Fit For Health Guide

July 30, 2008

The Role of Calcium in Weight Loss

Filed under: Weight Loss — Guest Post @ 9:10 am

Calcium is a major mineral known mainly for its role in bone metabolism. In addition, calcium is the best-selling mineral supplement on the market. Among reasons for purchase include:

• Positive effects on bone mineral density and mitigation of osteoporosis

• To improve body composition

Lipolysis is the breaking down of body fat and lipogeneis is the body’s mechanism of storing fat. The theory is low calcium intakes inhibit lipolysis and increases lipogenesis. High calcium intake has been reported to increase lipolysis and decrease lipogenesis. If this theory is correct, calcium supplementation is a good step toward improving body composition.

So far in research it seems that higher calcium intakes that are usually combined with a lower energy diet, can lead to weight loss.

Some researchers report that low-fat dairy has the best impact on weight loss; however, a 2003 study suggests that the calcium’s source is not as important as the quantity of total calcium intake.

A 2006 meta-analysis by R. Trowman, Ph.D, reported no effects of calcium on weight loss. At the end of the study, Dr. Trowman reported no relationship between increased intake of calcium, either by supplements or dairy products, and weight loss. They also reviewed the literature on calcium and weight loss. G. Barba, Ph.D, and P. Russo, Ph.D., stated that available data did not definitively support a relationship between high calcium and/or dairy intake and decreased body weight. They indicated the need for more research of the impact dairy foods have on health outside of obesity.

Based upon the existent research it looks as if some studies do show positive effects of increased calcium intake on weight loss in obese or overweight individuals, however, a number of randomized controlled studies have not. No magical formula has been discovered, however, there may be individuals who respond better to calcium’s effects on fat metabolism during decreased energy intake compared with other. There is need for a well-controlled study assessing responders versus non-responders as a first step in evaluating if calcium impacts body weight in some individuals more than others.

Of equal importance is to note that a person’s source of calcium influences his or her body composition and weight. For example, you cannot consume gallons of ice cream or nonfat milk and expect to lose body weight. Many of the studies that showed calcium’s effects on weight loss also included the element of reduced energy intake.

In conclusion, the recommendation to increase calcium intake should not be made until a person’s dietary assessment has been made. In addition, overweight or obese individuals who are interested in working toward better health should consider increased calcium intake along with an overall healthier lifestyle.

There is a need for more research on the subject of increased calcium intake solely for the purpose of losing excess body weight and/or to improve body composition.

Source: ACSM’s Health and Fitness Journal, May/June 2007

Disclaimer: *This article is not meant to diagnose, treat or cure any kind of a health problem. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Always consult with your health care provider about any kind of a health problem and especially before beginning any kind of an exercise routine.

About The Author:

Connie Limon, Trilogy Field Representative. Visit http://nutritionandhealthhub.com and sign up for a weekly nutrition and health tip.

July 28, 2008

Hemorrhoid Cures

Filed under: Hemorrhoids — Guest Post @ 12:49 pm

There are many thousands of patients of hemorrhoids that are seeking a home hemorrhoid cure for their problem since they may be afraid of, or may simply not wish to see a doctor about their hemorrhoids. As time has gone by, inventive souls have come up with home hemorrhoids cure that really do work, and all that remains is finding which one is most suitable in a particular instance as all cures may not suit each and every individual being.

A simple home hemorrhoids cure is to apply vitamin E to the hemorrhoids for which a Vitamin E capsule containing liquid should be used. Breaking this capsule into two equal pieces, you can then take the liquid and apply directly on the hemorrhoids, which will help in healing your condition a lot sooner.

You may also choose another simple home hemorrhoids cure by incorporating in your diet a lot of fiber, which should help to soften your stool and thus reduce considerably the chances of your hemorrhoids flaring up. You may also try out supplements, and this is one surefire home cure that will keep you from visiting the doctor about your hemorrhoids condition.

