Have We Found The Holy Grail: Best Muscle Building Supplements?

By Jeff Kudo

The fitness supplement business is extremely profitable and has grown over the years. Our desire to look good has caused many companies to devise supplements promising to maximize our gains in minimal time. With fitness models on the label they promise to provide the best muscle building supplements and the best kept secret in the supplement industry. From fat burning pills to Acai berry drinks we are brainwashed to spend millions on products that will never do anything for us. The search for the best muscle building supplements is a futile quest that will only result in a lighter wallet and disappointment. With that said there are a few tried and tested supplements that CAN help improve your results and have scientific evidence to prove it. Here are three of the best muscle building supplements.

PROTEIN POWDER: Finding a great protein powder blend should be your first step. Also look more at the ingredients of the powder than the brand or the marketing. A good protein powder blend will contain casein, whey, and milk protein. Don't waste your money on the most popular brands. Think of it like buying the generic form of medication, the same drug chemically just half the price. So take your protein directly following your work out as well as at regular intervals throughout the day. Utilize your protein powder at times when you just don't have time to eat whole food or right after your workouts.

MULTIVITAMIN: Taking a good multivitamin is a no brainer because they are so inexpensive. If you're lacking any micro nutrients from the food you're eating a good multivitamin can make up the difference. So don't get caught up in brand names or price because most multivitamins are created equal.

FISH OIL: Since most people don't eat enough fish to get enough omega 3 fatty acids a good fish oil supplement can suffice. Fish oil is obviously good for its cancer fighting characteristics. Another positive effect of fish oil is that it slows digestion and thus keeps blood sugar levels stable. Of course the benefit of this is that it reduces your cravings for sweets.

Fat burners are huge in the weight loss and fitness industry. We are in an age of immediate gratification and what could be better than an magic fat burning pill to make your fitness quest painless. These pills contain caffeine and ephedrine which are very effective in raising the heart rate. The problem is that keep an elevated heart rate for too long can have detrimental effects on your body and in extreme cases death. So find your three best muscle building supplements above and forget all the hype.

About the Author:

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Cordyceps sinensis - Medicinal Mushroom for Stamina and Strength

By Dr. Markho Rafael

From high elevations of the Tibetan plateau comes a minute fungus known as Cordyceps sinensis. It parasitizes on caterpillars and sprouts out of their dead carcasses. [1] With 95% of the world's mushroom species still undiscovered, it's a small wonder that a tiny fungus from a remote and sparsely populated area is not only described but revered the world over as one of the most highly prized medicinal mushrooms on the planet.

The extreme unlikeliness of this remote, rare, and insignificant fungus's claim to fame speaks volumes in and of itself as to its value and potency.

Cordyceps sinensis has been used in China for two millennia to increase strength, stamina and vitality, and more specifically as an aphrodisiac. The earliest record is from 200 AD in the form of a Chinese book titled The Classic Herbal of the Divine Plowman. Modern science appears to confirm what Traditional Chinese Medicine tells us about this mushroom.

Later research in China and Japan has indicated that Cordyceps possesses important anti-tumor and immune stimulating properties. [4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12]

In particular, a number of studies indicate its potential usefulness in cases of leukemia. [13, 14, 15, 16] In 2002, the U.S. National Institute of Health began Phase I screening of cordycepin in the treatment of leukemia. Cordycepin is an active compound from Cordyceps sinensis.

Affirming the traditional Chinese use of Cordyceps as an aphrodisiac, a modern trial found a 64% improvement in men with erectile dysfunction. [17] A possible explanation for this effect may be that Cordyceps helps dilate blood vessels, as demonstrated by two other studies. [18, 19]

Some more areas of potential interest for Cordyceps extract include reducing cholesterol, [20] supporting liver function (post-hepatitic cirrhosis), [22] and kidney health. [21]

However, Cordyceps' popularity is primarily based on its effect on physical empowerment by helping to increase stamina and endurance. [23, 24, 25] Part of the explanation to this may be, as mentioned earlier, that it has an effect on improving blood-flow by dilating blood vessels. Another reason may be the similar effect it has on also helping to dilate respiratory passageways, which was demonstrated by two studies on bronchitis and asthma. [3, 26]

In 1993, Cordyceps made headlines when nine Chinese athletes gave it credit for the world records they set at that year's Chinese National Games. [27, 28]

Additionally, Cordyceps extract is rich in anti-oxidants, [29] polysaccharides, and many more recently discovered potentially therapeutic compounds, [8, 30, 31] plus undoubtedly a host of others yet to be discovered.

