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Testosterone Boosting Supplements: Are They Worth the Money?

The market for male virility boosters is one of the largest and also one with some of the most dubious claims.

Some supplements promise to increase your libido and testosterone at the same time. Others market themselves as T-boosters while also boasting aphrodisiac qualities. And then there are companies who believe they have championed a pill of ultimate male-enhancing properties that boosts testosterone, enhances libido, and increases fertility. Some brands go as far to claim muscle-growth as a side effect.

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For a man looking to simply boost his testosterone, these added benefits seem like icing on the cake but is there any merit to the sea of marketing chicanery? 

Can supplements actually boost testosterone?

Testosterone boosters are a class of herbal supplements with the goal of naturally increasing your testosterone levels. They can work by directly increasing testosterone, or by inhibiting hormones responsible for converting testosterone into estrogen. Indeed, there are testosterone boosters that actually work and hopefully, this article will bring some clarity to the discussion.  

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 For future reference, we offer a breakdown of the most common T-boosters and assess their effectiveness.

Zinc and Magnesium (ZMA):

This isn’t a single ingredient but rather a combination of zinc monomethionine aspartate, magnesium aspartate, and vitamin B-6. 

ZMA is frequently recommended as testosterone boosters for athletes because such minerals are lost through sweat and during exercise. Indeed, deficiencies in these key minerals can lead to a poor anabolic hormone profile, impaired immune function, and increased cortisol, ultimately leading to decreases in strength and performance. Most often used as a recovery aid to help the body achieve deeper levels of REM sleep, ZMA claims to increase muscular strength and may even enhance hormonal profiles.

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In a placebo-controlled study, 27 Division II football players received either a placebo or a ZMA supplement for a total of seven weeks during their scheduled spring practice. At the end of the seven weeks, the players taking the ZMA supplement had a 30 percent increase in testosterone, while the placebo group had a 10 percent decrease. The ZMA group also saw an 11.6 percent increase in strength, compared to only 4.6 percent in the placebo group.

Based on the results, ZMA may help you sleep better and restore testosterone levels back to your normal baseline. However, additional doses of ZMA are not effective at boosting testosterone in men above normal levels.

Maca:

Maca is a vegetable marketed as a “non-hormonal” libido enhancer. Popular among post-menopausal women and younger women who are trying to avoid contraceptives, maca does not boost testosterone. More research is needed to better understand its interaction with the human body.

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Tongkat Ali:

Tongkat ali is a Malaysian herb traditionally used as an aphrodisiac. It provides a very mild testosterone boost when supplemented by infertile people, but has no effect on healthy men.

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Tongkat ali is, however, effective at increasing libido. It’s not as popular as maca and Tribulus terrestris because it’s more expensive, but it could be worth trying, as long as you’re looking for a boost in libido, not testosterone.

Fenugreek:

Produced primarily in India and traditionally used to prepare curry powders, pickles, and pastes, studies are now investigating Fenugreek for its anabolic properties.

A study out of University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in Belton, Texas examined the effects of fenugreek supplementation on strength and body composition in resistance-trained men. Researchers found that while both the placebo and fenugreek groups significantly increased their strength during the first four weeks, only the fenugreek group saw significant increases in strength after eight weeks of training and supplementation. These findings suggest that fenugreek could help men continue to increase strength after reaching a dreaded plateau. Additionally, only the fenugreek group saw significant increases in lean body mass at both four and eight weeks. Fenugreek has also shown to improve sexual function and well-being.

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Fenugreek is the primary ingredient in a safe and natural supplement call Chemforce. In addition to boosting testosterone, it has shown to improve sperm count, sperm morphology, and can help protect the male reproductive system. Comprised of Furosap® containing Protodioscin as the major fraction & it is U. S patented & clinically evalauted with proven efficacy & safety. Chemforce is a promising natural remedy that can help improve overall quality of life in men who have low T. For more information, visit www.chemforce.in

Are Testosterone Supplements Useless?

 From the breakdown in this article, it’s now clear that some supplements can help manage deficiencies and boost testosterone while others simply increase libido. Depending on your desired results, some are worth trying.

In addition to the right supplement, a person experiencing low testosterone level should lift heavy weights, get plenty of sleep, limit excess fat on the body and eat a diet rich in fiber from whole grains, fruits and vegetables. If you have a condition that causes low T, a doctor can prescribe medication.

Still wondering if supplements are worth it? Indeed, many are but some aren’t.

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A number of supplements mentioned in this post are effective at increasing libido but show only minor bumps in testosterone. Based on our research, Chemforce is the whole package with natural testosterone boosting properties in addition to improving male reproduction and overall quality of life.