Cures

However, if you are a person not afraid of a visit to the doctor, you will also find that going under the surgeon’s scalpels to be another hemorrhoids cure. You may be sure that your hemorrhoids cure will depend on where the hemorrhoids are located; what are the problems that they are causing you as well as the level of severity of the problem. Sometimes, the hemorrhoids condition may be no more than temporary for which warm sitz bath cold compresses or even topical analgesics should suffice.

A long-term hemorrhoids cure that does not require undergoing surgery is known as Venapro that is useful in that it will provide the patient with fast as well as effective relief, and it is an anti-inflammatory formula in which herbal extracts are used that act fast in relieving pain as well as alleviating discomfort through a betterment in the venous circulation. Using this hemorrhoids cure, you will feel a lot more serene and your life should become much more bearable.

No doubt, a drugstore remedy will also provide you instant relief, but it may not last for too long. Surgery is yet another hemorrhoids cure no doubt, but it may be hurtful and is sometimes not too effective as well. Venapro is a safe hemorrhoids cure that along with home hemorrhoids cure should do the trick for you as it has for others.

About The Author:

Ann Mariera writes articles about family life and health issues. Each set of health articles contain useful information and advice.Her latest set are about hemorrhoids http://www.symptomsofhemorrhoids.ultimatehealthinfo.com

Isotretinoin for Acne

Filed under: Skin Care — Guest Post @ 10:31 am

Isotretinoin is considered to be most effective medicine for severe acne and other acne that does not respond to common acne medication. It is available in form of capsules to be taken orally and the trade name of Isotretinoin in the USA is Accutane. Isotretinoin is a retinoid. Retinoids are derived from Vitamin A. Isotretinoin is chemically known as 13-cis retinoic acid. Isotretinoin is a drug of choice for acne patients who may have lost hope about cure of their acne.

Isotretinoin is generally prescribed for 16 to 20 weeks and the end of the prescription sees considerable inmprovement in most of the patients. Isotretinoin may cause many side effects and should be strictly taken under medical supervision. It can cause birth defects in fetus. Therefore women should take precaution of not getting pregnant while taking Isotretinoin. Isotretinoin may also be used for some other conditions that include- folliculitis, seborrhoea, chloracne and other diseases that look like acne.

Usage-

Nodular acne that does not get treated with other medications is treated with Isotretinoin. Any other acne that does not respond to medication is also treated with Isotretinoin. The rate of success with Isotretinoin is very high. In the beginning some people see deterioration in their acne but that slowly disappears. Isotretinoin is commonly prescribed for 16 to 20 weeks and if needed it is repeated after a gap of eight weeks.

It is believed that Isotretinoin works by shrinking the sebaceous glands and reducing sebum production. Isotretinoin is an anti-inflammatory medicine and shrinks the acne by reducing sebum substantially.

The strength of dosage of isotretinoin depends upon the severity of acne, body weight, other treatments being used at the same time etc. Your doctor is the best person to decide about the dose. Normally the treatment begins with small dose and as body adjusts to isotretinoin the dose is increased. Doctors also monitor the cure during this period and if they find that patient is not responding, they may stop the therapy. As isotretinoin needs fat to help its absorption in body, it is taken after food. Follow your doctor’s advice about these.

Side Effects

The common side-effects of isotretinoin are dry mouth, dry nose, thinning of hair, fatigue, dry skin, red itchy eyes, sore lips, etc. If you experience any other side effects such as muscle aches, difficulty in walking, depression, vomiting, etc. Talk to your doctor immediately. Discuss about side effects with your doctor before beginning of the treatment with isotretinoin and report any expected or unexpected side effect immediately. Note that you may not be able to wear your contact lenses for some time in the beginning of treatment with isotretinoin. You should not donate any blood while you are taking isotretinoin and for one month after you stop taking it. Please talk about do’s and don’t with your doctor. You also must inform your doctor about any medicine or vitamins you are taking.

