Weight issues

Health Concerns Herbalist

Alternative to Alli for weight loss
By Andrew Gaeddert 

By now, you have probably seen the commercials about Alli. The name has changed — and the over-the-counter version is one-half the strength of Xenical — but it is the same drug. In addition, it has some of the same problematic side effects that plagued its prescription-strength predecessor — gas with oily discharge, inability to control bowel movements, oily or fatty stools, and oily spotting.  

If you really want to lose weight, you need to make a mild change in how much you eat and a mild change on how much you exercise. If you walk 2 miles more and eat 300 calories less per day, you will lose one to one and a half pounds a week. The newest Health Concerns formula, Greenexcellent™ is used to reduce blood sugar and weight without side effects and may help double these results.

There have been two clinical trials with Greenexcellent. The first study evaluated the effects of Greenexcellent on blood sugar concentration; a second study evaluated the effects on the lean mass to fat mass (LM/FM) ratio. In the first study, fifteen healthy volunteers took part in the trial. During the six weeks of the trial subjects did not change their dietary habits or their participation in physical exercise. Blood sugar concentration was measured with a glucose tolerance test. The first measurement was made without prior administration of Greenexcellent; the second was made after administration of Greenexcellent.

Individuals received three capsules per day, one each in the morning, mid-day, and at evening. Each capsule contained 200mg of Greenexcellent. A reduction in blood sugar concentration was observed in 60 percent of the subjects, corresponding to a mean reduction in blood sugar concentration of 50 percent. In addition, the mean weight loss was slightly over 3.3 lbs (1.5 kg) after six weeks of treatment.

The next study was a double blind placebo controlled clinical study with fifty people with a BMI greater than 25, between nineteen and seventy-five years of age. Thirty patients were administered 2 pills per day during their main meals, each containing 200mg of Greenexcellent. The remaining patients took a placebo under the same conditions. After sixty days, the placebo group lost 3 percent of their body weight, the active group lost almost 6 percent of their body weight, corresponding to mean reduction weight of 10.93 lbs. in the active group and 5.39 lbs. in the placebo group. Due to the significant reduction in weight in the active group, a significant decrease in the BMI was observed. Greenexcellent induced a significant increase in lean mass, while the placebo group only showed a slight increase. The conclusion is that Greenexcellent is capable of significantly reducing the BMI and reduces weight and blood glucose in overweight individuals at a recommended dosage of 400mg per day, corresponding to two capsules of Greenexcellent.

Greenexcellent is more than a coffee product. It is a patented extract from a specific variety of green coffee beans that is rich in chlorogenic and 5-caffeoyliquinic acid. It is decaffeinated, and does not contain allergens or impurities. With a proven ability to reduce blood sugar, body weight, and significantly increase lean mass, Greenexcellent is an excellent addition to a weight loss program including exercise and a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean protein.

Health Concerns also produces Leantain GT, a proprietary blend of Chitoglucan enoki mushroom extract and catechin rich green tea extract. Whereas Leantain GT is particularly indicated for reducing cravings and appetite, Greenexcellent is useful for lowering blood sugar and has been clinically proven to lower weight and increase lean mass. The two products can be combined if desired. Where Leantain GT is best taken before meals, Greenexcellent is designed to be taken with meals.

Chinese Dietary Therapy
By Andrew Gaeddert

Chinese food therapy is based on the principle of eating a variety of foods according to one’s own constitution. There is no single best diet for everyone. Our rates of metabolism are different, the climates that we live in vary, and our amounts of exercise differ. Furthermore, we all have different health patterns– some individuals are never ill, while others are frequently so; also the body sites that are affected by the same pathogen may be different in different persons.

Chinese Dietary Principles in this society of abundance, there is no reason to eat only fruits, or only vegetables, or to eat the same foods day in and day out. Ideally, one should primarily consume cooked vegetables and cooked grains. The former are an excellent source of fiber and nutrition. In terms of grains, rice, the staple of Asian diet, is an excellent food as it is easy to digest and is neither too hot nor too cold energetically. Other suitable staple foods include potatoes, sweet potatoes, millet, and the like.

From a Chinese energetic perspective, there is nothing wrong with a small amount of meat once a day. Even Tibetan Buddhist monks who believe in the sanctity of all living creatures, eat meat occasionally in order to sustain warmth against the harsh Himalayan winters. In this fast-paced world, most persons have busy lives with demanding schedules, and need the energy and nutrition that meats provide. Although it is possible to obtain adequate nutrition as a vegetarian, most individuals in our society are not proper vegetarians. Many Americans in their attempt to reduce or eliminate meat from their diet actually end up eating an excess of dairy products in the form yogurt, cheese, and milk.