The statement and product have not been evaluated by the FDA to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

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Diagnosed with PCOS? Here are 10 Natural Remedies

1. Avoid Refined Oils:

A number of studies now demonstrate that refined oils, vegetable in particular, cause more harm to the human body than good. While soybean, sunflower, corn, canola, cottonseed, and safflower aren’t technically vegetables, these products are processed, refined and deemed “vegetable” oils. Mainstream nutrition organizations report that they are safe for consumption however, these oils are high in omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids which are incredibly harmful in excess. To process vegetable oil, industrial chemicals and toxic solvents are often needed. Vegetable oil is also loaded with trans fat and associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes and obesity. 

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While certain extra virgin olive oils and coconut oil are better alternatives to vegetable oil, the consumption of pure, liquefied fat is not the best weight loss solution especially for people with PCOS who struggle with weight gain, losing weight and are at an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.

Studies suggest that losing as little as 5 to 10 percent of body weight can restore a woman’s natural menstrual cycle.

2. Avoid Animal Products

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Approximately half of women diagnosed with PCOS are obese and a majority suffers from sudden weight gain and difficulty losing weight. The easiest way to avoid foods high in fat, especially saturated fat, is to drop animal products from your diet. Meat such as beef and poultry, milk and eggs are all foods high in fat and saturated fat. Breast and ovarian cancers are linked to dairy consumption and casein, the main protein in milk, is one of the most significant cancer promoters ever discovered according to Dr. T. Colin Campbell, Professor Emeritus of nutritional biochemistry at Cornell University and author of The China Study. Cows are also injected with synthetic hormones such as recombinant bovine growth hormone (rBGH) to increase the production of milk which can cause hormone imbalances and weight gain in humans. Researchers at the World Health Organization also found that consuming just one egg a day caused plaque increases in the body similar to smoking five cigarettes a day.

While there are a number of ways to treat PCOS naturally, the healing begins with proper nutrition and the easiest way to consume a diet low in fat, saturated fat, added cholesterol, chemicals and unnatural hormones is to significantly reduce if not totally eliminate animal products from your diet.

3. Eat a Diet Rich in Fiber and Plant Foods:

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In addition to a diet low in fat, foods high in fiber and whole grains can help reverse type 2 diabetes, reduce body weight and address unhealthy cholesterol levels. The addition of fruits such as apples, pears, mangos, bananas and berries and vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, squash and potatoes are also excellent at maintaining a healthy weight and managing insulin levels. Plant foods can also be eaten in unlimited quantities so eat abundantly and until you are satisfied.

4. Avoid Soy:

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While further studies are needed on soy’s interaction with the human body, I would put this on the do not eat list of people diagnosed with PCOS due to the phytoestrogens found in soy.

Your natural estrogen levels float around the body, produced by organs and fat cells. Once they come across an estrogen receptor, they fit into it like a key fits in a lock – no other hormone will fit in that receptor. Plant based estrogens are basically the same shape as natural estrogens and also fit in these receptors. Some nutritionists and doctors say that these plant-based estrogens cause excess estrogen in the body since they take up the space natural estrogen would otherwise take, causing the natural estrogen to move around without a place to go. Others suggest that plant-based estrogen can reduce the amount of estrogen your body produces over time as the body adapts.

5. Be Nice to Your Liver:

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Your liver is responsible for taking excess and old hormones out of the body. If it’s overworked due to the consumption of animal products, highly processed foods and alcohol, it won’t be able to function properly. As mentioned before, eating a diet rich in fiber, especially from fruits and vegetables, is excellent at cleansing the liver. Lemon, beets and garlic are also liver friendly foods.

 6. Avoid Food Preservatives:

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Chemicals added to food in order to preserve or enhance flavor and shelf-life are harmful to anyone and especially to those with certain health issues like PCOS. Preservatives can interfere with insulin

 production and slow down liver function. Cutting out processed foods like microwave ready meals, breakfast cereals, canned goods, soda and animal products is the easiest way to lower your consumption of chemicals like MSG, Aspartame, and the multitude of colorings and chemical flavorings used.

7. Use Natural Supplements

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    Herbs and whole foods based supplements can be very effective when regulating the menstrual cycle. Supplements like vitamin B complex can increase progesterone production and lengthen the luteal phase. Furocyst is an innovative product(extracted & developed through a novel & innovative U.S. patented process) involving separation of active ingredients from the natural plant without affecting chemical properties of the active fractions. No chemical are used. It is natural and promising dietary supplement effective for management of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome(PCOS) with proved safety and an efficacy rate of 94%.

8. Watch Out for Xeno-Hormones :

       Mimicking estrogen in our bodies, xeno-estrogens are found in plastics, a number of beauty supplies, cleaning products, and pesticides. Once in the body, they disrupt hormone balance confusing the natural production of hormones. And the more estrogen in the body, the lower the progesterone, causing major problems with fertility. 

