Pharmacy Articles Directory

Everything You Need To Know About Retin-A

Alabama — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 04:14:05 +0000

Pronounced - ‘Ret-in-A’

Generic name – Tretinoin, which is the active ingredient in Retin-A.

How pimples occur? The beginning of puberty period entails certain changes in the human body… At a skin level those changes bring about sebum production by sebaceous (oil) glands located in the skin tissue. Sebum is an oily material that performs the function of skin lubrication. The walls of separate oil glands can sometimes break thus allowing for the sebum interiors spill and be trapped inside the skin – this causes redness, swelling and inflammation – in other words a pimple forms. Clogged up oil glands may form blackheads and whiteheads. Therefore, the famous myth claiming that “blackheads are caused by dirt” is discredited.

Propionibacterium Acnes is the naturally-occurring skin bacteria responsible for development of acne condition. It normally lives on the sebum produced by the skin sebaceous (oil) glands. Whenever a skin pore is clogged Propionibacterium acnes overgrows and starts secreting chemicals that eventually damage pore walls allowing for the Staphylococcus aureus bacteria to spill inside the skin.

Retin-A is powerful acne burst soother and acne condition annihilator. Tretinoin, the active ingredient in Retin-A, is a vitamin A derivative. It works by intensifying the process of skin cell turnover thus promoting the loosening and extrusion of existing white-headed or black-headed acne plugs and preventing new comedones from forming. Moreover, Tretinoin is the only topical medication that works as a wrinkle improver.

Important! Over-intensification of skin cell turnover process can result in skin irritation and flaking. This is totally OK. However, many people overreact and stop using Retin-A after a couple of days/weeks concluding this product is not working for them. Therefore, it’s important to realize that Retin-A is only effective against whiteheads and blackheads if used over a prolonged period of time. At least 6 to 9 weeks of regular Retin-A use are indispensable to see a noticeable improvement. Wrinkle-reduction process takes even longer – up to 6 months minimum to see a noticeable improvement. Therefore, in order to fully benefit from this topical solution use it for at least a year.

Retin-A Indications Retin-A is commonly and widely used in the treatment of comedonal acne.

Retin-A Use Directions & Instructions

While using Retin-A keep as much away from direct sunlight as possible (sunlamp light included). If you managed to get sunburn – do not apply the medication until full recovery. If exposure to sunlight cannot be avoided – you are recommended to apply a sunscreen product (SPF 15 at the least) onto your skin and wear protective clothing over the treated acneic area. Also, for as long as you use Retin-A, try to avoid exposure to any extreme weather conditions, such as occurring on excessively windy, cold or hot days. Those can result in skin irritating.
Retin-A topical solution is to be applied onto the acneic area in a thin, slightly-covering layer once a day and preferably at bedtime. Since Retin-A is a liquid substance it may be applies using a previously washed fingertip, cotton swap or gauze pad. If you use a cotton swap or a gauze pad – avoid scooping up Retin-A surplus, it might run into unaffected skin areas and irritate healthy skin cells.
Feel free to use cosmetic products while being on Retin-A treatment. However, make sure to thoroughly cleanse the treatment-targeted skin areas with some purifying agent before applying the anti-acne solution. If your skin feels dry throughout the day you may want to moisturize it with petroleum jelly or another emollient.
If noticeable improvement is not immediate or new acne camedones pop up don’t get disappointed and discouraged; Retin-A is a longly-affecting external-use solution that requires time to produce noticeable changes. It might take a few months before the effect is clearly seen. Unless you experience severe adverse effects, do not stop applying the prescribed amount of Retin-A daily. Do not increase the dosage. It will not accelerate the healing process but irritate your skin.
Continue using Retin-A even when obvious improvement shifts occur. The beneficial therapeutic effect is only achieved and maintained if the treatment is long and accurate enough.
If you miss a dose by missing your Retin-A applying session - don’t apply an extra layer the next time but resume your regular schedule the next day.
Store Retin-A tube at ordinary room temperature. Do not freeze or overheat.