Isotretinoin and Pregnancy-

Isotretinoin can cause serious defects in the fetus. Therefore you should inform your doctor if you are pregnant. You should also tell your doctor if you plan to become pregnant or are already breast-feeding. You will have to test yourself for pregnancy before you begin isotretinoin and continue getting tested while taking Isotretinoin. Your doctor will explain the details to you. If you get pregnant while taking isotretinoin you should stop taking it and call your doctor immediately. You must adopt two reliable methods of birth control for one month before taking isotretinoin, continue with two methods while taking isotretinoin and till after one month of stopping isotretinoin. You should talk to your gynaecologist and dermatologist in detail before taking isotretinoin.

This article is only for informative purposes. This article is not intended to be a medical advise and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for your medical concerns. Please follow any tip given in this article only after consulting your doctor. The author is not liable for any outcome or damage resulting from information obtained from this article.

About The Author:

The author CD Mohatta writes for http://www.acnedoctor.us which has comprehensive information about skin care, acne treatments, causes, medicines, myths, latest methods, etc.

Top Ten Diets

Filed under: Dieting — Guest Post @ 8:47 am

There is no shortage of weight-loss ideas out there, especially for those who dread exercise and eating right. Fad diets, which usually focus on one type of food or category of food, have become popular in recent years. But there’s a difference between a fad diet and a healthy diet that optimizes weight loss. And while pills may be a big thing now, they don’t offer the one thing that a dieter needs: the ability to make wise choices. Top 10 diets like the Sonoma diet and the South Beach diet not only provide healthy eating choices, they help followers change their eating habits. The following diets have been studied by doctors and dieters alike:

1. South Beach Diet: This has a lot in common with the once-popular Atkins Diet. Created by a cardiologist, this three-phased diet involves temporarily giving up fruit, starches, and fatty meats, which is meant to cure the craving for unhealthy types of foods.

2. Sonoma Diet: This is another three-phase diet, but this one emphasizes ten “power” foods, including tomatoes, grapes and spinach. It’s not a low-carb or low sugar diet, but does limit saturated fats and white flour.

3. NutriSystem: Of the top 10 diets, this program is the only one that requires dieters to buy their food from the company. It serves to reduce cravings through controlling the intake of glycemic index carbs.

4. Weight Watchers: This is not a diet but a way of life. Individuals determine goals, and work toward completing those goals while attending regular support group meetings. There are two different plans, the core and flex plans. They both work off of a point system, with each food afforded a different value.

5. The Zone Diet: This isn’t a “diet” in the traditional sense either. It was invented by a biochemist, and promotes eating protein and carbs in a 3 to 4 ratio. While it is a low-carb diet, it doesn’t take it to the extreme that other diets do. The Zone Diet emphasizes the importance of maintaining a hormonal balance through eating certain foods.

6. Atkins Diet: Perhaps the most popular of the low-carb diets, Atkins brought people away from the food pyramid and toward a diet that restricts carbohydrates that effect blood sugar. With exercise and supplements, the Atkins Diet stresses the importance of eating unprocessed foods and avoiding food high in saturated fats.

7. Ornish Diet: This diet opposes the Atkins and other low-carb diets. It is a vegetarian diet which stresses the importance of complex carbohydrates while strictly prohibiting simple sugars, cholesterol and saturated fat. It is another ratio diet, with 10% fat, 20% protein and 70% carbohydrates.

8. The Blood Type Diet: This is a controversial diet that works off the idea that each person should eat foods that match their blood type, based on the evolution of the types. Proponents of this diet believe that “O” types should eat primarily meat. “A” types should be following a more vegetarian diet, and “B” types should eat high amounts of dairy products.

9. Fit For Life Diet: Short term dieting isn’t the solution, according to the couple who created this diet. Combinations of foods are stressed. Only fruits should be eaten in the morning, and meats shouldn’t be combined with complex carbs.