Mimicking estrogen in our bodies, xeno-estrogens are found in plastics, a number of beauty supplies, cleaning products, and pesticides. Once in the body, they disrupt hormone balance confusing the natural production of hormones. And the more estrogen in the body, the lower the progesterone, causing major problems with fertility. Choosing organic produce, making your own cleaners and beauty supplies, and using glass instead of plastic will go a long way in reducing your exposure to these chemical hormones.

9. Practice Lunaception :

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I have written a few articles on PCOS however I have yet to cover the benefit of lunaception—the practice of sleeping in complete darkness every night except for 3 nights out of your cycle/month. Darkness is closely tied to hormone production and when we sleep in a room with light pollution from street lamps, nightlights, and alarm clocks it can disrupt the natural production of hormones while we sleep.

      To practice lunaception, sleep in complete darkness from the beginning of your cycle until day 13 when you would use a dim night-light on days 13, 14, and 15. Return to complete darkness until day 13 of the next month.

With PCOS, cycles aren’t always regular. Though, lunaception can actually help regulate menstruation over the course of a few months. You can make this as simple as possible by Googling the moon cycles and base your lit nights on the day before, the day of, and the day after the full moon. After some time, you will ovulate at the full moon and experience menstruation at the new moon. 

 The statement and product have not been evaluated by FDA to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease” .

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Avoiding Diabetes Complications

 

Having diabetes can result in many other complications, such as damage to the heart, nerves, kidneys, feet, eyes, and skin. If you have diabetes, you may also have a greater risk for osteoporosis, cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease. Some diabetes complications are related to high or low blood sugar, while others are related to how long you’ve had diabetes.

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The best way to mange diabetes and avoid diabetes complications is by monitoring your blood sugar (glucose) with a glucose meter, or glucometer. “How often you monitor your blood sugar depends on the type of diabetes you have, if you have diabetes complications, and your diabetes treatment plan,” says Amber Taylor, MD, director of diabetes at The Center for Endocrinology of Mercy Hospital in Baltimore, Md.

Tips for Controlling Blood Sugar:

Spyros G.E. Mezitis, MD, PhD, an endocrinologist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, suggests these general healthy-lifestyle habits to make controlling your blood sugar easier:

  • Follow a low-fat, low-salt, low-carbohydrate diet.
  • Pass on processed foods.
  • Do at least 20 minutes of aerobic exercise three times a week.
  • Lose weight if you’re overweight.
  • Take any and all diabetes medications as prescribed.
  • Following your insulin treatment program if needed.

Work with your own doctor to personalize this general plan. “There isn’t a best way to manage diabetes — the right approach is the one that works well for you,” Dr. Taylor says. “Different people with diabetes need different treatment plans, and test results are used to watch for and prevent complications.”

There are many diabetes testing and management tools available to you for monitoring your blood sugar, such as glucometers, insulin pumps, and continuous glucose monitors.

At your doctor’s office, the A1C test is an important way to measure your average blood sugar control for the prior three months and gauge how good of a job you’re doing at home. “The A1C target for most people with diabetes is less than 7 percent, which is the lowest risk for complications from high blood sugar,” she says. “Some people, especially younger adults with diabetes, may have an even lower target to help prevent diabetes complications long-term.”

Use Supplement for Diabetes: FENFURO Regular intake of FENFURO can control the blood sugar level effectively. FENFURO is a first of its kind, safe nutraceutical derived from fenugreek seeds through a patented process.  Through its unique scientific process, FENFURO concentrates the bioactive part of plants into a manageable dose, while removing the inert parts such as cellulose. Also, since a lot of healthy botanicals are not palatable, consuming their concentrate in capsule form in small dosage is a lot easier. FENFURO contains a rich variety of saponins and flavonoids. These substances are known to lower blood lipid level and help in insulin sensitization and glucose regulation. FENFURO is the first dual action insulin sensitizer.

The A1C test is used to:

  • Confirm that other test results, such as those done by self-testing or by your doctor, are accurate.
  • Show if your treatment plan is successful.
  • Demonstrate that healthy diet and lifestyle choices can make a difference in controlling your diabetes.

Minimizing Diabetes Complications

The best way to prevent most diabetes complications is to see your doctor regularly, and to call him or her if you experience any new symptoms. Some complications, such as eye disorders, occur after many years of diabetes. “It’s essential for people with diabetes to see an eye doctor at least once a year whether they have vision problems or not,” Taylor says. “Ophthalmologists have tools to stop retinopathy and other diabetes-related eye disorders from progressing.”

Good self-care and immediate medical attention for even a minor symptom are important steps in preventing the type of amputations often associated with diabetes. For instance, you can help to prevent foot ulcers by practicing good foot care, but if an ulcer develops, see your doctor or a foot specialist (podiatrist) immediately. “Even small foot ulcers can grow quickly and lead to infection,” Taylor advises. Infections that resist treatment can lead to amputation to stop their spread.

