period is the window it has to deliver its anabolic effect.

You need to understand the relationship between growth hormone and insulin in determining the best time to take the injections. When the level of one rises, that of the other falls. This means the ability of HGH to produce desired results reduces when insulin level is high. The implication of this is that you should aim to use the peptide when the amount of the other substance is low.

The suggestion is to take HGH after you might have finished your daily workouts. Insulin levels are typically low at such a time. Some suggests using on waking in the morning, but the idea of waiting until after finishing workouts looks more likely to deliver better results. If you also take insulin supplements, you can leave such until about 40 minutes afterwards.

You can wake and take the other half of the daily dosage in the middle of the night. But since that may not be convenient for you, the second dose can be taken before you go to bed.

There are particular protocols that are observed by people using growth hormone for bodybuilding. Some use it every day (ED) and others use every other day (EOD). Among the important considerations that will determine which is appropriate for you are costs and convenience. ED protocol obviously requires more money and may be considered more inconvenient.

As would be expected, the results to be delivered by the ED and EOD protocols differ. Everyday usage will lead to more pronounced results than when you use growth hormone every other day.

Still, some other people think using the hormone for five days in a week and then taking two days off is best. Certain users take it Mondays through Fridays and take the weekend off. But it is argued by others that using HGH for consecutive days and then taking a day off is a better approach to doing this.

Whichever of the protocols you decide on, it is important to note that growth hormone is taken in cycles. A cycle usually lasts from two to four months. It is typical for breaks to be advised between HGH injection cycles. This can help to reduce the risks associated with prolonged usage of the substance.

Bodybuilding is nothing like weight loss that requires you to moderate the quantity of food that you eat. You practically have the freedom to eat anything food you like. This is because calories are not stored up in the body. The regular workouts involved helps to do away with carbs and fat. Besides, growth hormone causes your body to use calories for energy. But this should not be taken as license to eat too much, especially when it comes to junks.

Your diet should feature high quality protein. This is a major reason you see professional bodybuilders eat lots of eggs. That is a great source of high quality protein. You need to consume lots of carbohydrates and as much as 3 grams per kilogram. Experts also advise eating every two or three hours.

With all the talks about the anabolic benefits of growth hormone, you should not make your expectations too high. The substance may not increase your muscle bulk to the level of those professional bodybuilders with eye-popping chiseled body. This is even unlikely if you have great genes that can make HGH work better. Steroids are said to offer more impressive results.

Competitors commonly stack growth hormone with anabolic androgenic steroids for this reason. This amplifies the muscle building benefits of both groups of substances. The synergistic effect causes you to achieve results faster. Other types of compounds that are commonly combined with HGH include:

And talking about insulin, you may wonder why someone would still need to consider that given the negative relationship to human growth hormone. It assists with protein synthesis and this can support HGH to produce greater muscle gains. Insulin is also very important if you take high amount of growth hormone higher than the dosage talked about previously. This keeps levels from getting too low, as that may impact your health adversely.

It follows then that when you use only HGH it takes longer time to achieve results. For example, you may be able to achieve results that will take growth hormone alone up to four months in just about two or three months when you stack with other compounds. Some experts advise introducing the other substances halfway into the HGH cycle say, from the third of a six-month cycle. The belief is that the amount of the hormone would have built up significantly by this time to amplify benefits when you introduce other types of compounds.

There is legal concern hanging over the use of HGH for muscle mass building. This is also the case with most other substances professional bodybuilders use for incredible bulk, especially steroids. See, growth hormone is a substance for just a few medical issues. Bodybuilding is definitely not a medical concern you can live a healthy life without it. So it is illegal to use growth hormone to achieve this goal.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is sternly against the use of HGH for off-label purposes such as this. And this is exactly the reason you need a doctors prescription to be able to get the synthetic hormone legally. This requires diagnosis. No reputable doctor will prescribe it to you just because you are interested in building greater muscle mass. In addition, these injections can set you back several thousands of dollars every year. This is considering the dosage required and how frequently you may need to take it.

Professional bodybuilders and others that use growth hormone for off-label purposes typically obtain it from the black market. But this is risky. You could be arrested if illegal HGH is found in your possession. This can land you a hefty fine and/or years in prison on drug charges. You also cannot be sure of the quality of the product you are getting from the black market.

