Acupuncture - permanent cure for health problems

Bioperine

Bioperine is a standardized piperine extract obtained from the fruits of the Piper nigrum, also called ´black pepper´ and/or Piper longum, also called ´long pepper´. Those fruits are hand harvested in India, just prior to ripening and then sun dried to assure their maturity and quality.
Although black pepper is a common household spice, its extract has also been used extensively for medical purposes, especially in Ayurvedic medicine. Its main action is to significantly enhance the bioavailability of supplemented nutrients through increased absorption and transportation into the blood. In fact, bioperine is the only product sourced out of piperine to obtain a patented status for this ability.
In the fat loss field

Its action is being widely exploited in these terms, since many dietary supplements include vitamins, mineral, amino acids and antioxidants that are better absorbed and used because of the bioperine action. For example, Nutrition Research has published a double blind, crossover trial in which the effectiveness of an extract from the fruit of black pepper, with a minimum 98% pure alkaloid piperine was evaluated for its ability to improve serum response of beta-carotene during oral supplementation.

Subjects were randomly selected to ingest a daily beta-carotene dose (15 mg) either with 5 mg of piperine or placebo during each of two 14-day supplementation periods. The selection of volunteers was limited to healthy adult males with fasting serum beta-carotene values < 20 mcg/dL, in order to minimize the inter-subject variability in pre-supplementation of serum beta-carotene levels.

After the 14-day period, the results indicated significantly greater increases (p < 0.0001) in serum beta-carotene during supplementation with beta-carotene plus piperine (49.8±9.6 mcg/dL vs. 30.9±5.4 mcg/dL) compared to beta-carotene plus placebo. Supplementation with beta-carotene plus piperine also produced a 60% greater increase in area under the serum beta- carotene curve (AUC) than the one observed during the beta-carotene plus placebo supplementation.

Bearing all these results in mind, experts explained the theory that the serum response during oral beta-carotene supplementation might be improved through non-specific, thermogenic property(s) of piperine, which are known as ´thermonutrient´ action. The word ´thermonutrient´ is used because of its ability to increase the absorption of nutrients comprising nutritional supplement formulations, as well as the body’s natural thermogenic activity utilizing the daily food apart from nutrients.

This increased bioavailability of supplemented nutrients caused by bioperine may be derived also from a strong enough increase in the thermal energy, to emphasize the natural thermogenic activity just named. So this action leads to some enhanced metabolic processes, which create more demand of a broad range of nutrients that contribute to metabolism, such as the ones that dietary supplements in general contain.

In another similar study, supplementation of 120 mg of coenzyme Q10 with piperine for 21 days also produced a statistically significant area (p=0.0348) -approximately 30% greater- under the plasma curve (AUC) than observed during supplementation with coenzyme Q10 plus placebo.

Dosage and side effects

So far, there are no reported side effects. Based on double blind clinical data, Sabinsa –the company that legally manufacturers and supplies bioperine- recommends to use it in the amount of 5 mg per dose but does not require this level in customer’s formulation. Bioperine taken in this dose, enhanced the blood levels and bioavailability of a wide range of nutrients, both fat and water soluble, by over 30-60% in studies. Powder should be diluted with other nutrients at 100-200 doses per gram of bioperine before use. It is also advised to take no more than 20mg/day.

In addition, blood tests revealed that the absorption of nutrients was markedly increased when bioperine had been administered earlier –e.g., selenium levels were increased by 30%, and vitamin B6 by more than 60%. As the optimal utilization of nutrients and minerals depends on the intake of food in terms of time, the additional intake of black pepper alone, or during the meals would have no particularly positive effects on the metabolism. So, before the meals is when bioperine can be taken most advantage from.

Phosphatidyl serine
Phosphatidyl serine is a naturally occurring phospholipid that has a structural role in the biological membranes of plants, animals and other life forms. It is found in fish, green leafy vegetables, soybeans and rice, and is essential for the normal functioning of the brain cell membrane, in which it is more concentrated than in the rest of the cells.
Improving cognitive function
Phosphatidyl serine helps regenerate damaged nerve cells, reversing defects in nerve cell message transmission, helping to establish new receptor sites in the brain. It also supports the functions of several important membrane proteins. In fact, large protein molecules station themselves like sentries along the phospholipid wall, where they perform a variety of important functions like those recently named. More specifically, they process enzymatic and hormonal signals from outside the cell, catalyze the nerve cell’s mitochondrial energy production, facilitate the release of neurotransmitters, and support the functions of the proteins in the neurotransmitter receptors of dendrites. That is why phosphatidyl serine is usually used to benefit memory, learning, concentration, mood, alertness, and reaction time. 
In the largest multicenter study to date of phosphatidylserine and Alzheimer’s disease, 142 subjects aged 40 to 80 were given 200 milligrams of phosphatidylserine per day or placebo over a three-month period. The scales normally used to assess Alzheimer’s status were used, and showed that those treated with phosphatidylserine showed an improvement on several items. Although the differences between placebo and experimental groups were small the experts catalogued them as ´statistically significant´.
Phosphatidylserine has also shown some efficacy in some non-Alzheimer’s dementias, in age-associated memory impairment and general mental deterioration. Although more clinical trials need to be conducted before elaborating conclusions, taking into a count the results to date, plus the fact that there are very few side effects associated with phosphatidyl serine and also so few treatment options for Alzheimer’s disease, one research group concluded that the therapeutic possibilities offered by phosphatidylserine should not be dismissed.
Cortisol –against fat loss