Retin-A Facts, Warnings Tips & Precaution Measures

If you are intolerant or highly sensitive to Retin-A ingredients and have ever developed an allergic reaction to either of the compounds – don not use the product. Search for alternative treatment options.
Retin-A long-term use has been proven safe and effective only in the treatment of pilosebaceous unit disorders, such as acne. Therefore, Retin-A is not recommended for the treatment of non-acneic disorders. At least not until the spectrum of its use and effectiveness is scientifically widened and clinically established.
The safety and effectiveness of Retin-A in underaged children <18 of age, in the elderly 50+ of age and in people with heavily pigmented skin have not been established.
Similarly, the reasonability of Retin-A use in periods greater than 48 weeks of daily use has not been established
Keep Retin-A away from sensible body areas, such as the eyes, mouth, mucous membranes and nose angles.
If in addition to acne you suffer from any other chronic skin condition, such as eczema or atopic dermatitis for instance (both causing skin inflammation accompanied with itching and oozing/crusting blistering) use Retin-A with extreme caution as severe over-irritation of an already irritated skin surface may occur.
During the first weeks of regular Retin-A use worsening of acne symptoms may occur due to deep-skin action of the solution on previously hidden inflammation areas. If you do not develop severe adverse reactions to the therapy but only witness popping up of new camedones or certain worsening of existing ones – do not stop the treatment. The visible condition aggravation is only temporary. However, acknowledging your doctor is a good idea.
Retin-A topical gel solution is fire/flammable, therefore, it should be kept away from heat and flame.
Watch out for potentially risky Retin-A interactions with certain other drugs! Some combinations could result in an intensification, dulling or altering of the effects of either of the two interactors. Be especially cautious and consult your doctor before combining Retin-A with any of the following: benzoyl peroxide containing products such as PanOxyl, AC Wash 5 or Benzshave Desquam-E; sulfur-containing preparations; Resorcinol (an anti-acne skin-peeling drug used in ointments); Salicylic acid (a bacteria- and fungi- killing drug that also causes skin-peeling). If you can not avoid using any of the above mentioned drugs as an additional treatment – make sure to “rest” your skin between Retin-A applying sessions and the other product intake/application.
Exercise caution when using Retin-A along with any medical or non-medical topical solution possessing skin-drying and skin-irritating properties, i.e., all kinds of peeling soaps, cleansers, products with high alcohol concentrations, spices, astringents, electrolysis, hair depilatory creams or waxes, permanent wave solutions etc.
Oversensitive skin-bearers should use Retin-A with extra caution for such skin may respond by excessive redness, puffiness and blistering. If this is the case, notify your doctor right away… and either you’ll be recommended to stop the treatment until your skin is back to normal, or Retin-A dosage will be adjusted to a level your skin can tolerate.
Regular and repeated Retin-A application may sometimes cause unusual skin darkening or a certain skin discoloring.
If you are a pregnant woman or a breast-feeding mom, do not use Retin-A. It is not known whether the drug is excreted into breast-milk or is harmful to the fetus.
When applying Retin-A for the first time you may experience a feeling of warmth or a light skin-tingling sensation. However, if severer response to gel application occurs, such as abnormal irritation, blistering, peeling of the skin and excessive redness/burning – notify your doctor right away. You’ll most probably be suggested to use Retin-A less frequently or temporarily interrupt the treatment. However, if a severe allergic or oversensitized reaction occurs, you’ll have to stop using Retin-A and switch to an alternative treatment. Which one – your doctor will tell.

More About Retin-A Use

Apply once a day preferably in the late evening before going to sleep.

Visually noticeable results are to be expected after 2 to 3 weeks of regular treatment. Even more than that - 6 to 7 weeks of treatment are required before significant deep-level improvements and overall acne condition amelioration occur.

Once satisfactory results are achieved – you may decrease the frequency of Retin-A applications or proceed to using other dosage forms. Thus, the treatment emphasis is shifted less towards healing, and more towards maintaining the already gained improvement. Note, however, that any altering of drug concentration, formulation or dosage should be approved and closely monitored by your doctor in order to properly determine your tolerance and response.

Do not attempt to apply Retin-A gel in excess – it will not accelerate the healing process, instead, redness, peeling and all kinds of skin discomfort s may occur.