Finally, a few additional areas where modern research on Cordyceps has shown some promising results, as listed by Paul Stamets in his book Mycelium Running, include: Lymphoma; lung cancer; viruses; bacteria; nerves (stress); blood pressure. [134]

Note: The statements on this page have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Never use any herb (or mushroom) except as advised by a licensed medical practitioner.

Credit: Thank you to Paul Stamets for source material.

About the Author:

Dr. Markho Rafael has worked with natural health since finishing Chiropractic College in the mid-90's. He currently focuses on medicinal mushrooms in partnership with the business Cordyceps Reishi Extracts, LLC. For scientific references to this article, go to the Extract of Cordyceps site, where you can also find Cordyceps Capsules and other medicinal fungi.

Product Review of Phonak, Rexton and Starkey Hearing Aids

By Barb Hicks

# Phonak Review:

Phonak is a Swiss manufacturer of hearing aids that are small, light weight, and possess generous power. They automatically adjust when the sounds from the environment change. These heating aid devices come in many colors to match most all skin and hair colors. Phonak makes hearing aids for persons with mild to moderate hearing loss.

While most Phonak customers were satisfied with their purchase, some did complain that background noise was filtered along with voice sounds.

Phonak offers eight different hearing aids to choose from. They are: Micro Eleva, Extra Unio, Micropower, Excelia, Nadia, Andeo, Savea Art and Eleva.

This company has received the Medical Design Excellence Award and specializes in assisting hearing impaired children. A customer review posted on Amazin.com states that he is experiencing problems having the device adjusted properly. Whether this is an audiologist error or a device malfunction is not known. Phonak offers its customers a warranty of one to two years. In addition, this customer reports that you should find someone familiar with the device or expect to pay numerous fees for several adjustment visits.

Amazon.com offers the Micro Savia Art CRT Hearing Aid from Phonak Hearing Instruments for #2,295.00 instead of #3,999.00

# The Rexton Hearing aids:

Rexton has been in business for over 50 years making affordable hearing aids for the hearing impaired. They have a range of audio friendly hearing aids including BTE (behind-the-ear), CIC (completely in the canal) to Full Shell models. Their catalog currently includes the Revera, the Calibra, and the Targa. They come in half shell, ITE, mini canal and completely in the canal shells.

Located in Minneapolis, Rexton supplies hearing aids to the needy as well as offering programmable analog hearing aids. This company offers a one to two year product warranty depending on the device purchased as well as a 2 Year LOSS POLICY!

At Silkfair.com you can find Rexton's most affordable device, the Rexton Arena 1P Digital BTE for the amount of $319.00.

Rexton HearClearly hearing aids set of two with remote for $1989 also at silkfair.com

# Starkey:

In operation since 1973, Starkey operates thirty-five facilities in 24 countries.

Their Destiny hearing aid is mid-level, and the ELI is a high end hearing aid that is bluetooth compatible. The Destiny 1600 is new and comes with a self help diagnostic tool which informs the wearer of the instruments performance.

In June 2008, Starkey was chosen as the brand of the month for the Destiny 1600. It is available in BTE, ITE, ITC and CIC models and has the ability to automatically adjust to the sounds of the environment.

All Starkey products are programmed to eliminate whistling. They have a low battery warning, memory, autophone, adaptability and data logging. They offer a one year guarantee and free trial.

These hearing aids are found at precisehearing.com, and due to their low prices, they say, they do not list the prices of their Starkey hearing aids. You have to call them to request their hearing aid prices.

About the Author:

Barb Hicks is a Licensed Registered Nurse who writes and shares her knowledge with others. She is a featured writer on Clivir.com where she shared more information about How to Choose Hearing Aid and Hearing Aids Digital.

Chiropractor And Physiotherapist Differences

By Peter Benalla

Both Physiotherapists and Chiropractors work with patients to help them improve their ability to function and move and because of this there are a lot of people who get the two fields confused. While they look similar on the outside, the truth is that physiotherapy and chiropractics are very different. Chiropractics and physiotherapy require very different sets of skills, though there are some skills that both fields need in order to practice. Here are a few of the differences between Physiotherapists and Chiropractors.