Follow these other steps to better manage your diabetes and help prevent diabetes complications:

  • Make and keep all needed check-ups with your doctors and others on your diabetes team.
  • Keep your immunizations up to date to fight infections.
  • Wear a diabetes tag or ID bracelet so that you receive the right treatment in an emergency.
  • Have a glucagon kit handy in case of a low blood sugar emergency.
  • Take care of your skin and your feet to prevent infections, and check for any signs of infection every day.

“It’s easy to become overwhelmed with all this information,” Taylor says. “When you think of questions, write them down and bring them to your next visit with your doctor. Advocate for yourself, know your targets for A1C, blood pressure, cholesterol, and weight, and do everything in your power to achieve these goals.”

The statement and product have not been evaluated by the FDA to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

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Do Sugar, Alcohol & Diabetes Mix

People with blood sugar know they must carefully watch their sugar intake as part of their blood sugar diet and limit their alcohol consumption. But following a blood sugar diet does not mean you need to completely eliminate sugar from your daily meals and snacks. You just need to be smart about what you eat and keep close tabs on the sugars in foods.

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The same goes for alcohol — if you pay close attention to your blood sugar levels, you should be able to drink a little when you attend a social gathering or are out casually with friends. Here’s how to do it safely.

A major part of blood sugar management involves keeping your blood sugar levels stable. No matter what type of blood sugar you have, this is an ongoing challenge:

  • Type 1. People with type 1 diabetes cannot produce insulin, the hormone the body uses to regulate blood glucose levels. The amount of sugar or alcohol consumed has a direct effect on the amount of insulin and other diabetes medication you must take.
  • Type 2. With type 2 diabetes, you’ve developed a resistance to insulin, but can still produce the hormone. Controlling blood sugar levels can help you avoid having to take insulin or diabetes medications.
  • Gestational. Diabetes during pregnancy means you have high blood glucose levels, which can do damage to both you and your unborn child.

Sugar is a form of carbohydrate that the body quickly converts to glucose, meaning that, when eaten, it has the ability to cause blood glucose levels to quickly rise and create a condition known as hyperglycemia. This is why doctors and blood sugar educators warn people to track and limit the amount of sugar they consume.

Alcohol has the opposite effect. The body normally stores excess glucose in the liver and muscles in the form of glycogen and converts the glycogen back to glucose when your blood sugar levels fall too low. But alcohol interferes with the body’s ability to make that conversion, and researchers have found that the reaction is even more intensified in people who are taking blood sugar medications. If you aren’t careful, your blood glucose level could drop quickly, a condition called hypoglycemia.

These facts don’t take alcohol or sugar completely off the table when it comes to a diabetes diet, experts say. It just means that you need to think about how consuming them will fit into your overall blood sugar management plan.

For example, though sugar can rapidly increase your blood glucose levels, researchers now believe the total amount of all carbohydrates you eat affects your overall blood glucose level more than what type of carb you ingest. If you want to, you should be able to substitute small amounts of sugar for other types of carbohydrates in your diet and still be able to stay on track. Just keep in mind that most sweets contain a lot of carbohydrates in a very small serving and will not keep you as full as the starchy carbohydrates contained in whole grains and certain vegetables.

When it comes to drinking alcoholic beverages, as long as you’re not pregnant, you should be able to enjoy small amounts socially, but you should always eat just before or while you are drinking — never drink on an empty stomach. Women should limit themselves to just one drink per day, and men should limit themselves to two.

When you do indulge, sip your drink slowly, so that you enjoy it fully and make it last. Hypoglycemia can occur shortly after drinking, and the risk persists for up to 12 hours. If you are drinking alcohol in the evening, be sure to check your blood sugar before you go to bed and, if it is less than 100 to 140 mg/dl, have a bedtime snack.

The hypoglycemia symptoms of drowsiness and confusion can mimic the signs of drunkenness. You should always wear a medical alert bracelet if you will be drinking at a social event, so that if you experience these symptoms, health care workers will not dismiss them as being due to drinking.

Women with gestational diabetes should avoid alcohol altogether, though for reasons unrelated to their diabetes. Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can cause physical and mental birth defects. Drinking while pregnant also increases a woman’s risk of miscarriage and premature birth.

If you’re not pregnant and want to make sure having a drink is okay, ask your doctor about any possible interactions with your diabetes medication. You might also consult a registered dietitian to see how occasional drinking, as well as eating sweets, could best fit in with your diabetes diet.

Use Supplement for Blood sugar: 

FENFURO Regular intake of FENFURO can control the blood sugar level effectively. FENFURO is a first of its kind, safe nutraceutical derived from fenugreek seeds through a patented process.  Through its unique scientific process, FENFURO concentrates the bioactive part of plants into a manageable dose, while removing the inert parts such as cellulose. Also, since a lot of healthy botanicals are not palatable, consuming their concentrate in capsule form in small dosage is a lot easier. FENFURO contains a rich variety of saponins and flavonoids. These substances are known to lower blood lipid level and help in insulin sensitization and glucose regulation. FENFURO is the first dual action insulin sensitizer.