Retin-A Use Quick Guide

Apply a thin layer of Retin-A gel on acneic areas before going to bed;
In the morning at wake up wash your face with a mild scrub for sensitive skin or a rough wash cloth. This procedure will help reduce the noticeable flaking and cleanse-prepare your skin for the next Retin-A applying session;
After washing and drying your face, apply a good water-based and, preferably, sunscreen-containing moisturizer. This will help reduce the skin-drying effect of Retin-A gel. If flaking occurs during the day – repeat the whole cleansing-moisturizing procedure again;
Once the moisturizer is fully absorbed you can start applying Retin-A gel;
When using Retin-A for the first time, apply it every 2 or 3 nights. Your skin might need to go through a short adjustment period that usually lasts about 2 weeks and is characterized by the worst flaking and irritation. Afterwards, you can start to apply Retin-A more frequently;
If excessive irritation or flaking occur it is possible to give your skin a medication-free break for a couple of days. However, do not stop the treatment completely without consulting your doctor first!

CarboXactin – Blocking Carbs Naturally

Alabama — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 00:05:34 +0000

Cutting down on carbohydrate-filled delicacies, such as cakes, sweets & candies, pasta, ice cream, potato chips… is it an almost insurmountable task for you?? If the answer is ‘Yes’ than you are one of the many failers…

With CarboXactin you are granted a permission to grab a carb-loaded or sugar-rich food every now and then and not self-reproach or experience feelings of guilt afterwards. It’s 100% safe and contains no stimulant substances.

CarboXactin elaboration goal was to create a product that safely yet effectively inhibits carbohydrate and sugar absorption.

CarboXactin Benefits & Gains

Blocking of carbohydrates via alpha-amylase inhibition;
Reduction and control over sugar cravings;
Reduction and control over carbohydrate cravings;
Improvement of insulin function;
Promotion of insulin efficiency;
Enhancement of glucose function;
Promotion of glucose metabolism.

CarboXactin is an exclusive carb-blocking formula containing a blend of research-approved botanical ingredients and natural herbs designed to help fight sugar and carb cravings while preventing the process of carbohydrate digestion and its conversion into sugar – the future body-stored fat.

CarboXactin is an effective starch calories blocker. The blocking process is achieved through alpha-amylase inhibition. Alpha-amylase is an enzyme contained in the foods you eat and a crucial participant to the process of starch molecules break down (digestion) with their further conversion into glucose. When CarboXactin inhibits alpha-amylase it literally inhibits glucose. The undigested starch molecules and the derivative calories simply travel through the body undigested. Such starch calories inhibition helps you lose weight easily, naturally and maintain the results for years to come.

Note that CarboXactin elaborators and manufacturers do not in any case encourage you to increase the consumption of carb-loaded foods… on the contrary, you are highly recommended to develop healthy dietary habits, i.e., eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains etc. Where CarboXactin may be useful is in helping your body deal with the carbohydrates you happen to swallow from time to time through the inhibition process. As a result, the ingested carbs are processed more efficiently and less fat is stored in the body.

Important! Maximum strength herbal extracts contained in CarboXactin are not to be confused with the weak herbal powders contained in many products available on the market today. Powdered ingredients usually going by the same name as maximum strength herbal extracts are 10 to 20 times less potent

CarboXactin Ingredients

Phaeolus Vulgaris or White Kidney Bean Extract;
Gymnema Sylvestris or Gurmar plant extract;
Hoodia Gordonii plant extract;
Yerba Mate Leaf extract;
Chromium Polynicotinate.

Phaseolus vulgaris

Phaseolus vulgaris or White Kidney Bean Extract has recently gained popularity as an effective carb-blocking dietary supplement due to its alpha-amylase inhibiting properties. As we’ve already mentioned in the paragraphs above, alpha-amylase is the starch-to-fat converter enzyme.

Gymnema Sylvestre

Gymnema Sylvestris’ or Gurmar plant’s sugar-killing properties have been successfully used for centuries. The extract of this wonder plant is a perfect blood sugar reducer – it gets rid of excess sugar without crossing below the ‘normal blood sugar levels’ line. Gurmar extract is a non-toxic sweetness-suppressing active ingredient in CarboXactin. It’s a helpful participant in managing health conditions caused by excessive sugar consumption, such as hypoglycemia and obesity.

Hoodia Gordonii

The Hoodia Gordonii herb is a plant, originating from the Kalahari desert of Southern Africa where it grows in extremely harsh conditions of arid climate. The local African tribes have used the Hoodia Gordonii appetite- and thirst- suppressing properties during days-long hunting rounds for centuries.