If peace of mind is more preferable to efficacy for you, HGH releasers may be a good idea. A good example of products you can consider is Somatropinne. Just know that these may not really give the kind of results you expect, at least not fast enough.

People looking to build muscle mass and have a well sculpted body often make the mistake of taking excessively high doses. You expose yourself to side effects if you follow similar approach. These include:

It is also feared that growth hormone may contribute to enlargement of cancer cells. There appears no definitive conclusion on this in research for now.

You can receive a boost in your efforts at bodybuilding by using growth hormone. The efficacy is amplified when combined with other compounds such as steroids. But note that you cannot get it legally for this purpose. Professional bodybuilders typically get their supply from underground sources. This increases risk of side effects. You want to make sure you are in great health before going ahead to use HGH for bodybuilding.

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HGH for Bodybuilding: How Effective Is It?

Counting calories: What to know to lose or gain weight – Medical News Today

Posted: January 22, 2021 at 2:52 pm

Counting calories may help anyone wanting to safely lose or gain weight. However, it is also important to get calories from healthful sources and to sleep and exercise in the right amounts while moderating levels of stress.

Counting calories may seem overwhelming, but a range of tools, including apps and online calculators, can help.

In this article, we look into what calories are, how many to consume for healthful weight changes, and some of the best tools and tips for counting.

Calories are a unit of measurement. They are a way to express an amount of energy.

People are generally most familiar with big calories, which convey the amount of energy in foods and drinks.

Caloric energy is vital in supporting life and health. It helps maintain key bodily functions, such as the functioning of cells.

The body converts calories from food, for example, into energy. It uses this energy immediately or stores it for later use, depending on its current needs.

There are many reasons to count calories. Broadly speaking, doing so allows a person to measure how much energy they are consuming per day.

If a person takes in more than their body uses, they generally begin to gain weight. If a person takes in less than their body requires, they generally start to lose weight.

If, over a prolonged period, foods rich in simple sugars are a primary source of excess calories, a person is at risk of:

People who are significantly increasing their activity levels need extra calories to account for those they are burning.

If a person consumes too few calories, they are at risk of:

The number of calories that a person should consume depends on their:

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) provide an online tool that calculates how many calories a person should be consuming to reach their goal weight.

The calculator also factors in the amount of time in which the person would like to reach this goal.

Several free apps available on iPhone and Android help people count calories, including:

Most foods and drinks have labels that indicate portion sizes in cups, ounces, grams, pieces, slices, or numbers.

Considering portions can help with counting calories and maintaining a healthful weight.

For example, if the label on an ice cream tub shows that a portion measuring 2/3 cup has 230 calories, a person can measure out that amount and know exactly how many calories they are consuming. But if the person only has 115 calories left in that days allowance, they would consume only 1/3 cup to stay on track.

It helps to have an accurate set of cups, scales, and other measuring equipment handy.

Consuming more or fewer calories should never be the only consideration when setting weight or fitness goals. Sleep, stress, and activity levels all play a role in maintaining a healthful weight.

In addition, the source of calories the quality and type of food or drink involved can have a significant effect.

Every calorie converts to energy, but the same number of calories from different foods may have different effects.

For example, if a person consumes their daily allowance of calories from foods with plenty of added sugar and refined carbohydrates, this can raise their blood sugar levels and result in an increase in fat storage.

Similarly, if foods rich in animal fats, particularly red meat, contribute a significant number of calories on a regular basis, this may increase the risk of certain cancers, such as esophageal cancer.

It is crucial to obtain calories from a healthful diet that contains fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy sources of fats, such as nuts, avocados, and olive oil. These foods contain the nutrients that the body needs to function.

Refined sugar may be a particular concern, as a diet that contains an excess of it can lead to insulin spikes, causing fat cells to store calories. As these calories do not contain necessary nutrients, the body responds with a sensation of hunger.

Alcohol is likewise full of these empty calories, and it may contribute to unintentional weight gain.

The following strategies may help with counting calories:

Counting calories can help people reach and maintain their weight and fitness goals, as it involves tracking how much energy is going into the body each day.

Several apps and online tools can estimate how many daily calories a person needs to reach their goals and help track them day by day.

For anyone looking to make a change to their weight, it is crucial to also consider levels of stress and physical activity, plus the quality and amount of sleep. These factors all play a significant role.

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Counting calories: What to know to lose or gain weight - Medical News Today


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