10. Subway Diet: The list of top 10 diets wouldn’t be complete with this diet. Everyone seems to know Jared, the college student who lost 245 pounds eating Subway sandwiches. But is it really a diet? As with other weight-loss plans, Jared’s story includes daily walks and a severe reduction in daily calories, in addition to eating healthy subs with fresh vegetables and baked chips.

About The Author:

Jason Hulott is Director at UK Diets Online (http://www.uk-diets-online.co.uk), a service that provides information about all the major diet systems available, healthy eating and diet information. Visit now and take advantage of our special deals with Weightwatchers.

July 25, 2008

Acne Treatment Choices

Filed under: Skin Care — Guest Post @ 11:25 am

For most of us that take pride in the way we look, the thought of suffering with acne, may at first glance seem to be awful; but this does NOT mean it is something that cannot be handled. It is one of those areas where research has continued to make advancements; the result of this effort is new, more effective, treatments are becoming available. There are a broad range of acne skin care products available:

* Those that help prevent the condition: Over-The-Counter and Prescription * Over-the-counter: Treatment * Prescription: Dermatologist or Doctor, specialist cream or ointment

Many skin care products are used as a measure to prevent acne; these include cleansers, make-up removers and other similar products that can help prevent the condition. In the real sense, these products are just those that should be part of your daily routine; often used by those who want to prevent future skin problems from occurring. Other acne skin care products, like skin cleansers for instance, are more specific about their job; they ensure the facial pores (and other areas) remain free of oil. When the pores become clogged with this oil, bacteria which can cause the problem begin to grow.

Exfoliating skin peels have proved quite effective as a skin care treatment and at controlling the problem; these are easily obtainable in any drug store. Dead skin cells and other atmospheric pollutants are removed cleaning the pores which reduce the chance of any bacterial growth. Many different, specially formulated acne skin care products designed to reduce the problems have now been made available without prescription. Most of these creams etc. are based on benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, both of which are the enemies of bacteria (and hence acne); they are designed to extract the excess oil that bacteria need to promote the development of acne.

Dermatologists recommend any product should have low concentrations of the active ingredient benzoyl peroxide (no more than 5.5 parts per hundred) if there is an adverse reaction; should a reaction occur, products containing alpha hydroxy acid are generally safer. It is not always possible to find an acne skin care product that works first time; if nothing you use is effective then speak to your dermatologist for advice. On-prescription treatments are prescribed by a dermatologist and can include ointments that can be applied on the affected area or oral antibiotics or just any topical ointment.

In some case your doctor may suggest the pustules are drained of harmful contents under local anesthetic; although this is a minor procedure, if it were performed by the person themselves it could result in skin damage. Your doctor may even suggest a course of hormone therapy as a skin care treatment; this type of skin care treatment has been very effective in many cases. Positive research means that a sufferer does not have to put up with this condition anymore.

While a hormone therapy might have some negative side effects there are also natural acne treatments available (e.g. Acnezine). They go back to the roots of the acne problem: free radicals within your body. Those natural acne healing products provide antioxidants which eliminate those dangerous free radicals inside the body. Some of them also fight inflammation in order to reduce redness of already existing acne and - last but not least - support your skin in the healing process in all affected acne areas.

About The Author:

Dr. Namara a dermatologist with over 16 years of valuable experience of treating thousands of acne patients. In many cases she recommends the natural acne treatment approach with products like e.g. Acnezine ( http://www.cheapacnezine.com ).

July 24, 2008

Removing Spider Veins

Filed under: Skin Care — Guest Post @ 1:24 pm

A common treatment method to help cure varicose veins or spider veins is sclerotherapy. It is a non surgical procedure using a solution that is injected into the veins in order to eliminate them. This procedure is quick and painless. The duration should not be any longer than 30-60 mins, allowing time for treatment even during your lunch hour. The injection is micro, and involves a sterile solution that is forced into the veins, thus irritating the vein lining, eventually causing it to disappear. Multiple veins can be injected at each session.