Yerba Mate Leaf

Yerba Mate or, biologically, Ilex paraguarensis is a perennial tree originating and naturally-occurring in Paraguay but also extensively cultivated in northern Argentina. The herb contains 1% of a stimulant substance which is caffeine. Yerba Mate has been shown to possess fatigue- and stress- reducing powers, produce an anti-insomniac, appetite-suppressing, blood-detoxicating effect as well as tone up the whole nervous system, restore hair color and preserve youth.

Chromium Polynicotinate

Is the only beneficial form of Chromium available on the market today and proven to improve insulin function, promote blood sugar metabolism and lower elevated cholesterol levels.

Important! Note that Chromium Polynicotinate is at least 300 times more potent in efficacy than the widely heard about and commonly used Chromium Picolinate. Both of them belong to a family of niacin-bound chromium compounds our bodies require to metabolize fats, proteins and carbohydrates. Chromium Polynicotinate, however, has a higher absorption rate: approximately 311% higher than that of Chromium Picolinate and 672% higher than that of Chromium Chloride.

CarboXactin FAQ’s

CarboXactin: Mechanism Of Action

The secret of CarboXactin effectiveness lies in the powerful blend of 5 high-grade ingredients each of them possessing a unique weight-loss promoting property: appetite suppression, blocking of carbohydrates and sugars, enhancement of insulin and glucose function etc.

CarboXactin herb-based dietary supplement allows you to loose weight fast, safely and without harsh dieting. It contains no strong stimulants such as Ephedra or other over-energizing substances that can make you feel all antsy and fidgety. Only 1% caffeine.

How can I benefit from CarboXactin?

If taken as indicated in the patient-information leaflet, CarboXactin will boost your dieting program by inhibiting ‘carbohydrate-to-excess calories’ conversion, controlling appetite cravings with various herb-based ingredients and improving insulin and glucose function. It is both safe and effective.

What are the ingredients used in CarboXactin?

CarboXactin is a 100%-natural dietary supplement formulation. It contains 4 high-quality herbal extracts and 1 mineral. All of them are listed and briefly described in the paragraphs here above.

How am I recommended to use CarboXactin dietary supplement?

Take 1 CarboXactin capsule 3 times a day - 15 minutes before having breakfast, lunch and dinner. The maximum of 6 capsules a day should NEVER be exceeded. Increase pure water consumption – drink at least 6 glasses of water daily.

Do I need a prescription to buy and start using CarboXactin?

No, CarboXactin is distributed and sold without prescription. It’s a 100%-natural carb-clocker – a dietary supplement containing herb-based nutritional ingredients of finest quality. There is no need to obtain a prescription in order to buy and start using CarboXactin.

What is the difference between CarboXactin and other pills that have similar effect?The major difference is the ingredients – 100%-natural herbs/minerals that make up CarboXactin capsules and synthetic chemicals found in prescription medications pills. Its advantages are safety, naturalness and effectiveness.

Are there any health risks or side effects associated with CarboXactin use?

CarboXactin is 99% stimulant-free containing only a scanty 1% of caffeine. It’s Ephedra-free!

CarboXactin manufacturers claim that Safety is their primary concern. And since the product contains only 100% high-grade and high-quality natural ingredients – safety is guaranteed. Besides, each ingredient appears on the FDA’s GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) list and is regularly tested to ensure safety and quality.

Note! however, that if you wish to fully benefit from CarboXactin and not cause any health damage –strict adherence to all of the dosage/intake instructions and recommendations provided in the patient information leaflet is a must!

Zyrtec – Beat Your Allergies!

Alabama — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 04:51:07 +0000

Zyrtec is a pharmaceutical medication designed to treat allergy symptoms in children and adults. It’s distributed over-the-counter.

Zyrtec primary use indications include release of symptoms associated with:

Indoor or perennial allergic rhinitis;
Outdoor or seasonal allergic rhinitis;
Hives in children 2+ of age.

Allergic rhinitis is more commonly referred to in the non-medical circles as hay fever – whenever regular sneezing accompanied by a runny nose, eye redness and itching of both eyes and nose are detected.

Zyrtec is used to treat symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis launched by such allergens as grass, ragweed and tree pollens in adults and children 2+ of age:

sneezing;
nasal pruritus (nasal itching);
ocular pruritus (eye itching);
rhinorrhea (runny nose);
tearing;
eye redness.