The statement and product have not been evaluated by the FDA to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

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Manage your diabetes with these essential tips

Eat the Foods You Like

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Having diabetes doesn’t mean you can’t eat your favourite foods. But you need to know how your choices will affect your blood sugar. A diabetes educator or dietician can help you learn skills — such as counting carbs, reading labels, and sizing up portions — that will let you keep your condition in check while still enjoying your favourite meals.

Define Your Plate

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Use a rule of three to build a healthy, satisfying meal. This can help you lose weight and manage your diabetes by eating more non-starchy foods. Divide your plate in half. Fill one side with vegetables like spinach, broccoli, carrots, or green beans. Next, divide the empty side into two halves. Use one for starchy foods such as potatoes, whole grains like brown rice or quinoa, or whole-grain bread or pasta. In the last section, add meat or another protein. On top of that, you can also have an 8-ounce glass of low-fat milk and a half-cup of fruit.

Write It Down

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Get in the habit of jotting down your important information. Record your daily blood sugar levels to track how food, exercise, and medicines affect your blood sugar and A1c test results. A written record can show you and your doctor whether your diabetes treatment is working and what about it can be changed. Writing down your goals and feelings in a journal might also help you stay on track and clearly discuss things with your health care providers.

Have a Sick-Day Plan in Place

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Common illnesses like colds, flu, and diarrhea can raise your blood sugar. Having diabetes, in turn, might make it harder to fight off infections. Have a plan in case you get sick. Store snacks that are easy on the stomach but can still give you enough fluids and carbs. Check your blood sugar more often. Also, know when to check for ketones and when to call your doctor. Get a flu shot every year.

Manage Your Medicine Cabinet

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If you take pills or injections to manage your diabetes, keep 3 days’ worth of your medicines and supplies on hand in case of an emergency. Also keep a list of everything you take. Since some of your diabetes drugs might affect other medicines — even ones that can be bought without a prescription — make sure to tell your doctor before you take any new medicine. And always take your list to your regular doctor and dental appointments.

Use Supplement for Blood sugar

FENFURO Regular intake of FENFURO can control the blood sugar level effectively. FENFURO is a first of its kind, safe nutraceutical derived from fenugreek seeds through a patented process.  Through its unique scientific process, FENFURO concentrates the bioactive part of plants into a manageable dose, while removing the inert parts such as cellulose. Also, since a lot of healthy botanicals are not palatable, consuming their concentrate in capsule form in small dosage is a lot easier. FENFURO contains a rich variety of saponins and flavonoids. These substances are known to lower blood lipid level and help in insulin sensitization and glucose regulation. FENFURO is the first dual action insulin sensitizer.

Get Active to Fight Everyday Stress

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Living with diabetes can make you sad or unhappy at times. Stress not only affects your mood, but it can raise your blood sugar, too. Stress might also cause you to make poor food choices. But an easy way to feel better from everyday stress is to get active. Being active raises the levels of chemicals in your brain that make you feel good. If you don’t want to exercise in a gym, join a sports team or take dance lessons to keep moving.

Exercise in Short Sessions

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Three 10-minute walks are as good as 30 minutes at once. So don’t hold out to exercise when you have a lot of time. Moderate levels of physical activity (both strength building and cardio) done regularly will help you control your blood sugar, lower your blood pressure and cholesterol, and ease stress.

Try Strength Workouts

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You can benefit from all kinds of exercise. But training with weights or other resistance equipment might help you prevent muscle loss. (Lost muscle often leads to more fat.) Several studies suggest that strength training — lifting weights, for example — improves how your body uses insulin and sugar. Of course, regular strength training can also improve your muscle mass and help you lose weight, too.

Check Your Feet Every Night

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Use a hand mirror or ask someone to help you look for cuts, swelling, or color changes on your feet. Don’t forget to look between your toes, too. If you see unhealed cuts or broken skin, call your doctor right away. Make foot care part of your daily routine: Wash and moisturize your feet, and trim your toenails as needed. Talk to your doctor about treating corns or calluses. Have him check your feet during every visit.

Choose a Date to Quit Smoking

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If you smoke, pick a date to quit. That gives you the chance to prepare for it. You might need help beating the mental and physical parts of nicotine addiction. Stop-smoking programs, support groups, and wellness centers can offer professional help. Whether you quit cold turkey or use other treatments to help you kick the habit, having time to prepare for it might boost your chances of success.

Drink Alcohol Only With Food

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Your doctor might say it’s OK for you to have an occasional drink. If you drink, have alcohol only when you can eat something along with it, because alcohol can cause low blood sugar. Also, have some water handy in case you get thirsty. Mixed drinks can raise your blood sugar if you use juice or a regular soda as your mixer. Women should have no more than one alcoholic drink per day, and men no more than two a day.