According to Chinese dietary principles, only children should consume milk. One of the common energetic imbalances is a preponderance of dampness. Dairy products, in addition to being highly allergenic substances, are not suitable for individuals with this type of imbalance and should be avoided. In particular, cheese is too warm in property and also produces dampness. Thus, for individuals with a dampness pattern, they may be healthier by eating meat or by learning how to correctly obtain protein from vegetable sources rather than relying so heavily on dairy products.

Another Chinese dietary principle is that all food be eaten while it is warm or hot. In order to utilize food for energy, the body must first bring it to body temperature. Thus, if food is consumed while hot, the body can immediately transform it into energy. This is why drinks with ice, or those consumed upon removal from the refrigerator should be avoided. Preferably, all beverages should be consumed hot, even water, although this is not always practical. When eating out, request beverages without ice, and at home simply do not put ice in drinks, or allow refrigerated ones to come to room temperature before drinking. Since liquids facilitate the transformation of food into energy, hot water or herbal tea should be taken with meals.

Cooking of food actually helps in its being digested since the heating process breaks down the cellulose cell walls of vegetables where most of the vitamins and nutrients are located. By eating mainly warm or hot food, one will feel more energetic, and have fewer digestive complaints.

Another aspect of Chinese diet, which is common to many spiritual traditions, is chewing food carefully. Most individuals chew inattentively and then gulp their food down with liquids. By taking time to chew (usually seven or more times for each bite), digestion is enhanced, as is the enjoyment of the food. Mealtimes should be relaxed and without pressure to finish. The Chinese also advocate eating in season. For healthy persons, this means that when the climate is cold, hot food should be taken, and when the weather is warm, the food temperature may be cooler. Individuals who are not in good health should eat hot food only. Fruits should be eaten in their whole forms, and should not be consumed as juices since the latter are too concentrated.

Ancient Wisdom Li Dongguan, a famous physician of the Jin dynasty, stated that the primordial Qi of the Spleen and Stomach is the foundation of life. Pathogenic injury of the Spleen and Stomach can cause various diseases. Li advocated restraint in food and drink, eating more cereals than meat, being content with life without fame and wealth, and to shun worry and desire. To cultivate the primordial Qi, one should keep warm, avoid wind and cold, as well as overexertion.

Chen Zhongling of the Qing dynasty indicated in his Four Essentials of Health Preservation to eat and drink in moderation, avoid invasion of wind and cold, “spare the mind,” and to shun anger. According to Chinese medicine, if the mind is not calm, problems with the circulation of Qi and blood will arise. Perhaps one would do well to bear in mind the Chinese adage of “Laughter makes one ten years younger, distress causes one hair to become gray, and anger hastens one’s death.” A renowned Chinese poet once wrote, “… with the spirit improved and the mind in a pleasant frame, disease can be cured.”

Tea

Americans drink enormous amounts of coffee. However, not only is caffeine a stimulant with immediate effects, it also over stimulates the adrenal gland which leads to a delayed feeling of fatigue. Furthermore, the acids in coffee can cause digestive problems. In Chinese medicine, coffee is known to be sweet and warm in properties, which is why many coffee drinkers have a preponderance of dampness in their system. On the other hand, tea is slightly bitter and cool in properties, thus making it an important component of Chinese (and Asian) diet.

There are several kinds of tea, the more common of which are green, black, and scented. Green tea is cool in property; it is capable of reducing fever, and is taken in the summer. Black tea warms the spleen and stomach and is particularly suitable to drink in winter. Scented teas, such as jasmine, may be taken during all seasons.

The Tang dynasty poet, Lu Tong, once wrote, “Seven bowls of tea brings seven advantages: One, it promotes the production of body fluids and quenches thirst; two, it refreshes the mind; three, it helps digestion; four, it induces sweating to relieve the common cold; five, it helps fat people reduce weight; six, it activates thinking and strengthens memory; and seven, it ensures longevity.”

Dietary Guidelines

Dietary changes should be introduced slowly, so as not to cause imbalance, exacerbate existing conditions, or even bring on new illnesses. To go too quickly from a high protein and/or junk food diet to one that consists mainly of vegetables and grains is unwise. It is also important to avoid overeating; a better method is to eat less quantity more frequently, and to stop eating before one is full. Breakfast and lunch should be the main meals, and dinner just a light repast. The following are guidelines according to Chinese dietary principles that may be helpful in improving one’s diet and health.