Zyrtec is used to relieve symptoms of perennial allergic rhinitis launched by such allergens as dust mites, mold and animal dander in adults and children 6+ months of age:

sneezing;
rhinorrhea;
postnasal discharge;
nasal pruritus (nasal itching);
ocular pruritus (eye itching);
tearing.

Zyrtec is used to reduce the occurrence, persistence and severity of uncomplicated urticatia skin manifestations in adults and children 6 months+ of age:

hives;
pruritus (itching).

Zyrtec Distribution Forms:

Children’s Zyrtec Hives Relief Syrup (1mg/ml), 2+ years of age;
Children’s Zyrtec Allergy Syrup (1mg/ml), 2+ years of age;
Children’s Zyrtec Chewables (5-10mg), 6+ years of age;
Zyrtec Tablets (10mg), 6+ years of age;
Zyrtec-D 12 hour, 12+ years of age.

Zyrtec Dosage Instructions – all 3 of Zyrtec forms - pills, syrup and chewable tablets - can be ingested independently of food/water consumption, i.e., with or without food/water.

Adults and Children 12+ years of age: the initial Zyrtec dose recommendation is 5-10mg per day, depending on the severity of manifested symptoms. During clinical trials most participants/patients were started at 10mg. Zyrtec is supposed to be administered only once in 24 hours at an individually chosen time, suiting individual needs of the actual patient.

Children 6 to 11 years of age: the initial Zyrtec dose recommendation is 5-10mg per day, depending on the severity of manifested symptoms. Zyrtec is supposed to be administered only once in 24 hours at an individually chosen time, suiting individual needs of the actual patient.

Children 2 to 5 years of age: the initial Zyrtec dose recommendation is 2.5mg (½ teaspoon) syrup once a day. The dosage can be adjusted to a maximum of 5mg daily administered as:

1 teaspoon syrup intake;
two ½ teaspoon syrup intakes spaced by a 12-hours time interval;
one 5mg chewable tablet intake.

Children 6 to 24 months of age: the initial Zyrtec dose recommendation is 2.5 mg (½ teaspoon) syrup once a day. The dosage can be adjusted to a maximum of 5mg daily administered as:

1 teaspoon syrup intake;
two ½ teaspoon syrup intakes spaced by a 12-hours time interval;

Elderly people 77+ years of age: the initial Zyrtec dose recommendation for geriatric patients is 5 mg once a day.

Important! In cases of hepatic or renal impairment a dosage adjustment is required!

Children 12+ years of age having developed a decreased renal function, patients undergoing hemodialysis and patients with impaired hepatic function are not recommended to exceed the daily dose of 5 mg.
Children 6 to 11 years of age are also advised to use the lower recommended dose, i.e., take 5 mg Zyrtec once a day;
Children <6 years of age with impaired hepatic or renal function are not recommended to take Zyrtec at all since administering 2.5 mg Zyrtec or one/two ½ teaspoon is not a reliable dosing measurement – overdosage or underdosage are potentially to occur. Besides, there is no pharmacokinetic and/or safety information available concerning cetrizine use in children <6 years of age with impaired hepatic and renal function.

Zyrtec Side Effects

Children and adults usually have a good response to Zyrtec and only few have to stop the treatment because of mild to moderate side effect manifestations. Zyrtec side effects spectrum includes sore throat, headache, abdominal pain, drowsiness, diarrhea, coughing, nosebleeds, wheezing, nausea and vomiting.

Additional Zyrtec Information

In case Zyrtec doesn’t work perfectly for you child or yourself you may want to check out alternative anti-allergy drugs such as Claritin, Singulair or Allegra;
In case of pronounced nasal symptoms Zyrtec intake may be complemented by nasal spray use (e.g., Nasonex, Rhinocort Aqua, Flonase);
Children 6 to 24 months of age may be started at just 2.5 mg (½ teaspoon) Zyrtec syrup once a day and children 12 to 24 months of age may be adjusted to the maximum of two ½ teaspoons of Zyrtec syrup daily if the initial recommended dosage isn’t working perfectly;
Children 2 to 5 years of age may be started at just 2.5 mg (½ teaspoon) Zyrtec syrup once a day but can be adjusted to the maximum of 1 teaspoon, one 5mg chewable tablet or two ½ teaspoons of Zyrtec syrup daily if the initial recommended dosage isn’t working perfectly.

