A-Z health supplement Articles

7-keto-DHEA (commonly called "7-keto") is one form of 7-oxo-DHEA, and a by-product of the hormone dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). DHEA is the most abundant circulating steroid hormone in humans. It is produced by the adrenal glands as well as the ovaries and testes, and is a precursor to the production of both estrogens and testosterone. Interestingly, 7-keto-DHEA is one form of this hormone that is not converted to testosterone or estrogen in the body. Instead, it can be taken to speed metabolism and promote weight loss without directly altering hormone levels. 7-keto can also boost the thyroid gland, and is supposed to slow aging, boost memory and help build muscle.

Top 7-Keto Dhea Health Benefits

1. Weight Loss

7-keto has been shown to increase the resting metabolic rate by 4% of both men and women during a 7-day treatment protocol. Some research has found that this may be due to an association of 7-keto with thyroid hormone in the body. This association has been shown to temporarily increase thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroid hormone production. Other studies have revealed that 7-keto also causes the mitochondria (cell power plant) to be more easily stimulated, thus boosting their activity. This burns more calories and creates more heat in the body in a process called "thermogenesis". Thus supplementation with 7-keto can help to boost the thyroid and increase metabolism, both of which will aid weight loss.

2. PMS

Supplementation with 7-keto has been shown in laboratory studies to increase blood levels of one of the breakdown products of DHEA called 7-hydroxy-DHEA. This particular byproduct has been shown to decrease during the second half of the menstrual cycle. The decrease of 7-hydroxy-DHEA is thought to be associated with the mood changes involved in premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Thus, since 7-keto helps to prevent this dip in 7-hydroxy-DHEA levels, supplementation with 7-keto may help to reduce the mood symptoms of PMS. 7-keto has also been shown to reduce the levels of all sex hormones in the body, thus it may be beneficial in cases of excess hormone secretion, such as estrogen-dominant conditions like fibroids and fibrocystic breasts.

3. Cholesterol Benefits

In one study involving 10 elderly men, supplementation with 7-keto was found to reduce steroid hormone levels, and increase HDL ("good") cholesterol. Their risk for atherosclerosis fell after short-term treatment. The long-term effects have not yet been studied.

4. Raynaud's Disease

Raynaud's disease is a condition in which the body excessively constricts blood vessels in the extremities on exposure to cold. This results in extreme pain, and pale blotchy skin on the fingers and toes. 7-keto has been shown to help prevent Raynaud's attacks by increasing the basal metabolic rate and inhibiting vasospasm. It also promotes heat generation by the mitochondria of the cells, helping to maintain a higher body temperature during cold exposure.

How Can I Take 7-Keto-DHEA Supplements?

7-keto can be found in powdered form in caplets or combination formulas for weight loss. It has been tested as safe at 200mg daily for up to 4 weeks without any known side effects. The long-term effects of supplementation is not known.

Calcium is an important mineral for the optimal functioning of many bodily systems and is a building block for your bones and teeth. Calcium also provides benefits by protecting the body from heavy metal toxicity by competing for absorption against lead. Calcium ions are involved, at the cellular level, with the folding structure of the RNA and DNA molecules and the activation of enzymes for the metabolism of fats. Your nerves also use calcium for the proper transmission of impulses, and your muscles use calcium to contract and relax.

In addition, calcium lowers cholesterol by inhibiting plaque formation and lowers blood pressure by ensuring the proper functioning of the arterial muscles. This mineral is commonly recommended by natural health care practitioners for osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, cardiovascular disease, PMS, pregnancy, cancer prevention, nervous disorders, muscle cramps and insomnia.

Symptoms of Calcium Deficiency

Deficiency of calcium can occur because of insufficient dietary intake or because of increased loss caused by negative conditions within the body. The standard North American diet is high in protein, fat, sugar and phosphorus from the consumption of meats, refined grains, junk foods, salty foods, alcohol, coffee and soft drinks. Not only is this diet low in calcium, but it also leads to a disruption of the acid/base balance with a shift towards acidity, and the body is forced to buffer using calcium. The calcium drawn out of the bones to be used as a buffer in the bloodstream is then lost in the urine. This can also be caused by some medications, or when the body is in a state of inflammation, like with inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. 