Foods and beverages that should be avoided : Alcohol (except individuals with cold patterns), Raw foods (except during summer months or in warm climates), Junk food, Greasy and fried foods, Sweets and diet foods, Ice cold foods and beverages, Fruit juices.

Recommended foods and beverages: Lean meat — 2 oz per day, Vegetables — Fresh, lightly cooked or stir-fried, with skins retained (skinless for irritable bowel sufferers), Eggs — In moderation, Fruits — Whole (candidiasis sufferers may need to avoid), Grains — Should be mainstay of diet, Rice, Whole grains (if not allergenic), Millet, Wheat (if not allergenic), Buckwheat, Corn (if not allergenic), Oats, Beans and peas, Stews, casseroles, soups.

Foods that may need evaluation: Soy products, Yeast-containing foods, Vinegar, Fermented foods, Nuts, Cereals (may exacerbate digestive conditions), Spicy foods, Citrus fruits, Tomato products, Shellfish.

Could Medications Be Making Your Clients Overweight?
By Andrew Gaeddert 

Diabetes drugs, psychiatric and high blood pressure medications, antihistamines and corticosteroids can cause weight gain. Until recently, physicians accepted the side effects of these medications; however, drugs causing people to put on ten to twenty pounds per year, can cause big problems over time. Whereas antipsychotics can cause gains of over 100 lbs per year, antidepressants such as Prozac can cause more modest weight gains.  Beta blockers and calcium channel blockers make it more difficult for clients to lose weight. Being overweight is a contributing factor in heart failure, menstrual disorders, osteoarthritis, gout, gallbladder disease, and cancers of the breast, uterus, ovaries, colon, rectum, and prostate, abdominal obesity (“apple shape”; “beer belly”) is associated with coronary artery disease, stroke, high blood pressure, Type 2 Diabetes, and hyperlipidemia.

Although not specifically developed for clients who have weight gain caused by medications, I developed Leantain GT™ for clients who either want or need to lose weight for medical reasons. The ingredients in Leantain GT work helping to reduce food cravings and to help speed up the metabolism. Recently, I administered the formula to Alma, I woman well over 200 lbs. who had badly arthritic joints. Alma was advised by her doctor that losing weight would help reduce the pain in her joints and would be good for her cardiovascular system. Although she had to experiment To find the optimal dosage, so far she has lost ten pounds using Leantain GT. She is following a healthy eating plan, and walking several days a week. Typically clients start with one capsule with a large glass of water twice per day before meals and increase the dosage if necessary. Leantain GT can be taken safely with Astra Diet Tea, and Astra 18 Diet.

Green Coffee Beans can Regulate Glucose Metabolism
By Andrew Gaeddert 

Numerous epidemiological studies reported a link between a high consumption of coffee (more than 6-7 cups/day) and a reduced risk of developing type-2 diabetes. In-vitro and in-vivo complementary tests suggested that chlorogenic acids (CGA), especially 5-caffeoylquinic acid mainly found in green coffee beans, can regulate glucose metabolism. In fact, in-vitro studies have shown that pure 5 caffeoylquinic acid inhibits glucose-6-phosphatase (Glc-6-Pase), hepatic enzyme involved in the glucose release from the liver in blood circulation.

However, the mechanism of action of a total extract of green coffee beans has never been studied. In a recent study at Bordeaux University, France, demonstrated that Greenexcellent contains more than 12 different chlorogenic acids, including 5-caffeoylquinic acid, in specific ratios. Three concentrations have been tested, equivalent to 157mg, 315mg, and 472mg per liter of solution. After incubation of human liver microsomes, Greenexcellent is able to inhibit the Glc-6-Pase, especially its T1 unit, at 315mg/L and 472mg/L.

These results are really promising in terms of innovation. The first time, Greenexcellent, a complex ingredient extracted from selected green coffee beans, is able to inhibit the T1 unit of the Glc-6-Pase in human microsomes. These results are primarily linked to the fat burning action of Greenexcellent demonstrated in a previous clinical study. Daily 400mg supplementation with Greenexcellent induces a significant reduction in the body mass index (BMI) as well as a significant 4% increase of the lean mass to fat mass ratio.

Successfully launched in Europe, Greenexcellent is an original active ingredient for weight management. Its unique and identified mechanism of action allows practitioners to recommend Greenexcellent with confidence. It should be incorporated as part of a diet emphasizing vegetables, fruits, and lean protein, and an exercise and stress reduction program.

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