Shuddha Guggulu For High Blood Cholesterol

Alabama — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 02:53:08 +0000

Guggulu (Guggul in Hindi language), biologically referred to as Commiphora mukul and commonly known in the English-speaking world as Indian Bedellium - is a small shrub or a tree, who’s resin extract is used as the main ingredient in well-known ayurvedic classical medicines:

kaishore guggulu – a wide range of health disorders and conditions – from abdominal pain, cough, indigestion, tumor, anemia, edema, constipation, tumor to allergy and blood-purification;
yograj guggulu – inflammatory conditions mostly, such as arthritis, osteoporosis, rheumatism, gout, digestive disturbances and also menstrual disorders in women;
triphala guggul – weight management;
arogyavardhani vati – skin-related problems such as acne, eczema, dermatitis etc.;
chandraprabha vati – diabetes, urinary tract infections;
Shuddha Guggulu – high blood cholesterol.

… where Guggulu is in one proportion or another combined with various other naturally-occurring ingredients. Each specific formula defines its specific field of use.

In this article we will provide a descriptional characteristic of the Shuddha Guggulu dietary supplement and the full list of gains and benefits it offers.

Guggul is one of the top famous herbs used in Ayurvedic medicine that acts as a strong body rejuvenator and purifier. As for the Shudda Guggulu mixture people today are mostly interested in its lipid-regulating function and immuno-modulating properties. Lipids are fats, blood fats are cholesterol and triglycerides – Guggul has been shown to lower their blood levels by up to 28% and 30% respectively. Guggul affects blood cholesterol levels pretty much to the same extent as prescription medications do… and being a natural plant extract it’s mostly opted for between the two for safety reasons. Guggul’s mechanism of action consists of promoting the LDL-cholesterol elimination by the liver. LDL-cholesterol is the “bad” cholesterol people are so often being warned against. It breaks down in the liver. From 1 to 3 months of conscientious Shuddha Guggulu use is required for total cholesterol levels to drop significantly. Moreover, triglyceride (another type of unsaturated fats) levels are also affected and decreased and HDL-cholesterol (the “good” cholesterol) levels are increased by 16% approximately. And of course, several studies and clinical trials have researched and scientifically backed up Guggul and its beneficial weight-loss and fat-burning effects on ‘over-cholesteroled’ patients.

Shuddha Guggulu is one of the most efficacious and top quality Guggul Extract-based formulas available on the market of dietary supplements today. It contains no wheat, colouring agent, yeast, corn, gluten and dairy products.

Shuddha Guggulu Action

Lowers cholesterol and triglyceride levels from excess to normal, thus improving the wrongly balanced HDL to LDL ratio:

· Lowering of cholesterol levels;

· Lowering of triglyceride levels;

· Muscle relaxation and the resulting menstrual pain relief;

· Blood-detoxification and the resulting breaking up of stagnation processes in the body.

What is Shuddha Guggulu?

… a Guggul-based 100%-natural dietary supplement formula widely used in Ayurvedic medicine for high-blood cholesterol management.

What is Guggul??

… the active ingredient in Shuddha Guggulu;

… a Guggul (or Indian Bedellium tree) extract that possesses strong blood-purifying and overall body-rejuvenating properties and acts as a heart-friendly lipid regulator and immunomodulator.

Who is Shuddha Guggulu intended for?

… since Shuddha Guggulu is a 100% herbal medicine, it is believed to mildly produce a gentle yet powerful effect on the human body. Therefore, this dietary supplement can be taken by all ages and genders wishing and willing to:

· Promote weight loss;

· Lower cholesterol levels;

· Lower triglyceride levels;

· Improve blood circulation;

· Relieve arthritis pain;

· Promote blood detoxification/purification;

· Relieve menstrual cramps;

· Manage various skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis and skin rashes.

Is there an addiction/dependency risk associated with Shuddha Guggul use?

Shuddha Guggul dietary supplement does not contain any addictive components. Therefore, it is totally safe to use it over a prolonged period of time without risking to eventually get addicted and depend on the formulation. It’s an all-natural high-quality product containing a blend of selected hand-picked herbs. Shuddha Guggulu manufacturing process is very safety-oriented –incorporation of additives into the formulation is strictly avoided in order to render the product maximum beneficial. 100% natural enhancement is achieved with Shuddha Guggulu use and unlike steroid medications it cannot produce drug-craving.