The statement and product have not been evaluated by the FDA to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

 

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High Blood Glucose and obesity link to cancer

 

High Blood Glucose and obesity could make a person more vulnerable to certain types of cancers and the best way to counter the threat is to lose weight.

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“High Blood Glucose and obesity are associated with some types of cancer, including that of the pancreas, oesophagus and breast,” said Edwin Gale, professor of diabetes at Bristol University‘s division of medicine. He was in the city to address a conference organised byIntegrated Diabetes and Endocrinology Academy (Idea), Calcutta.

According to Gale, 40 per cent of these cancers are apparently caused by diabetes and obesity. “High Blood Glucose and obesity leads to insulin resistance in the body that can cause cancer. The best way to reduce insulin resistance is weight loss,” he explained.

Insulin resistance is a physiological condition, where the hormone becomes less effective at lowering blood sugar. This might increase blood glucose levels above the normal range.

“Fat and muscle cells need insulin to absorb glucose. But in an insulin-resistant person, these cells fail to adequately respond to circulate insulin and blood glucose levels rise,” said a doctor at the conference.

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Gale said an obese person had a 30 per cent increased risk of suffering from cancer than a person of normal weight.

“An obese person with blood sugar is more susceptible to cancer than one who is not. Although the exact cause is not clear, the common belief is that insulin resistance is the underlying factor,” said Subhankar Chowdhury, head of endocrinology, SSKM Hospital.

Use Supplement for blood sugar: 

FENFURO Regular intake of FENFURO can control the blood sugar level effectively. FENFURO is a first of its kind, safe nutraceutical derived from fenugreek seeds through a patented process.  Through its unique scientific process, FENFURO concentrates the bioactive part of plants into a manageable dose, while removing the inert parts such as cellulose. Also, since a lot of healthy botanicals are not palatable, consuming their concentrate in capsule form in small dosage is a lot easier. FENFURO contains a rich variety of saponins and flavonoids. These substances are known to lower blood lipid level and help in insulin sensitization and glucose regulation. FENFURO is the first dual action insulin sensitizer.

The statement and product have not been evaluated by the FDA to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

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Diabetes and Depression

According to NICE, people who are diagnosed with a chronic physical health problem such as diabetes are 3 times more likely to be diagnosed with depression than people without it.

Depression can have a serious impact on a person’s wellbeing and their ability and motivation to self-manage their condition.

Depression is the most common psychiatric disorder witnessed in the blood sugar community.

People with blood sugar suffering from depression are at greater risk of suffering from an episode of diabetic burnout which collectively can have adverse effects on physical health and potentially instigate more long term complications both to do with diabetes and independent from the condition.

Diabetes-and-Depression 

What exactly is depression?

Depression is the term given when an individual experiences a number of symptoms including:

  • Persistent sadness or anxiety, a feeling of hollowness
  • An overriding feeling of hopelessness and negativity
  • Feeling helpless and powerless to change your situation
  • Loss of interest in activities or pleasures
  • Lower energy and increased fatigue
  • Insomnia, oversleeping, awakening early in the morning
  • Concentration problems, memory problems and indecisiveness
  • Dwelling on death or suicide
  • Restlessness
  • Weight change and decreased or increased appetite

A diagnosis of depression is made if many of these symptoms are present, continuously, for a minimum of two weeks.

For people with blood sugar, dealing with a lifelong condition and managing the risk of complications can seem like an overwhelming task, particularly for newly diagnosed patients.

Many diabetics struggle to cope with the requirements, feeling overwhelmed and unmotivated.

If diabetes is not faced with an attitude of perseverance and defiance, often depression will prevail.

Depression is the perception of life situations as undesirable. Often, when individuals are faced with adverse events or conditions, they spend huge amounts of effort trying to escape or deny such circumstances.

Avoiding unpleasantness and expending energy trying to minimize discomfort can cause symptoms of depression.

The vicious cycle of depression

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How can depression affect diabetes?

Depression can affect a patient’s capacity to deal with their blood sugar, including managing blood glucose levels appropriately.

Research has found that people who suffer from both blood sugar and depression have poorer metabolic and glycemic control which has, in turn, been found to intensify symptoms of depression.

Additionally, anti-depressants have been found to have hypoglycaemic effects causing serious problems for self-management.

It has previously been reported that depressed people with blood sugar are likely to adherence to medication and diet regimens and subsequently have a reduction in quality of life and increased health care expenditure.

Research has shown that by addressing depression, glycemic control is enhanced, mood and quality of life is significantly improved.