Sclerotherapy does not require any type of anesthesia and is usually done inside a doctor’s office. The patient will be asked to come to the office wearing loose fitting clothing as so the spider or varicose veins can be easily identified. Some may experience minor pain and may request a topical local anesthetic, which can be pasted on the skin about 30 minutes before the procedure. Most patients only feel a little sting after each injection, with a minor burning sensation lasting only a few seconds. Sclerotherapy works to close off a problem vein, allowing the blood to re-route through the normal veins.

Most patients will wear a compression stocking for a short period after the treatment, in case of any lingering problems with the veins. It is advised to undergo a few treatments (2-4) for best results, depending on the severity of the problem. Some patients might only need 1 or 2 treatments. For multiple spider veins, up to 15-20 injections can be done at each seating. Each session is usually done in monthly intervals.

Minor complications may arise after sclerotherapy, just as with any medical treatment, but it has generally been proven to be safe. You will be able to resume your normal daily activities almost immediately after each session. A full diagnosis should be administered by your physician to determine the risks and alternatives.

The full effect and benefit of the treatment usually takes several weeks and most patients will see a 50-90% improvement in appearance and symptoms. This reason alone is helpful when deciding how long to wait between sessions. The cost varies depending on the number of treatments needed, the doctor, or the region.

Some risks involved with sclerotherapy include:

Skin changing color along the treated vein which may take 6 to 12 months to disappear. Recurring varicose veins Itching and bruising pain where the veins were treated. Blood clots or damage in the deep vein system. A mild to severe reaction to the sclerosant. Scarring resulting from ulcers or death of the tissue around the treated vein.

You will be able to best assess the pros and cons of the treatment after meeting your local physician. Be sure to see an experienced and trained doctor who you feel comfortable with. Determine the total cost, treatments needed and outlook before undergoing the procedure. Sclerotherapy is a proven and successful method to treat varicose and spider veins, and the majority of patients will see favorable and instant results.

About The Author:

http://www.Veindirectory.org is a leading provider of Sclerotherapy information and resources. Find a local skin care clinic today.

Better Health through Cleansing

Filed under: Detoxifying — Guest Post @ 12:44 pm

In this society, more and more Americans are becoming overweight and obese. Over 59% of the adult population in America is obese. In addition, to that ever since the transition of more of our food becoming processed has led to EYE POPPING increases in Diabetes (40 to 50 million), there are over 10.9 million cases of cancer worldwide,there are also 10 million cases of osteoporosis in america and others. The American food for the most part is saturated with preservatives; growth hormones, antibiotics, sweeteners and other chemicals that our bodies have become cuss pools of toxic waste.

A Nobel peace prize-winning doctor and researcher stated that disease starts in the colon. Processed food that is consumed without any fiber has a greater chance of becoming stuck or even clogged inside of the colon. In addition, people spend more time these days in sedentary jobs, which leads to lower metabolic rates. Due to inactivity, this processed food has a greater probability of becoming stored as plaque. The problem with this plaque is that it can be a reservoir for fecal matter, parasites and mucus. The studies on this plaque indicate that it has a consistency of a rubber tire.

Moreover, there is also an increased chance of the residues from the plaque ending up in our blood system. If the plaque ends up traveling throughout the body it can invade tissues and organs causing a host of health problems. In fact, an unhealthy digestive system impacted with mucus, toxins and impacted waste can trigger a host of health issues such as:

Bloating

Weight Problems

Backaches

Body Odors

Poor Appetite

Lack Of Energy

Mood Swings

Occasional Constipation

Weak Immune System

Foul Breath

The digestive system is the lifeline to good health. Each day approximately 2 ½ gallons of food, body secretions and liquids are processed by our system. In order to help restore our bodies to optimal health an effective method of cleansing needs to be implemented. If an effective cleansing method is correctly used the result can:

Eliminate waste clogging your colon

Promote renewed vitality

Help restore and maintain regularity

Promote a healthy immune system

Promote maximum absorption of vital nutrients

Cleanse, refresh and detoxify

As an incredible side benefit of a good cleansing program is a noticeable difference in weight loss. Some studies have indicated that the average adult contains between 10 to 15 lbs of compacted fecal matter. The decrease of this fecal matter can possibly lead to even more weight loss. The reason for this is because vital weight loss initiating factors can finally breakthrough the digestive tract and propagate the bodies natural weight management.