What are Shuddha Guggulu indications?

Summary…

Guggul extract, the main active ingredient in Shuddha Guggulu dietary supplement is one of the most popular compounds widely used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat uppermost:

Lipid disorders;
Obesity;
Rheumatoid arthritis.

It has also demonstrated its usefulness in treating arteriosclerosis by reducing arterial plaqueing (artery clogging).

Speaking in terms of obesity and overweight management, Guggul improves metabolic processes in the body, improves thyroid function, intensifies fat-burning activity in the body and increases heat production. It’s an effective fighter against “bad” cholesterol (LDL-cholesterol) surplus and “good” cholesterol (HDL-cholesterol) deficiency. It also helps lower elevated triglyceride levels. It usually takes up to 3 months to witness a 30% decrease in blood cholesterol. The Guggul extract ingredient reduces stickiness of platelets and thus contributes its mite into preventing heart disease and stroke.

Shuddha Guggulu has also been found to work as a muscle relaxant and is, therefore, indicated to relieve menstrual pains in women.

Shuddha Guggulu can be used as a blood detoxifier/purifier and break stagnation processes in the body.

How long does it take Shuddha Guggul to produce noticeable effect?

With Shuddha Guggulu, just as with any other high-quality herbal medicine, condition improvements are inimmediate but progressive and long-term. It usually takes Guggul-based herbal formulas 3-4 weeks approximately before treatment benefits reveal to the fullest. Individual results can differ, depending on the nature and severity of the condition being Shuddha Guggulu treated.

What Is Cholesterol Good & Bad For?

Alabama — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 13:22:27 +0000

Cholesterol is so very much heard about and talked about that the information filtered through so many ears and mouths gets somewhat distorted and misinterpreted with time. As a result, the widespread today cholesterol notion is that there can be either good or bad cholesterol… and this is so very not true! Cholesterol is cholesterol and it should not acquire a “+” or “–“, a “positive” or “negative” characteristic.

Now, let’s see why such meaning-deformation occurred in the first place. When attributing the good or bad sign to cholesterol - people are mostly referring to HDL and LDL levels. HDL stands for high density lipoprotein while LDL - for low density lipoprotein. Functionally, lipoproteins are cholesterol carriers and structurally – they represent partly lipids (fats) and partly proteins. Such dual structure of lipoproteins allows for soluble-in-water proteins to transport the insoluble-in-water fats (lipids) through the blood. Since blood is mostly a water-based liquid – the fat particle would not travel without the protein particle. The protein/lipid proportion is different in HDLs and LDLs and constitutes 25%/75% and 50%/50% respectively.

HDLs perform the function of cholesterol delivery to the liver where its further elimination or recycling takes place. LDLs perform a somewhat broader function of cholesterol delivery to the rest of the body to be utilized as an important tissue building block.

What is Cholesterol?

It’s an waxy, lipid-like building material naturally-occurring in membranes of body cells. It is a crucial participant of such important bodily processes/functions as the production of new cells, hormones, vitamin D and even bile acids, which are promoters of proper fat digestion. Cholesterol is quite omnipresent… it is found brain, muscle, liver, intestine, heart and nerve tissues.

The difference between LDL-cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol

Our bodies require certain amounts of cholesterol to function properly… however, if these amounts exceed the “normal” or acceptable level for one reason or another – a potential health-threat is imposed. Why? In order to answer the question let’s get back to our lipoproteins…

LDLs when carrying cholesterol through the blood can gradually obstruct their pathways (arteries and veins) by simply crowding them, i.e., if the quantity of LDLs circulating in the blood is over the maximum line. Excessive LDLs accumulate and build up in the arterial walls and when particles of other substances come to join them altogether they form plaque - a thick and hard artery-clogging deposit. Such obstructive narrowing of the coronary arteries results in an impeded blood flow - not enough blood is being supplied to the heart and over time coronary heart disease is developed. Worse, if total blockage of a coronary artery occurs and blood supply to one of the heart chambers is completely cut off – a heart attack follows immediately. This type of sudden closure typically happens whenever a previously formed arterial narrowing meets with a blood clot that has detached and tried to flow through. That is why high LDL levels equal “danger” and the cholesterol is referred to as “bad”. Taking into consideration that LDLs as main cholesterol transporters are generally fats with only a small add-on of proteins it becomes obvious that LDL levels should be kept low.