If calcium is deficient, toxic lead is absorbed by the body and deposited in the teeth and bones. The muscles in the body use calcium for contraction and deficiency can result in painful muscle spasms. Similarly, the heart uses calcium in its contractions, so deficiency can lead to arrhythmias. Deficiency of calcium also causes bone and joint diseases such as osteomalacia, osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. It also leads to poor growth and poor bone density in children (Rickets).

Different Types of Calcium & Their Health Benefits

There are different ways that calcium can be delivered to the body. Many products that contain calcium have less absorbable forms, such as calcium carbonate. Chelated or citrated calcium supplements are easier for the body to use and can be taken with or without food. Chelated simply means that calcium is bonded to a protein molecule, for example, aspartate or glycinate, and citrated means that calcium is bonded to a citrate molecule. Both processes enhance calcium's absorption in the intestinal tract. At the same time, the greater size of the resulting molecules decreases the amount of calcium per dose unit when compared with simple calcium carbonate. 

Let's explore the types of calcium commonly found in supplement form. 

Calcium Carbonate

Calcium carbonate is not the best calcium source because it must be taken with food for proper absorption, and its basic nature may interfere with proper digestion, which requires acidity from stomach acid. Additionally, up to 40% of people over the age of sixty have chronic stomach inflammation that prevents the breakdown of calcium carbonate.

Coral Calcium Health Benefits

Coral calcium is a naturally occurring calcium found in complex with magnesium oxide in a 4:1 ratio (calcium: magnesium) as well as many other minerals. Two types of coral calcium exist, fossilized and marine. Fossilized coral is farmed after it floats to the top of the ocean while marine grade is live coral that is vacuumed from the ocean floor. There is a debate between the makers of both types as to which is better with no clear winner emerging. One must consider the ecological effect of both processes when purchasing coral calcium. Ensure that your supplement is tested for contaminants since the coral is farmed from the ocean. Even after purification coral calcium contains minute amounts of heavy metals and should not be consumed by pregnant or nursing women.

Microcrystalline Hydroxyapatite Compound (MCHC)

MCHC is sourced from animal bones (usually cows or sheep) and contains a significant amount of calcium, along with other minerals required for proper bone formation. Some practitioners believe that this is an optimal calcium form because it contains all of the other substances that naturally occur in the bone. Like most animal-derived products, it is important to ensure the quality of the supplement and the conditions under which the animals have been raised. To minimize the chance of contamination with heavy metals or disease agents like the prions that cause "Mad Cow disease" (BSE), choose supplements from countries such as New Zealand.

D1-calcium-phosphate

D1-calcium-phosphate is used in some low-end supplements and should be avoided. This form of calcium actually inhibits the absorption of other minerals in a mineral complex and is insoluble. The calcium in antacids, when taken in a therapeutic amount, neutralizes stomach acid. They are not recommended as a calcium source because, without stomach acid, the calcium cannot be absorbed.

AlgaeCal Calcium Health Benefits

One source of calcium comes from a South American algae named Algas calcareas, which is incorporated into a proprietary bone-building supplement. This particular supplement has been shown to not only slow bone loss, but actually increase bone density over time.

How To Take Calcium Supplements

Calcium supplements are best taken in small doses throughout the day because the body can only absorb 500mg at one time, no matter how large an amount each dose contains. However, if you are using calcium for its relaxation properties it is beneficial to take a larger dose before bed, especially when combined with magnesium.

Co-Supplementation

Lysine is an amino acid that is needed for calcium absorption. It can be taken in supplemental form or through foods such as cheese, eggs, fish, lima beans, milk, soy products and brewer's yeast. Calcium absorption is also increased by combination with magnesium and vitamin D. In general, the recommended ratio is 2:1, calcium: Magnesium with an associated dose of Vitamin D (this dose varies widely from 100 – 1000IU).

