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DHEA |
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Supplement Articles |
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DHEA
Articles by a Naturopathic
Doctor ( N.D.)
DHEA is very beneficial
as we begin to age and will
also increase your muscle
mass and energy ... |
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DHEA |
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DHEA helps to
maintain lean muscle
mass |
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Dehydroepiandrosterone
(DHEA) is a hormone
that is produced in
the adrenal gland
and acts as a
precursor to over 50
different hormones
in the human body.
As we age the body
produces less DHEA
and researchers
believe that low
levels of DHEA can
be a factor in the
development of “old
age” symptoms.
DHEA supplementation
may be beneficial
for low libido, high
cholesterol, type 2
diabetes,
osteoporosis,
obesity, loss of
muscle mass, memory
problems, blood
clots, depression,
and fatigue.
By increasing muscle
mass & energy, DHEA
can also improve
athletic
performance. |
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DHEA is a restricted
substance in Canada
because it affects
the levels of many
hormones in the
body. Large-scale
human trials have
not been conducted
to assess the safety
of this hormone in
supplemental use.
In other countries
it is found as
encapsulated
powder. 7-keto DHEA
is also a restricted
substance but the
body does not
convert it into
estrogen or
testosterone and
therefore has it has
less
contraindications
than DHEA.
To enhance the
body’s production of
DHEA without taking
DHEA itself there
are several
options. By
supporting the
function of the
adrenal gland the
body can optimize
its DHEA levels,
relative to a
person’s age.
Essential fatty acid
and protein intake
is important.
Essential fatty
acids are used to
make steroid
molecules, the
precursors to
hormones like DHEA.
Protein is what the
body uses to build
muscle and repair
tissue under the
direction of
hormones like DHEA.
Vitamins and
minerals that
support adrenal
function include the
B complex,
especially B5,
vitamin and zinc.
Herbs that support
the adrenal gland, adaptogenic herbs,
are the ginsengs,
astragalus,
licorice, shiitake
and maitake. Some
herbs contain
molecules that look
like steroids and
can stimulate the
body in a similar
way to hormones like
DHEA. These herbs
include Tribulus
(puncture vine) and
Damiana.
Do not use DHEA if
you have impaired
liver function,
diabetes or
hypoglycemia. Do
not use DHEA if you
are pregnant,
nursing or have a
history of breast or
prostate cancer.
High doses of DHEA
can suppress the
body’s own
production and cause
masculinizing
effects in women.
7-keto DHEA will not
cause
masculinization or
be contraindicated
for individuals with
breast or prostate
cancer. DHEA may
interact with
insulin, oral
hypoglycemics,
androgens, estrogens
and corticosteroids. |
DHEA– QUICK
FACTS
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SOURCES
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·
Produced in
the body,
supplements
from animal
source. |
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APPLICATIONS
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·
High
cholesterol,
type 2
diabetes,
osteoporosis,
obesity,
loss of
muscle,
memory
problems,
blood clots,
depression,
fatigue,
increased
athletic
performance. |
OPTIMUM
DOSAGE
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·
5-50 mg
daily.
(Clinical
doses may be
higher as
recommended
by your
practitioner). |
WORKS WELL
WITH
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·
Vitamin C,
Vitamin E,
selenium. |
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IMPORTANT
INFORMATION
click for
products |
·
Do not use
DHEA if you
have
impaired
liver
function,
diabetes or
hypoglycemia.
·
Do not use
DHEA if you
are
pregnant,
nursing or
have a
history of
breast or
prostate
cancer.
·
High doses
of DHEA can
suppress the
body’s own
production
and cause
masculinizing
effects in
women.
·
DHEA may
interact
with
insulin,
oral
hypoglycemics,
androgens,
estrogens
and
corticosteroids.
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For
informational
purposes only.
Please consult your
health care
practitioner before
taking natural
health care
products. Click here
for full disclaimer. |
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All articles
copyright National Nutrition
2001 - 2011. For educational
purposes only. Please note
that while National Nutrition
supports your right to use
natural health care products for
any therapeutic purpose that you
see fit, that the information on
this website should not be
considered as a claim or as a
substitute for medical advice. |
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