Educational Requirements

Physiotherapists have to finish at least four years of schooling as well as two years of masters training. The schooling and training involve quite a few different types of therapy and the student must become proficient in all of them in order to get licensed. The physiology license requires regular renewals in order for the physiologist to practice professionally. The renewal is important because it means that the Physiologist has to keep current on therapy techniques and research advancements.

Chiropractors are required to complete at least four years of school though schooling usually involves five to seven years of class and field work in the United Kingdom before a professional license can be obtained. Chiropractors, like Physiologists are also required to keep their licenses current in order legally practice chiropractics without supervision.

Relieving the Patient's Pain

Chiropractors work to relieve their patients' pain by using a number of pain relief therapies. These techniques can either be taught to the patient to do at home or therapies that will require the patient to continue visiting the Chiropractor in order to maintain his alignment and stay pain free.

A Physiotherapist offers his patients through a variety of methods. These methods aim to increase the patient's range of motion. Treatment offered by a Physiotherapist can involve teaching the patient how to do a variety of exercises and stretches so that the patient can continue his or her treatment at home. As the patient's pain subsides and his or her range of motion improves, the visits required become fewer and farther between until the patient is pronounced healthy enough to no longer need physiotherapy.

Belief System

A Chiropractor believes that everything can be related to the spine. Problems with the respitory system or endocrine system, in a Chiropractor's mind, are problems that can be corrected with proper alignment of the spine.

Physiologists do not centre their beliefs on a single part of the body though they do spend quite a bit of time focusing on the spine. Physiologists devote their time to treating a specific injury and helping a patient heal while doing their best to reduce the patient's pain.

The truth is that there are quite a few similarities between the two. Both work with the spine. The differences lie in how an illness is addressed. Physiotherapy ends at some point. Chiropractic care is ongoing.

About the Author:

Peter Benalla, editor of the chiropractor-help network, writes articles about chiropractor, chiropractic, chiropractors in sunderland, back pain, orthopaedic conditions, neck pain and injury management. Peter is the principal practitioner at a well established clinic in the south west of the UK

La Jolla Fitness Camp Brings Results

By Ben Pate

Tired of finding a workout buddy to realize that they only use the gym as a dating service? Or finally finding someone that is as invested as you are in their physical health and they have to move after 3 months? If this is what seems to be your fate, just imagine a program full of people that are committed to make the same lifestyle change that you are. In a La Jolla Boot Camp Workout lifestyle change is just around the corner.

You will be surrounding yourself with people that making healthier choices and trying to achieve an all around healthier lifestyle. A caring, certified and professional staff is available during your entire stay to help you reach the goals that you have set for yourself. Maybe even provide a few more challenges that you were not anticipating.

A sandy beach, cool clear water and a few palm trees in the background will be enough incentive for most people to want to get out and frolic among the waves. This is the kind of landscape that will greet you when you arrive.

Even if you have a disability or just are not very athletically inclined, you will not be left out to sit on a bench alone. The staff is trained to know when to push you that step further that you need to go or to gently encourage you to comfortably exercise well within your limits.

People with mild to moderate disabilities are encouraged to enroll. The staff will be able to mold their program to suit your needs. The overall attitude is that no one is left behind in a La Jolla boot camp. The staff is certified to be able to balance vigorous encouragement and genuine empathy to help you reach your goals and then push beyond them.

Have an idea of what certificates are genuine because some of the less reputable boot camp instructors are getting their training from DVDs. They do not have to set foot on authentic boot camp for them to open their own. This not only wastes your time and money but opens the door for possible injury or serious health complications.

Know that there is a standard that runs through this profession. Certifications from a reputable organization and annual schooling are an expectation in the world of physical fitness. It is OK to ask if the trainers have been to a boot camp themselves. So just make sure that you are satisfied with the reputation and the programs of a La Jolla Boot Camp Exercises before handing over your hard earned money.

About the Author:

If you are serious about having a healthier lifestyle, then look toward a La Jolla Fitness Boot Camp. There is nothing wrong with going a gym and after you leave a boot camp you will probably be spending some in one. However; a Boot Camp will teach you things beyond what you can learn in a gym.