Archive for September, 2009

Glucomannan

Wednesday, September 9th, 2009

Glucomannan is a water-soluble dietary supplement or fiber that comes from the konjac root. I didn’t know this but glucomannan is considered a bulk-forming laxative. Glucomannan, like other soluble fibers can attach to bile acids in the stomach and carry them out of the body in the the form of feces. Some of the reasons why you would take glucomannan is due to diabetes, constipation, Insulin resistance syndrome, high blood cholesterol, obesity, hypoglycemia, and diverticular disease. If you want to start taking a gulcomannan supplement I highly recommend discussing this with your doctor.

Let your doctor know if you are taking any types of medicines to lower blood sugar. If you are a diabetic, you may be taking insulin, etc. so let your doctor know. Also, if you are breastfeeding, are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant, or have other health problems, like high blood pressure. Other names for Glucomannan include: Konjac Fiber, Manna, Glucomanna, Konjac, Konjac Glucomannan, and Konjac Glucomanna. Glucomannan supposedly can aid people with constipation, it has been known to reduce intestinal flora, it can lower blood sugar and cholesterol and might even promote weight loss.

What is Fenugreek?

Wednesday, September 9th, 2009

Fenugreek is one of the world’s oldest medicinal herbs.It is the small stony seeds that come from the pod of a bean-like plant. Now I didn’t know this but they say fenugreek is mainly used to help women increase their milk supply. The reason I am writing about this herb is because I think it’s important for people to be aware of the importance of making sure we as human beings start our life out healthy.

What I mean is, as an infant, we should be breast fed with the healthiest and richest of breast milk as is possible. That way, our little infant bones and muscles can grow and mature like they are supposed to. If we are deprived of the vitamin, and minerals needed for healthy muscles and bones we are going to grow up needing to supplement ourselves with different things like glucosamine, chondritin, etc. etc. I think it’s a great idea for pregnant women to look into this amazing herb. I recommend talking to your doctor and seeing if they are ok with you adding this to your diet. It can be found in your local health food store and is pretty inexpensive.

Constipation & Weight Loss

Monday, September 7th, 2009

Glucomannan as a supplement has been used to treat constipation. Other things that have been known to help relieve constipation are prunes. Prunes contain hydroxyphenyl isatin, a chemical that stimulates the bowel muscles and works as a very gentle laxative. Prunes are an excellent source of soluble fiber, which also helps prevent constipation which helps reduce cancer (particularly colon cancer) risk. Prunes have heart-protecting value as well.

Their soluble fiber helps reduce levels of plaque-producing LDL cholesterol, and their high potassium content regulates blood pressure. Prunes are rich in iron and contain good amounts of niacin, beta-carotene, and vitamin B6, along with copper and boron, making them essential for regular as well as irregular times. The causes of constipation can be insufficient dietary fiber intake, dehydration, medications, hypothyroidism, lead poisoning, stopping smoking, tumors, and lactose intolerance.

There are some great fiber supplements that you can get to help get you regular. Some of the treatments include enemas, eating more fruits and vegetables and dietary fiber, a lot of water and periodic colon cleanses would be great as well. Routine use of laxatives is not a good idea because your bowel action can become dependent on their use.