HDLs are only committed to about 1/3 of bodily cholesterol transportation. Actually, these high-density lipoproteins are believed to work as excess cholesterol removers by carrying it from the arteries and into the liver for further passing out of the body. HDLs are referred to as “good” cholesterol for helping prevent or slow down coronary artery plaque growth. Besides, as opposed to LDLs – HDLs are mostly proteins with only a small add-on of cholesterol fats.

To sum up, there is no “good” or “bad” cholesterol, but low or high cholesterol, LDL and HDL levels. These three characteristics are what counts when it comes to determining whether or not you should start worrying about cholesterol becoming a health issue.

The characteristics in question typically expressed in numbers are procured by getting a simple blood test done:

Total Cholesterol – should be less than 200;
LDL – should be less than 160;
HDL – should be more than 35.

Important! Knowing you LDL levels will help calculate your risks of developing a heart disease in the future if you haven’t developed it already…

If it turns out your LDL levels are over the maximum threshold – you’ll most definitely need to start an LDL-lowering treatment.

Keep your LDLs Low! How-to?? Check out the relevant articles at this site or other web-resources.

To Remember! Regular blood-testing for cholesterol, LDL and HDL levels is recommended to keep track of possible changes in numbers and make sure they are within normal range.

What can you do to lower or keep low your LDL-cholesterol levels?

In order to answer that question let’s first enumerate the main LDL-cholesterol boosters, i.e., the main causes of high blood cholesterol. Believe it or not but the #1 culprit is food, or better say, excessive consumption of “wrong foods”, which makes your blood overstuffed with cholesterol molecules and leads to all of the unpleasant consequences described in the paragraphs above. Now, let’s define “wrong foods” – an unhealthy diet overloaded with fats, especially saturated fat – such as meats, dairy products, milk, eggs, butter and other animal products. And of course - the biggest #1 Enemy – Fast Food Snacks.

Another factor favouring high blood cholesterol is excessive weight with no due counter-action such as physical workout for instance. Therefore, if you are overweight and regular exercising sessions are not part of your weekly routine – get a blood test done, for your LDL levels might have jumped up and your HDL levels might have dropped. Also, reconsider your sedentary lifestyle habits and put regular physical activity on your ‘to-do’ list. 30 minutes every day is not much of a big deal in amount of time and effort spent but it’s quite contributory to high blood cholesterol preventing or eliminating.

Cigarette smoking is yet another promoter of high blood cholesterol, though it amplifies the problem kind of indirectly… by damaging the walls of your blood vessels and thus causing the built-up cholesterol rich plaques to rupture, block the blood flow and cause a heart attack. Besides, smoking may lower your HDL-cholesterol levels by 15% and thus deprive you of a body-native anti-cholesterol fighter.

Also, menopausal women are recommended to get blood tests done every now and then since the postmenopausal period is usually accompanied by a slight climbing up of LDL-cholesterol levels.

Rarely and unfairly enough cases of inherited high cholesterol occur that often lead to premature development of heart disease. The condition in question is called familial hypercholesterolemia and is a genetic disorder rather than a disease.

Some people with a family history of diabetes happen to inherit high triglyceride levels (another type of blood fats) which may entail high cholesterol levels as well.

High concentration of triglycerides in the blood and also anabolic steroids, progesterone, testosterone - lower HDL-cholesterol levels and leave blood vessels/arteries unprotected against LDL-cholesterol excess and its consequences.

To draw a conclusion… the secret of preventing and/or treating high blood cholesterol is in changing your lifestyle:

Open your fridge then throw away and never buy again foods rich in saturated fat and cholesterol, instead, replace them with healthy eatings, such as fruits, vegetables, nuts etc.;
Get off the couch, off your workplace, off your PC screen or whatever stationary pastime you are so involved into and start exercising! Try to make it a daily habit;
Quit smoking if you do.

Note, however, that if these methods don’t work for you after about 6 months to 1 year of conscientious implementation - a cholesterol-lowering medicamental treatment may be suggested to you by your GP.