In terms of fat loss, phosphatidyl serine is not known for having a direct effect on this field. However, it is commonly included in many fat loss supplements in order to reduce muscle soreness, as it is said to suppress cortisol, which is known to break down muscle tissue and also contribute to abdominal fat storage.

According to a study performed at University Hospital in the Swedish city of Gothenburg, elevated cortisol levels provoked by both emotional stress and physical stress -like sleep deprivation and vigorous exercise- stimulates a fat-gathering enzyme, which is more easily taken up by the abdomen than other parts of the body.

However, several phosphatidyl serine supplementation seems to blunt cortisol release significantly secondary to stress. In fact, the journal Biology of Sport published a study in which phosphatidyl serine supplementation reduced cortisol levels by 30 percent compared to a placebo following exercise.

Dosage and forms
Phosphatidyl serine supplements can be derived from bovine brain or from soy lecithin. However, in the case of phosphatidyl serine taken from bovine cortex, it is usually not sold because it may contain viruses or infectious agents inadvertently introduced in the phosphatidyl serine product when extracted from the animal brain. So the phosphatidylserine currently available is derived from soy. In this case, it undergoes an enzymatic process that converts phosphatidyl choline -another major phospholipid found in egg yolks and soy- to phosphatidyl serine.
As it is common to use the results of studies done with phosphatidyl serine from cow brain to hypothetically prove that soy derived phosphatidyl serine is also effective, the reader should distinguish between both sources. Apparently, the extracts taken from bovine cortex contain other brain components apart from phosphatidyl serine, which may have led to better improvements in brain function than the ones taken from soy. So, when trials are performed using BC-phosphatidyl serine, they are referring to the one taken from bovine cortex, and not the one extracted from soy.
There is preliminary research indicating that the dose of phosphatidyl serine for inhibiting exercise-induced increases in cortisol ranges from 400 up to 800 mg per day, while other sources suggest to take 100 milligrams three time daily.
Although it is not contraindicated with any known medication, the lack of long-term safety studies suggests phosphatidyl serine should be avoided by children, pregnant women and nursing mothers. Also, those suffering from the antiphospholipid-antibody syndrome should exercise caution in the use of phosphatidylserine and only take it under medical supervision and monitoring.
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Ginger

Ginger root is actually the rhizome of a perennial plant that is used extensively as a spice in many, if not most cuisines of the world. Originating in southern China, cultivation of ginger (Zingiber officinale) spread to India, Southeast Asia, West Africa, and the Caribbean. Young ginger roots are juicy and fleshy with a very mild taste. They can be pickled in vinegar as a snack or just cooked as an ingredient in many dishes. They can also be stewed in boiling water to make ginger tea.

On the other hand, mature ginger roots are fibrous and nearly dry. Their juice is often used as a spice in Chinese cuisine to cover up other strong odors and flavors such as in seafood and mutton, so it is extremely potent.

Ginger is also made into candy, being used for flavoring cookies, crackers and cake. It is also used to elaborate beverages, from non-alcoholic ones to beer, liqueur, and wine. In the form of powdered dry ginger (ground ginger), it is typically used to add spiciness to gingerbread and other recipes.

Composition

Ginger contains up to 3% of an essential oil that causes the typical fragrance of the spice. Its pungent taste is due to nonvolatile phenylpropanoids (particularly gingerol –chemically relative of capsaicin- and zingerone).

Traditional uses

Ginger root is very popular in the treatment for nausea, although it is not advisable for morning sickness commonly associated with pregnancy. Ginger root also contains many antioxidants, while the gingerols recently named have analgesic, sedative, antipyretic, antibacterial, and GI tract motility effects. Therefore, powdered dried ginger root is made into pills for these uses.

