A recent  study challenged some of the concepts behind the diet-and-obesity link and suggests that meal-size  - more than total calorie intake or feeding frequency - is a key factor in the development of obesity.  (more…)

Stress getting to you? Relora might help.

As the pace of life gets faster and life itself becomes more complicated, you’ll have plenty of company if you occasionally feel anxious and overwhelmed by temporary events or an over-committed schedule.  What would really help in circumstances like these is something to subdue the anxiety, but without powerful sedative or relaxant properties. Something that helps with anxiety, but not by sending you to the couch for a nap. Something that still allows  you to function.  A doctor might prescribe an anti-anxiety drug, but that’s not the first option most people want to try. Instead,  people have turned to natural remedies such as herbs and amino acids to see what, if anything, is there to help them navigate the occasional anxiety-provoking episodes in life without making them feel tired or sleepy. (more…)

The EndoBarrier lines the intestine preventing absorption of food calories.

Reducing calorie consumption is a proven way to lose weight, but people aren’t always disciplined enough to maintain a reduced calorie diet on their own. That accounts for some of the success and popularity of gastric bypass and gastric band surgeries, both of which reduce the quantity of calories absorbed.  But since both procedures carry considerable risks, there’s been strong interest in developing effective alternatives that are less dangerous to the patient.

Makers of a new device called the EndoBarrier say that’s just what they’ve accomplished.  (more…)

Truvia: The New Stevia Sweetener.......

Recent press releases and news reports (including an AllStarHealth blog post) revealed that the controversial sweetener stevia herb was finally about to go mainstream as major soda manufacturers announced their intention to begin using a newly-approved sweetener called Trvuvia in low calorie drinks.   Truvia’s manufacturer makes a big deal over the fact that it’s an herbal product,  and that it’s stevia, in particular  but when you look at the ingredient label (more…)

Protein shakes, maybe the single best nutritional approach to growing thicker healthier hair.

Dear AllStarHealth,

I’m a 30 y.o. female and new mother. Over the last year or so, I’ve become aware that my hair is growing much slower than it did while I was in college.  It also seems to be thinner and drier and falls out more easily.  My doctor seems unconcerned, just said to make sure to keep eating enough and take my prenatal.  Believe me, I eat enough and I’ve been taking this prenatal for over a year now. There’s got to be something else? I ‘ve seen “hair vitamins” ,  should I use one of those or can you suggest any particular supplements that might help?

Thanks,

Gabriella

Malibu, CA

Dear Gabriella,

Congratulations on the new arrival!  Well, on one hand there are indeed a few nutritional supplements that ‘work’, that people have successfully used to improve the growth and condition of their hair.  On the other hand (more…)

Some people need to avoid stimulants......

Dear AllStarHealth.com

I’m a 55 y.o. woman on (hypertension drug) for my high blood pressure and need to lose about 25-30 pounds. I joined a gym last November and am exercising as much as I can, I’m trying to eat right, too but it’s so hard to lose weight at my age.  I sure could use some help. I can’t have any caffeine or stimulants, so most of the diet pills are off-limits. What are my best options in terms of supplements I ‘can’ use?

Thanks for any help,

Freida J.

Ohiopyle, PA

Dear Freida,

There are a few types of supplements that might help.  Keep in mind that (more…)

Appetite suppressants can help you feel satisfied with less food. But, please, eat something.

Let’s take another look at the concept of appetite suppression and appetite suppressant supplements. They’ve both been around a long time. But is that a good strategy for everyone trying to lose weight, or just certain people? And do any of the products work?

(more…)

Who stole my energy?!! I've gotta start readin' that blog!

Based on the kinds of questions customers email us, it’s pretty clear: one thing everyone seems to need more of is energy. Everyone’s looking for more energy. While there are some great products you can use for a useful short-term energy boost, you can’t depend on these to get you through life, and you’ll need a better long-term solution.  Make sure you’re not losing juice to these hidden energy sappers. (more…)

Don't worry about holiday weight gain, we've got you covered!

Every year around this time, the forces of nature collaborate and conspire to add as many pounds as possible to our bodies before we know what’s happened. The weather has grown colder, curtailing all those great outdoor activities that let us burn calories while having fun. The days are growing shorter, too, forcing us to live more “indoor” and sedentary lives.  But the real trouble is looming just over the horizon; from Thanksgiving onward, parties and other holiday get-togethers promise an onslaught of tempting foods. What’s more, these temptations are often presented in social situations that may be awkward, boring or stressful - all of which encourage unrestrained or excessive snacking and grazing.  (How do you think Santa got so fat?) It’s no wonder that nearly everyone gains some weight over the holidays, but you’re not “nearly everyone” are you?  No, and because you’re reading this blog, we’re going to let you in a few products that will let you enjoy yourself this holiday season without nuking the results of all your hard work dieting and working out this past summer and fall. (more…)

Higher intakes of dairy calcium increase fat excretion.

A study just published in the International Journal of Obesity is helping to clarify the mechanism behind the previously-documented association between calcium intake and obesity. (more…)