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Home >
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> Maca |
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Supplement Articles |
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MACA
Articles by a Naturopathic
Doctor ( N.D.)
Boost energy, strength and stamina while balancing your hormones ...
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MACA |
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Maca can boost your
energy and libido
... naturally! |
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What is it?
Maca (Lepidium meyenii) is a hardy plant that thrives at high altitudes with intense sunlight, high winds and low temperatures. Native Peruvians have used Maca for thousands of years to increase stamina, libido and fertility in both men and women. Today, we continue to use Maca for hormonal regulation and support. It is also being used to boost energy, strength and stamina. |
Maca as a Ginseng
Although Maca is not a member of the Panax (true ginseng) family, it is sometimes called Peruvian ginseng because of its adaptogenic and energy-boosting abilities. Athletes have started using Maca as an alternative to anabolic steroids for increasing strength, energy and stamina. Unlike steroids and some energy boosting herbs, Maca does not contain harmful stimulants and is not addictive.
Maca and the Menstrual Cycle
In the case of Amenorrhea (absent menses, unrelated to pregnancy), Maca has been found to lower FSH levels. High levels of this hormone have been associated with low serum estrogen levels, the hormone responsible for the development of the uterine lining during the first half of the menstrual cycle. It is this lining that is later shed during menstruation. Maca has also been shown to increase lutenizing hormone (LH), which stimulates ovulation. Ovulation is required for progesterone production in the second half of the menstrual cycle. In this sense, Maca can be used to support and balance the hormones of a woman's menstrual cycle.
Postmenopausal Mental Health
Studies are also supporting the use of Maca for postmenopausal women suffering from psychological symptoms such as depression and anxiety, as well as sexual dysfunction. It has been shown to have a positive effect in all of these areas. It has also been shown to increase energy, while decreasing night sweats and hot flashes in this population. It is for these reasons, that Maca is now often included in combination menopause products.
Hormonal Regulation from the Brain
One of the postulated mechanisms by which Maca has its hormonal effects, is through stimulating the pituitary gland and hypothalamus. These are the two organs responsible for organizing and regulating all the endocrine glands in the body. When pituitary and hypothalamic function is working optimally, the entire hormonal system is balanced. The pituitary gland controls the hormone output of the thyroid (metabolism), ovaries or testicles (sexual functioning and tissue growth) and adrenal gland (energy and fluid balance).
How can I take Maca?
Maca is found as powdered root or encapsulated root. It can be found alone or in combination formulas for energy, stress reduction and sexual enhancement. The recommended dosage is between 1 and 3 grams daily. Increased demand for this plant may make Maca an endangered species, as has happened to other South American botanicals. You may want to inquire about the source and farming practices of the Maca that you purchase.
Important Information
People who are sensitive to the nightshade family of plants, including peppers, tomatoes and potatoes, should not use Maca. This herb should be used with caution by individuals taking hormone replacement therapy or contraceptive medication or by pregnant or nursing women. People with estrogen sensitive conditions and cancers should avoid the use of Maca. Due to its potassium content those with kidney disease or those on diuretics should use Maca cautiously.
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Maca – QUICK
FACTS
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PARTS USED
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·
Roots. |
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APPLICATIONS |
·
Low energy,
chronic
colds and
flus,
hormonal
imbalances,
menopausal
symptoms,
PMS, low
libido,
impotence,
athletic
performance. |
OPTIMUM
DOSAGE
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·
1000 –3000mg
daily.
(Clinical
doses may be
higher as
recommended
by your
practitioner). |
WORKS WELL
WITH
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Vitamin B
complex,
ginseng,
licorice,
damiana,
puncture
vine.
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IMPORTANT
INFORMATION
click for products |
·
Maca should
not be used
by people
who are
sensitive to
the
nightshade
family of
plants or
those with
kidney
disease.
·
Individuals
taking
hormone
replacement
therapy,
contraceptive
medication
or diuretics
should use
Maca with
caution.
Pregnant or
nursing
women should
use Maca
with
caution. |
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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 - 2012. 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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