Ginger root is also said to avoid cramps, relieve inflammation, and has blood thinning and cholesterol lowering properties. However, more conclusive research is needed in order to prove these actions.

Fat loss action?

During a trial performed on the Department of Environmental and Symbiotic Sciences, Prefectural University of Kumamoto, in Japan, an aqueous extract of ginger inhibited the hydrolysis of triolein emulsified with phosphatidylcholine by pancreatic lipase in vitro. The extract also reduced the elevation of rat plasma triacylglycerol levels 1 and 2 h after oral administration of a lipid emulsion containing corn oil.

According to the experts, these results suggested that the aqueous extract of ginger root might inhibit the intestinal absorption of dietary fat by inhibiting its hydrolysis. Therefore, they investigated the antiobesity effects of this extract by feeding a high-fat diet to mice for 8 weeks.

The results showed that body weights at 2-8 weeks and final parametrial adipose tissue weights were significantly lower in mice fed a high-fat diet containing 3% aqueous extract of ginger root than in the controls fed the high-fat diet alone. However, they also fed another group a high-fat diet containing just 1% aqueous extract of ginger root, and it also significantly reduced final parametrial adipose tissue weights, which were elevated in mice fed the high-fat diet.

Hence, experts concluded that the evident antiobesity effect of aqueous ginger root extract in mice fed a high-fat diet may be due in part to the inhibition of intestinal absorption of dietary fat by the active compounds of this herb.

Another possible way ginger may be useful in the fat-loss field is the one related to its thermogenic action. Apparently, ginger might induce the muscle tissue to consume more oxygen, which is necessary for burning fat as a source of energy fuel. That is why some supplements combine this herb with some others, like cayenne, since its constituents have been shown to have similar properties, as well as to affect metabolic rate.

Forms and doses

Ginger taken as an infusion has a standard dosage of 1 cup 2-3 times daily, while in the tincture form, 5 to 10 mils per week are advised. As fresh root, ½ to 1 gm 3 times daily, and in powder form, 1/2 gm 2 times daily should be taken.

Although normal doses of ginger have not been associated with any problems, large doses should be avoided during pregnancy, and also in cases of gallstones, as well as before surgery. It is good to keep in mind also that ginger may increase the absorption of other medications, so the opinion of a qualified caregiver is advised for every case.

Betaine

Betaine, also known as Trimethylglycine (TMG) and is an organic compound with a structure similar to choline, and functions related to some other nutrients, such as folic acid, and vitamins B6 and B12, among others. All these compounds carry and donate methyl functional groups to facilitate chemical processes that are necessary for proper liver function, cellular replication, and detoxification reactions. When betaine, or any of the related nutrients recently named becomes low in the body, a naturally occurring amino acid called homocysteine may rise to toxic levels. As this toxicity can be harmful to blood vessels, it may lead to the development of heart disease, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease. Its actions are also related to cells –included DNA-, proteins, and enzymes from environmental stress, such as low water, high salinity, or extreme temperature.

As an added benefit, betaine also is related to the manufacture of carnitine and helps protecting the kidneys from damage. When a deficiency of gastric acid secretion occurs, the likelihood and severity of certain bacterial and parasitic intestinal infections increase. On the contrary, a normal stomach’s level of gastric acid is sufficient to destroy bacteria. That is why betaine, on its acidic form (Betaine hydrochloride) is often recommended as a supplemental source of hydrochloric acid for people who have this kind of deficiency (hypochlorhydria).

In a diet…
Betaine may have lipotropic action, by promoting the oxidization of lipids, though some researches indicate the opposite. As it was explained, betaine can improve digestive efficiency, while it has shown to promote lean mass and reproductive abilities in animals, so far.
In addition, the following two-experiment trial, performed at Department of Animal Science, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, in USA tested betaine actions over protein in diets.

In Experiment 1, 32 gilts were fed one of two diets: 1) a corn-soybean meal basal (B) diet or 2) B + .125% betaine diet. In Experiment 2, 122 gilts were allotted to one of eight dietary treatments in a 2 x 2 x 2 factorial arrangement with two levels of betaine (0 or .125%), crude protein (adequate [ACP] or inadequate [ICP]), and net energy (NE; 0 or 6% added fat).

The results varied depending on the category:

- Inadequate crude protein low-NE diets: Betaine increased ADG – increased fasting SUN (serum urea N) and albumin – increased serum total proteins.
- Adequate crude protein low NE-diets: Betaine increased ADG - decreased (P < .02) serum urea N (SUN) – decreased fasting SUN and albumin – increased serum total proteins.
- Inadequate crude protein high-NE: Betaine decreased ADG – increased fasting SUN and albumin – did not increase serum total proteins.
- Adequate crude protein high-NE: Betaine decreased ADG - decreased (P < .02) serum urea N (SUN) – decreased fasting SUN and albumin - did not increase serum total proteins.
In conclusion, these serum metabolite data suggest that betaine may affect protein status of pigs –and potentially, of humans- though these effects may depend on the crude protein and energy content of the diet.

