What is the exact role of arginine in the body?

Arginine is a semi-essential amino acid, meaning that the body also makes enough amounts so that even if you do not take any, you will be fine. Arginine has been in the news for the past decade because it is known to be a precursor of nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is a potent vasodilator but has a very short half-life- a few microseconds. There is a lot of information indicating that NO may help prevent heart disease, atherosclerosis, reverse erectile failure and resolve headaches.

The manufacturers of arginine now claim that it can cure almost everything under the sun, including the messed up economy.

Are there any differences in the fish oil supplements? Part 2

While the products did meet the labeled amount of omega 3 fatty acids, some products did contain traces of contaminant, which did not exceed standard sets by the US pharmacopeia. In simple words, the supplements did meet all the applicable legal and regulatory requirements.

So far, the FDA has not undertaken any action against any manufacturer because the contaminants do not seem to be a health risk. The study was more intended to let consumers know what is in the products- which is a requirement in the state of California and has nothing to do with health risk.

The final word- consumers should be careful where they buy their health supplement pills. While online food stores may appear cheap, you never know what you are getting. To play it safe, always buy your prescriptions and health supplements from bona fide stores with a good reputation

Are there any differences in the fish oil supplements? Part 1

Millions of people consume mega doses of fish oil every day. There is a very strong belief among the public that this food supplement is the “Holy Grail.” The exact number of people who buy fish oil supplements is not known but it is a billion dollar industry. Fish oil supplements are available almost everywhere. While most supplements are available in health food stores, today one can buy these supplements from retail grocery stores, pharmacies, online and in almost any alternative healthcare store. There are even some doctors who market their own formulas of fish oil supplements.

Now there is Consumers Report, which claims that not all fish oil supplements are equal. Experts indicate that poor quality product is a major problem because much of the health food supplement industry remains unregulated.

I have uterine fibroids but do not want to undergo surgery. Are there any herbal formulas I can take to reduce them?

Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths which are quite common. It is estimated that nearly 2-40% of women have fibroids but not all have symptoms. Fibroids may cause symptoms when they become large and are often associated with heavy menstrual periods, pain and pressure in the lower abdomen. The treatment of fibroids has always been surgery. In some cases, the blood vessel supplying the fibroid can be blocked using a radiological procedure and the fibroid will shrink with time. Some hormonal drugs have also been used to shrink fibroids but do not always work.

Two Chinese herbs- huoxue Sanjie and Nona Roguy have been evaluated. Compared to established therapy these herbs did work in some women but the shrinkage of fibroids was mild. The fortunate thing was that the herbs were safe. So far there is no evidence to support or refute the use of these herbs for fibroids, if you want to try them, then there is nothing wrong. You need to take them for at least 6 months and get follow up ultrasound to determine if the fibroids are shrinking.

All my friends claim that consuming CoQ10 can help control blood pressure. Is this true?

CoQ10 is one of the most widely sold health supplements on this planet. The people who make CoQ10 claim that this nutrient can cure every medical disorder under the sun and even improve the recession. As far as high blood pressure is concerned, the few studies that have been done reveal conflicting results. No double blind study has ever shown that CoQ10 can lower blood pressure. Some studies have been conducted for only 6- 8 weeks and involved 24-36 participants.

The current treatment of high blood pressure is a change in lifestyle and use of medications. If you want to live a long and healthy life, I suggest you dump this CoQ10 crap and take whatever medications your doctor ordered. High blood pressure is a silent disorder but it has real complications that are deadly.

Is flax seed safe for long-term use?

It appears that flax seed is somewhat safe, but the occasional patient has been reported to develop an allergic reaction. One should only consume the flax seed which have been prepared and sold in health food stores. Unripe flaxseeds or raw seeds are poisonous and can increase levels of cyanide. There are other reports that flax seeds can change mood, increases bowel movements, and even alter the menstrual cycles.  People taking pharmaceutical medications should be warned that flax seed does interact with blood thinning medications

How does one take flax seed?

Flax seed is available as an oil, capsule, powder or soluble fiber. The daily recommended dose is anywhere from 10-250 grs. The product can be taken with food or mixed with any type of liquid. Because the power is not very palatable, most people take it 2-3 times a day with food. Some people even mix flax seen powder into water, make a paste and use it as a warm compress for skin problems.