Cautions & Considerations of Calcium Supplements

Calcium and Kidney Stones

Research has proven that calcium supplementation does not cause kidney stones. Instead, it has been found that excessive intake of foods high in oxalic acid (cashews, almonds, beet greens, spinach, cocoa and soybeans) binds with calcium present in the body to create calcium-oxalate kidney stones. These foods also bind calcium in the intestine and prevent its absorption. This can be prevented by decreasing the above-mentioned foods in the diet while supplementing with calcium.

Calcium Benefits On Pregnancy

Pregnant women should ensure adequate calcium intake so that the body does not have to pillage its own bones to provide sufficient calcium for the fetus. Calcium also protects against the development of preeclampsia, a hypertensive condition in pregnant women. Coral calcium should be avoided during pregnancy because it may contain trace levels of heavy metals.

Important Information & Potential Contraindications

Calcium can interfere with the effects of calcium channel-blocking heart medications, tetracycline, thyroid hormone, some anticonvulsants and steroids. Calcium is depleted by the use of Phenobarbital and diuretics. Calcium and iron bind together and prevent the absorption of both minerals therefore iron and calcium supplements should be taken at different times. Calcium also competes for absorption with zinc, phosphorus and magnesium. Balance your supplemental calcium intake with 50mg of zinc daily. Insufficient vitamin D intake also hinders calcium absorption and should be supplemented in the elderly and by those who live in the northern latitudes.

Hydroxycitric acid (HCA) is a derivative of citric acid that is found in select tropical plants, including Garcinia Cambogia and Hibiscus subdariffa.

It is also a common ingredient in Indian and Thai food, as a condiment and flavouring agent, in curries and chutneys.

Key Benefits & Uses of Hydroxycitric Acid

HCA and weight loss

HCA has recently been included in a variety of weight loss supplements based on research that suggests it plays a role in lipid metabolism and glucose absorption. Animal studies have shown that hydroxycitric acid can delay intestinal glucose absorption, preventing spikes in blood sugar and therefore the need for the body to produce high levels of insulin. Large and fast spikes in blood sugar can be correlated with a higher risk of obesity. A slower release of glucose and insulin also means satiety is longer lasting, leaving you feeling full for longer periods. These studies have not been conducted on humans and as of yet, these blood sugar-regulating and appetite-blocking effects are only speculative.

Hydroxycitric Acid & Cholesterol Support

Studies are also suggesting that HCA can have a positive effect on lipid profiles, reducing total cholesterol, LDL lipoproteins, triglycerides and serum leptin levels. Leptin circulates in the body at levels that are directly proportional to body fat, also referred to as the ‘full hormone’ it has been shown to send signals to the brain that the body has had enough to eat. In these same studies, HCA has also been shown to increase HDL cholesterol levels and excretion of urinary fat metabolites. Some researchers believe it exerts these lipid-regulating effects by inhibiting an enzyme in the body that converts carbohydrates to fat for storage. Further studies need to be conducted to validate these studies.

Shopping Tips For Quality Hydroxycitric Acid Supplements

HCA can be found as a component of many weight loss combinations, most commonly in capsule form. It is also available as a part of a proprietary blend of herbs aimed at weight loss, called Citrimax. Garcinia cambogia, or tamarind, is a small fruit that contains HCA extract in its rind and may be the source of HCA in many supplements. Supplements containing garcinia cambogia may be labelled as GCE.

HCA Supplement Dosage and Safety Information

Guidelines for dosage range from 500-1000 mg before meals, up to a maximum dose of 3000 mg/day.

There is very little information about the safety of HCA, or Citrimax for use as a supplement. The little we do know suggests that supplements containing HCA should be used with caution. Some individuals using products that contained HCA experienced severe liver damage, while others reported cardiovascular, neurological, gastrointestinal and respiratory problems while taking supplements containing HCA or garcinia cambogia. In 2009, the US Food and Drug Administration issued warnings against many products containing high amounts of HCA for these reasons.