Sources
Dietary sources of betaine include beets, broccoli, spinach, cereal grains and see food. Also many wines contain betaine -particularly the less expensive ones, which use beet sugar to increase the alcohol content-. In fact, some experts suggest that wine drinkers from France tend to have low rates of heart disease despite diets high in fat and cholesterol, a situation del called “French paradox”.
Forms and dosage
Betaine supplements are manufactured as a byproduct of sugar beet processing, available in powder, tablet, and capsule forms. Regarding the dosage, it varies depending on the health condition betaine is taken for (heart disease, homocystinuria, hypochlorhydria). In the case of taking it as a nutritional aide, the advice of a caregiver must be asked. Also because of the potential for side effects and interactions with medications, this procedure may be the wisest. In addition, it is usually recommended to take betaine in conjunction with folic acid, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 in order to enhance its actions.

Uva ursi

Uva ursi, also known as Bearberry is a procumbent shrub from 10-30 cm high. It is part of the genus Arctostaphylos, and along with two other types of barry from this genus, it has adapted to arctic and sub-arctic climates, and has a circumpolar distribution in northern North America, Asia, Europe, and also some parts of Central America. Its medicinal use started in 1763, although it was in 13th century when Marco Polo reported that the Chinese were using it as a diuretic, to treat kidney and urinary problems. On the other hand Native Americans used it with tobacco and other herbs in religious ceremonies; used as incense or smoked in a sacred pipe, though they also used uva ursi tea to treat inflammation of the urinary tract, urethritis, kidney stones, and cystitis.

Composition

Uva ursi contains: arbutin, methylarbutin, a bitter principle, ursolic acid, tannic acid, gallic acid, some essential oil and resin, hydroquinones (mainly arbutin, up to 17%), tannins (up to 15%), phenolic glycosides, and flavonoids.

These compounds are absorbed via the gastrointestinal tract, transported to the kidneys via the blood and excreted from the body via the urine. Apparently many of them give uva ursi the following properties: aromatic, astringent (its leaves) diuretic, lithontripic, and stimulant (mild), among others. Apparently, the actions experienced by Chinese and Native Americans are related to its function as a tonic for the sphincter muscle of the bladder, which of course helps with bladder control problems.

Uva ursi has also a strong antibiotic action against the bacterias Staphylococci and Escherichia coli, mainly due to the presence of a compound called Arbutin. However, it has been shown that uva ursi’s antiseptic compounds are also the ones that help to regulate normal flora in the urinary system. That is why nowadays, uva ursi is a common ingredient in dietary supplements, in order to avoid a very common problem when it comes to lose fat…

Water retention

Water is a critical nutrient for many bodily processes. In terms of fat loss, water intake helps to flush out toxins from the fat cells, stored in fat tissue. Besides, the body will hold on to excess water for survival if adequate amounts of water are not supplied. The fact is that in order to burn these fat cells, they first have to be free, not only from toxins, but also from excess water.

Another important related detail is to pay attention to the frequency of bowel movements. In case they are not frequent enough, the body absorbs poison from partially digested foods in the intestinal tract. The constipation this generates, encourages the body to retain fluids for diluting these poisons. In this last type of cases, it may be helpful to incorporate a laxative supplement before using uva ursi. So it is important to establish the reasons behind water retention, in order to chose the right treatment.

Side effects

Although uva ursi is relatively safe, large doses may cause nausea, green urine, bluish-grey skin, vomiting, fever, chills, severe back pain, or ringing in the ears. Treatment with pure uva ursi should not last for more than a week. It contraindicated for pregnant and breast feeding women, children under 12 years old, and patients with kidney disease. Drug interactions have been recorded with diuretics, as well as drugs that make the urine acidic (such as ascorbic acid and Urex).

In terms of urinal infections, the most common is to take 10-12 grams per day of dried leaf powder, prepared by steeping 3 grams of dried leaf in 150 ml (5 fluid ounces) boiling water for up to 15 minutes; and repeat it up to four times a day. The same amount of dried leaf (3 grams) may be steeped in 150 ml cold water for several hours.

However, as uva ursi can be taken in combination with other substances in the form of fat loss supplement, in those cases the indications in the label must be followed, appart from previously consulting a physician.

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