Use Supplement for blood sugar:

FENFURO Regular intake of FENFURO can control the blood sugar level effectively. FENFURO is a first of its kind, safe nutraceutical derived from fenugreek seeds through a patented process.  Through its unique scientific process, FENFURO concentrates the bioactive part of plants into a manageable dose, while removing the inert parts such as cellulose. Also, since a lot of healthy botanicals are not palatable, consuming their concentrate in capsule form in small dosage is a lot easier. FENFURO contains a rich variety of saponins and flavonoids. These substances are known to lower blood lipid level and help in insulin sensitization and glucose regulation. FENFURO is the first dual action insulin sensitizer.

The statement and product have not been evaluated by the FDA to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

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Dos and Don’ts: Supporting Loved Ones With Diabetes

 

Family and friends can be true life lines for people living with diabetes — they can lend a helping hand or shoulder to lean on at just the right moment. Studies show that people are able to manage their diabetes better when they have support from loved ones. It helps them to know they’re not going through it alone.

But it can be difficult for loved ones who want to offer diabetes support to know the difference between being helpful and being a nag. “There’s often a very fine line between pushing and pestering,” says Lawrence Perlmuter, PhD, a psychologist at the Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science in North Chicago.

Taking an interest in your loved one’s diabetes, whether type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes, is one thing; taking control is another. “If you’re constantly telling them what to do or repeatedly admonishing them, they’ll see it as a challenge to their control,” Perlmuter says. A take-charge attitude is rarely the kind of diabetes help your loved one is looking for.

Here are some dos and don’ts for providing diabetes support that works for everyone.

Don’ts When You’re Offering Diabetes Help

  • Don’t play doctor. Unless diabetes is your field, you shouldn’t be giving medical advice, especially if it’s unsolicited. You may mean well, but many popular beliefs about diabetes are outdated, and you could be offering bad advice.
  • Don’t bring up other people you know. Maybe your grandmother had type 2 diabetes and went blind. Maybe your friend’s mother-in-law had type 1 diabetes and ended up with kidney disease. Though you may know many people with diabetes, it doesn’t help someone trying to manage diabetes to hear other people’s horror stories.
  • Don’t stare.
  • Don’t be tactless. You might think a comment like “Look at it this way: It could be worse; you could have a fatal disease” offers comfort. But in reality, that’s not the kind of reassurance that will make anyone feel better, says William Polonsky, PhD, of the Behavioral Diabetes Institute in San Diego. It’s a thoughtless remark because it implies that diabetes isn’t serious. Both type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes have to be taken very seriously so that complications can be controlled and avoided.
  • Don’t give orders. You’re not the diabetes police, Polonsky says, and you don’t want to make your loved one with diabetes feel like a criminal when he or she doesn’t obey. You can make suggestions or recommendations, but make sure they’re nothing more than that.

Dos for Diabetes Support

  • Do acknowledge that managing diabetes is work. People with type 1 or type 2 diabetes must work at managing it around the clock, watching how much they eat, monitoring blood sugar, taking medications, getting regular exercise, and not getting too stressed. It’s not a simple job or one that ever ends. Tell your loved one that you understand that diabetes management is a full-time job – and that you recognize and appreciate how hard he or she works to deal with it.
  • Do offer to be a diabetes buddy. A big part of managing diabetes is making healthy lifestyle choices. Offer to join your friend or relative for a walk or a game of tennis. Suggest going to a restaurant that offers a good selection of healthy and tasty meals. Remember that when you make these same healthy lifestyle choices, you benefit too.
  • Do ask how you can help.
  • Do show you care. Telling someone you care is good, but showing that concern is more powerful. Show you care with a hug or encouraging note, by really listening to the person’s concerns, by learning about diabetes, and by doing things together that you both enjoy.

Follow these dos and don’ts to offer your loved ones constructive support, and be sure to keep the communication lines open. Ask them directly about the ways you can offer the most help, and take that feedback to heart.

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Understanding RA/Diabetes connection

here’s research that suggests a connection between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and diabetes. But the nature of that connection or even whether it’s actually real is unclear. “There are tantalizing links between the two diseases,” says Daniel Solomon, MD, MPH, an associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and a rheumatologist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. But “at this point they are mainly speculative.”

WebMD asked Solomon and Androniki Bili, MD, MPH, to explore the possible connection between RA and diabetes. Bili is an associate rheumatologist at Geisinger Health System in Danville, Pa. Here is what they had to say and how it might affect the way you manage RA.

RA/Diabetes Connection: What Are the links?

There are a number of theories about the connection between diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. RA is an autoimmune disease. The immune system defends the body from invading organisms and substances that can cause damage. With RA, the body’s immune system attacks its own joints. The result of that attack is an ongoing inflammation, which is a hallmark of RA. Some research suggests that inflammation may also play a role in the onset of diabetes.

Solomon tells WebMD that there are links between inflammation and insulin resistance. “We know there is an increased risk of insulin resistance among people with RA,” he says. Insulin is produced in thepancreas and helps the body use glucose, or blood sugar, for energy. In people with insulin resistance, the body’s cells don’t respond to insulin in the correct way. That increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. 