Individuals who are taking medications for diabetes should use HCA with caution or speak with a health professional before using. It may also exacerbate muscle degeneration in individuals taking statin medications, which are known to cause rhabdomyolysis in some individuals. There is also the possibility that HCA may worsen dementia and Alzheimer’s disease and should not be used by individuals already dealing with these conditions.

The amino acids that the body cannot produce, and need to be taken in through the diet or supplementation, are called essential. Leucine is one of these essential amino acids. Leucine provides many benefits because it is also a member of the branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) group, along with isoleucine and valine. BCAAs act as a fuel source for the muscles because they are the only amino acids that are broken down directly in muscle tissue. They prevent the muscle breakdown that normally occurs during strenuous exercise, resulting in increased endurance and muscle strength.

Key Health Benefits of Leucine & BCAA's

Other tissues that BCAAs help to repair are the bones and skin. BCAAs regulate blood sugar by producing glycogen, the storage form of sugar in muscle tissue. Leucine increases the production of the growth hormone. Growth hormone is sometimes referred to as the fountain of youth because it keeps the body “young” by repairing and building tissue. Levels of growth hormone naturally decline as you age and an increase in growth hormone levels protects against the development of age-related conditions. Leucine, and the other BCAAs, can be supplemented for the following conditions: muscle wasting, recovery from surgery, broken bones, and skin diseases and can be used to improve muscle growth during exercise.

Leucine Supplement Varieties & Combinations

The biologically active form of leucine is L-leucine. Branched-chain supplements are the safest way to use leucine. They are available in a variety of ratios. The optimal ratio for normal use is 2:1:1 (leucine: isoleucine: valine). BCAA supplements should be taken half an hour before workouts.

Important Information & Potential Side Effects of Leucine

The branched-chain amino acids must be taken together. High doses of BCAA can cause hypoglycemia and diabetics and individuals with hypoglycemia should use BCAAs with caution. High leucine intake may cause low niacin (pellagra). High leucine intake increases ammonia levels and may be harmful to individuals with kidney disease.

The Pau D Arco tree is a tropical evergreen that grows in Central America, South America and the Caribbean. The medicinal effects of Pau D’Arco are attributed to lapachol.

Key Health Benefits of Pau D Arco

Pau D’Arco has also been found to have antiviral activity against cold sores, and anti-protozoal activity against malaria. Topically, Pau D’Arco tea can be used to treat bacterial and fungal infections, bites, minor skin injuries and psoriasis.

What Parts of Pau D Arco Are Used Medicinally?

Pau D’Arco’s most medicinally effective part is the inner bark. Unfortunately harvesting the inner bark often results in the death of the tree. Increased demand for this tree has made Pau D’Arco an endangered species in some South and Central American countries. You may want to inquire as to the harvesting practices of the company that provides the raw material for you.

Pau D Arco Supplement Varieties

Pau D’Arco supplements are made from a variety of species in the genus Tahebuia. Some supplements are made from the inner bark while others are a mixture of the bark with other less active plant parts. Few Pau D’Arco supplements are standardized to the lapachol content. All of these factors make it difficult to use Pau D’Arco safely. Due to the toxicity of lapachol internal use of Pau D’Arco is best undertaken with the guidance of a health professional.

Pau D’Arco is available as dried bark, for tea, and encapsulated tree parts. Tea is traditionally used for its medicinal properties but very few of the medicinally active components of Pau D’Arco are water-soluble. Encapsulated dried bark, which is standardized, is the best supplemental form of Pau D’Arco.

Cautions & Considerations

Individuals with active bleeding or blood disorders should not use pau d’arco. Pau D’Arco interacts with blood thinners, aspirin and any herbal product that thins the blood. Pau D’Arco is not safe for use in pregnant and nursing women. High doses of lapachol can lead to anemia, diarrhea, dizziness, nausea and vomiting.