DISCLAIMER

The information provided herein should not be construed as a health-care diagnosis, treatment regimen or any other prescribed health-care advice or instruction. The information is provided with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in the practice of medicine or any other health-care profession and does not enter into a health-care fractioned/ patient relationship with its readers.

About the Author:

The author is a top researcher and graduate of a highly prestigous college. He has written articles for some of the best health websites in the world. For even more information go to http://www.born-again-health-and-fitness.com

July 23, 2008

Sleeping Well

Filed under: Insomnia — Guest Post @ 3:27 pm

You haven’t really explored the various ideas that are out there regarding sleep patterns and the reasons for insomnia and other sleep diseases. However, you know that there is something desperately affecting your ability to get a good night’s sleep in a negative fashion. Many sleep studies have shown that it has a lot to do with the support you get from your bed and mattress. In fact, a number of people have recently switched to platform beds because the simplicity of their construction provides the right amount of support and makes it easier to catch real zzz’s.

Modern bedroom furniture is often not made to last dozens of years as furniture was in the past. Just a few decades ago, furniture wasn’t commercialized, and the pieces were handcrafted to last a lifetime. Modern furniture is different, set up for people whose lifestyle and taste changes frequently and not made to last. What this boils down to is that, as parts of the bed like mattresses wear out or frames bend and break, it causes discomfort to the sleeper. Many people deal with this for a long time prior to replacing their furniture because it can be expensive to do so.

Of course, this is not the only problem to affect a good night’s sleep. It can also be the type of bed in which you are sleeping. For example, some people cannot distance themselves enough from the outside world, and they feel exposed or easily distracted by noises. Using a four poster canopy bed as a shield against this can provide a disconnect for some that allows them to sleep better and without interruption. For others, however, the opposite is true. Being cut off by the bed can literally cause excess anxiety that leads to lack of sleep. Changing to something simple like platform beds may be the solution.

Some people just need their space. This can be true of a person who sleeps alone or one who has always slept alone and now finds him- or herself with a partner, sharing a sleeping space. The person may feel trapped or cramped in a bed that is not spacious enough for their sleep habits. Purchasing king master bedroom furniture can be a quick solution to this sleep problem, especially if you are used to having your own space and are sharing the bed for the first time. While counselors recommend maximum closeness for couples, sharing a full sized bed when you are used to a queen of your own may be an instant disaster!

Some people are simply restless in their sleep and wake up often due to hitting their heads on the headboard or other silly problems that are easily solved. Upholstered headboards are much less painful and intrusive if you tend to move around a lot at night and will keep you from causing real damage to yourself in the future while also providing a sounder night’s sleep. Sleep studies are about more than the diseases themselves that affect sleep – they look closely at other outside factors that can really deprive people of their rest and offer simple solutions for simple problems.

About The Author:

Ben Weissman writes about decorating with Iron Beds, Platform Beds, Headboards, Daybeds, Bar Stools and Contemporary Bedroom Furniture. Find more decorating ideas at http://www.home-and-bedroom.com Make your bedroom a personal oasis.

A Short History of Herbal Medicine

Filed under: Health — Guest Post @ 2:52 pm

Herbal medicine history literally goes back to the beginning of civilization.

and although it is really impossible to know exactly when herbal medicine history first began, archaeological remains from early civilizations have revealed that plants were used in burials as well as in various other types of rituals.