But inflammation is not the only potential link between RA and diabetes. Certain drugs that are used to treat RA, namely steroids, may actually increase the risk of diabetes. “We need to be very aware of RA patients’ glucose levels, especially if they are on corticosteroids,” says Solomon. “This drug is a risk factor for hyperglycemia or high blood sugar levels.”

The effects of RA may also increase the risk of diabetes. People with RA may lead sedentary lives due to pain and RA-related disabilities. When people are physically inactive, they are more likely to be overweight. Being overweight or obese is a known risk factor for diabetes. And according to the CDC, the inactivity caused by arthritis interferes with management of both RA and diabetes.

 

By Denise Mann

WebMD Feature

 

Reviewed by Louise Chang, MD

 

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Start With a Better Breakfast

 

Here’s a good deal of science behind eating a balanced breakfast — it sets you up to succeed for the entire day. “Studies support that you need to start your day off with a healthy breakfast,” says Bethany Thayer, RD, a spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association and manager of wellness programs and strategies at Henry Ford Health System in Detroit. 

The benefits of breakfast include:

  • Improved mood. Eating breakfast can lift your mood. Studies show that people who don’t eat breakfast are more tired and irritable.
  • More energy to face the day. Before you eat in the morning, your body is running on empty. You get energy from high-quality protein, carbohydrates, and fats.
  • Better concentration. Eating breakfast also improves your ability to problem solve. “You’ll be more productive and better able to handle tasks that require memory,” Thayer says.
  • Weight management. “Studies show that if you eat breakfast, you’re more likely to be at a healthy weight than people who don’t eat breakfast,” Thayer says.

Breakfast foods can also provide a lot of vitamins and minerals. For instance, if you eat a bowl of whole-grain cereal with low-fat milk and a glass of orange juice, you’ll have consumed your total daily needs of vitamin C and about one-third of your calcium, thiamin, and riboflavin requirements for the day. You’ll also have a good supply of fiber, iron, and folate, especially if you choose a high-fiber cereal. “By missing out on breakfast, you might be missing out on some really great nutrients,” Thayer says.

Basics of a Quick and Balanced Breakfast

One of the most common excuses for not eating breakfast is being short on time to get to work or school. But breakfast doesn’t have to be elaborate or time consuming. You can wake up just a little earlier to fit in a nutritious breakfast. Besides, Thayer says, investing time in breakfast pays off through the whole day.

It’s best if your breakfast foods come from three different food groups: protein, whole grains, and fruits or vegetables, Thayer explains. You can get protein from eggs, dairy, lean meat, or peanut butter. Cereal or whole-wheat toast can be your whole grains. And strawberries or blueberries — great sources of antioxidants — make a sweet and nutritious topping for oatmeal, cold cereal, or yogurt.

Cereal is a great choice for a quick and easy breakfast, but look for one that has at least 3 grams of fiber per serving. “You want to be sure that whole grain is the first ingredient that’s listed,” Thayer says. Also make sure that sugar isn’t first or second on the ingredients list.

If you prefer sweetened cereals, use a few flakes as a topping for yogurt, Thayer says. Or mix it with a healthier cereal — you can mix several cereals in your morning bowl.

Healthy Breakfast Ideas

Next time you’re racing against the clock, try these effortless and healthy breakfast ideas:

  • A low-fat bran muffin and a side of yogurt topped with fresh fruit
  • A bowl of oatmeal mixed with raisins or topped with cheese
  • A peanut butter sandwich on whole-wheat bread. “You can make it ahead and eat it during your commute or once you’re at your desk if you’re pressed for time,” Thayer says.
  • An omelet made with one whole egg and extra egg whites and filled with veggies (mushrooms, peppers, onions) and low-fat cheese. Eat it with a slice of whole-grain toast
  • Multigrain pancakes topped with fresh blueberries. You can make them ahead of time, wrap them individually, and freeze, then take out of the freezer to toast or warm just as you would with a box of frozen pancakes.
  • Half a bagel (whole wheat, oat bran, pumpernickel) spread with a tablespoon of hummus or peanut butter, and a piece of fresh fruit
  • An English muffin (whole-wheat or whole-grain variety) topped with a slice of tomato and cheese
  • A low-fat smoothie made with low-fat milk or yogurt and fresh fruit and a piece of whole-grain toast

In a real pinch, don’t overlook last night’s leftovers. You don’t need to limit yourself to traditional breakfast foods, Thayer says. A portion of a casserole or even a slice of pizza (made with whole-wheat crust and low-fat cheese and topped with veggies) can make a good, quick breakfast. Eating a balanced breakfast, with whatever foods you choose, is the best way to jump-start your day and stay satisfied until lunch.