Modern medicine only started around 300 years ago, from around the end of the industrial revolution, prior to that Herbal medicine was the only form of medicine known to man., and it was considered as being an integral part of the overall development of civilization. Herbs have been used by all cultures throughout history, and much of the medicinal use of plants seems to have been developed through observations of wild animals and as well by trial and error.

What is Herbal Medicine?

There are many different types of natural medicine that use herbs as a part of their practice, and herbal medicine is considered as being a type of approach that uses plant or plant-derived preparations in order to treat, prevent or cure various different health conditions and ailments.

Today, herbal medicine is considered as being a complementary type of therapy, one which uses plants or plant extracts in order to treat illness. There are also many well-established medicines that come from plants, for instance morphine, which comes from poppies, aspirin and willow bark and which is used quite commonly in the modern day.

Before you take any herbal medicine yourself, you should be aware of the herbal medicine history and as well you should make a consultation to see an herbalist. This first consultation will typically take around an hour to complete, and during this time they will ask you various questions about your health, including your medical and family history, lifestyle and emotional state.

The Importance of Herbal Medicine History

There is great importance behind herbal medicine history, namely that by understanding the history you will be able to make better use of the various different herbs that are available at your disposal. Herbs offer a variety of benefits that you can use to add to your life, and so you should definitely incorporate them as much as possible.

By reading and understanding the history of herbal medicine along with the relevant uses you will be in a better position to discuss with professional naturopaths and herbalists what herbs are best suited for your requirements. With more and more modern research being carried out on herbal medicines, there is a realization of their complimentary nature. Herbal medicines are now becoming recognized by modern medicine as a valuable adjunct to the overall healing process.

About The Author:

Paul Courtney submits articles to various publications particularly pertaining to the fields of Alternative Medicine, Herbal Medicine, Organic Food and Herb Gardens. for more information please visit http://herbalmedics.com/index.php

Bodybuilding and Steroids

Filed under: Muscle Building — Guest Post @ 1:52 pm

For many bodybuilding enthusiasts, the intense workouts, focused dieting, and periodic competitions are like a drug themselves. The power that comes from working hard and sculpting your body into something you could have only imagined can be intoxicating. But when exercise and diet carry a bodybuilder only so far, many will often use bodybuilding and steroids together to take their look to the next level – the long term effects of which can be devastating.

The connection between bodybuilding and steroids is one with a long history. Anabolic steroids are supplements that bodybuilders use to enhance their workout and diet – the use of which will quickly and significantly boost muscle mass. Steroids are able to achieve this rapid growth of muscle because they contain testosterone - a hormone naturally present in men and women that is responsible for the building of muscle. When testosterone is enhanced by the addition of steroids, its job function is increased.

Because men naturally contain more testosterone, they are able build more muscle mass than women. But when women bodybuilders add steroids to their diet and exercise regime they are able to build muscle mass on the same level as men. Many women who combine bodybuilding and steroids, therefore, will also begin to take on many male physical characteristics.

Bodybuilding and steroids is actually an illegal combination for many reasons. For one, those bodybuilders who use steroids have an unfair advantage over those bodybuilders who build their muscles naturally. In order to maintain a level playing field for competitors, it is necessary to ban the use of steroids.

But most importantly, the long term effects of bodybuilding and steroids have been shown to be disastrous. Linked to everything from acne and hair loss, to insomnia and depression, steroids can have physical ramifications that are simply not worth their use. Some of the more serious side effects include hallucinations, weak ligaments, high blood pressure, and even cancer. In more than one case, steroids have been linked to fatalities.

Bodybuilding is a sport of extreme discipline and sacrifice. For those who take it seriously, the power is in their hands – and only their hands. Bodybuilding and steroids, while attractive to those who are looking for fast results, can have disastrous long term effects impacting physical health and longevity.

About The Author:

For easy to understand, in depth information about bodybuilding and steroids visit our ezGuide 2 http://www.bodybuilding.ezguide2.com

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