Can you drink too much water?

Can you drink too much water?

Question: Can You Drink Too Much Water?
Answer: You've probably heard that it's important to 'drink plenty of fluids' or simply 'drink lots of water'. There are excellent reasons for drinking water, but have you ever wondered if it's possible to drink too much water. Here's what you need to know:
Can You Really Drink Too Much Water?
In a word, yes. Drinking too much water can lead to a condition known as water intoxication and to a related problem resulting from the dilution of sodium in the body, hyponatremia. Water intoxication is most commonly seen in infants under six months of age and sometimes in athletes. A baby can get water intoxication as a result of drinking several bottles of water a day or from drinking infant formula that has been diluted too much. Athletes can also suffer from water intoxication. Athletes sweat heavily, losing both water and electrolytes. Water intoxication and hyponatremia result when a dehydrated person drinks too much water without the accompanying electrolytes.
What Happens During Water Intoxication?
When too much water enters the body's cells, the tissues swell with the excess fluid. Your cells maintain a specific concentration gradient, so excess water outside the cells (the serum) draws sodium from within the cells out into the serum in an attempt to re-establish the necessary concentration. As more water accumulates, the serum sodium concentration drops -- a condition known as hyponatremia. The other way cells try to regain the electrolyte balance is for water outside the cells to rush into the cells via osmosis. The movement of water across a semipermeable membrane from higher to lower concentration is called osmosis. Although electrolytes are more concentrated inside the cells than outside, the water outside the cells is 'more concentrated' or 'less dilute' since it contains fewer electrolytes. Both electrolytes and water move across the cell membrane in an effort to balance concentration. Theoretically, cells could swell to the point of bursting.
From the cell's point of view, water intoxication produces the same effects as would result from drowning in fresh water. Electrolyte imbalance and tissue swelling can cause an irregular heartbeat, allow fluid to enter the lungs, and may cause fluttering eyelids. Swelling puts pressure on the brain and nerves, which can cause behaviors resembling alcohol intoxication. Swelling of brain tissues can cause seizures, coma and ultimately death unless water intake is restricted and a hypertonic saline (salt) solution is administered. If treatment is given before tissue swelling causes too much cellular damage, then a complete recovery can be expected within a few days.
It's Not How Much You Drink, It's How Fast You Drink It!
The kidneys of a healthy adult can process fifteen liters of water a day! You are unlikely to suffer from water intoxication, even if you drink a lot of water, as long as you drink over time as opposed to intaking an enormous volume at one time. As a general guideline, most adults need about three quarts of fluid each day. Much of that water comes from food, so 8-12 eight ounce glasses a day is a common recommended intake. You may need more water if the weather is very warm or very dry, if you are exercising, or if you are taking certain medications. The bottom line is this: it's possible to drink too much water, but unless you are running a marathon or an infant, water intoxication is a very uncommon condition.

What is Creatine?

What is Creatine?

Creatine. You've all heard the word before. But not many know what it actually is. Creatine is made up of three amino acids (amino acids are the building blocks of protein). These three amino acids are glycine, arginine, and methionine. Many use creatine as a supplement to build muscle, in the form of powder, pills, and even in a liquid form which is dispensed by an "eyedropper."
Ok, so how does creatine help in losing weight? Don't worry, I'm going to get to that, but first you must understand how it actually works. Well, how creatine works is this: When you take the creatine supplement, creatine saturates your muscle cells. This creatine that is now in your muscles, attracts water in your body, causing your muscle cells to fill up with water. In order for your muscle cells to accommodate this new amount of water within them, they have no choice but to expand. This translates to larger, stronger muscles.
But I'm a woman, I don't want big, bulky muscles! Don't worry, the only way that is going to happen is if you are taking in more than enough calories, lifting heavy to gain muscle, and taking the same amount a bodybuilder would take. Plenty of women take creatine, and are not bulky at all, rather they are toned; the way most women prefer to look.
Anywho, getting back to the point, the muscles will be larger than before. Now, since bigger muscles require more calories to maintain their new size (remember, this doesn't mean huge, just larger than before). So, since your muscles will need more calories to maintain, what does this mean for you? That's right, you guessed it, your muscles will have no choice but to rob your fat stores for the necessary calories to maintain their size. This is how creatine will help with weight loss.
Also, if you are on a diet, one of the hardest things to do is to keep your current size/definition, (ladies, remember, don't be nervous by the word size). Another reason to take creatine while dieting. Creatine will help you keep your current size, while burning fat only, rather than fat and muscle for energy to fuel your workouts.
What kind of creatine should I take? Since there are so many different types on the market, I will elaborate to help you narrow down your choices.
Creatine Monohydrate
Most commonly sold in a white powder form, very chalky in taste and texture, creatine monohydrate is the first and oldest type of creatine invented. Creatine monohydrate is generally used by people seeking gains in muscle mass (ladies, believe me, this is not the type of creatine you are looking for). The problem with creatine monohydrate is that it is known for gassy stomach problems as well as bloating. So although your muscle may get larger, it will be very difficult for you to get definition with that size, if you are like most people. Also, with creatine monohydrate, you have to go through what is known as a "loading phase," in which you must take around 4 scoops (roughly 20 grams) of it per day for your first four days on the product. After, you can take only 2 scoops or roughly 10 grams for a period of 6 weeks or so, then you must load up again and so on and so forth. This process is known as "cycling" a supplement.
Creatine ethyl ester
A newer form of creatine, creatine ethyl ester is sold in pill form (a popular brand known as "CE2"), as well as in powder form (another popular brand known as "Cell Mass"). The rage about creatine ethyl ester is that it provides all the benefits of creatine, without having to go through a loading phase, no bloating, and no stomach problems. Depending on your genetics, diet, and workout program, the effects of creatine in general will have different effects for each user.
Creatine alphaketoglutarate (Creatine AKG)
This particular creatine supplement is one that has worked the best for me personally. Creatine AKG is your traditional creatine supplement, however, it has what is called AKG attached to it. AKG is almost like a car that drives the creatine straight into your muscles, to saturate them as much as possible. This means you will be getting the most out of your creatine supplement. Also, Creatine AKG boasts zero bloating and zero stomach problems just like the creatine ethyl ester. A popular brand of Creatine AKG is known as "Anavol."
You can pick up any of the products mentioned in this article at any GNC or Vitamin Shoppe location. Well, I hope this article helped you make the decision to start supplementing with creatine for weight loss, and ladies, I hope after reading this, you realize that creatine is recommended for you too. Remember, for the guys, you will usually be taking the full-recommended dosage of creatine, lifting heavy, and eating big if you are seeking muscle mass. Ladies, you obviously are not going to take the full-recommended dosage, eat big, or lift heavy, unless you are a bodybuilder of course.

Preventing Cancer With Licopene

Preventing Cancer With Licopene

For ketchup-lovers across the globe, the new information circulating about the benefits of Lycopene is a welcomed addition to health news. In addition to the internal benefits, new research has concluded that lycopene can also benefit the outside. This supplement is being used to block damaging rays from the sun. This is helpful in maintaining youthful looking skin. Lycopene has been found to be twice as effective as beta carotene for antioxidant effects. Recent studies have found a number of health benefits of the supplement. These include a reduced risk of cancer, heart diseases and other chronic conditions. It does this by protecting cells from free radicals that can cause significant damage. The internal benefits are very encouraging and ketchup lovers are smiling. Ketchup lovers will be pleased to find that lycopene has been found to help the function of cell-to-cell connections and it is helpful in some areas f cell metabolism. The supplement is fat soluble and it has been found to be effective in tissues that have high fat and lipid content. These tissues are present in the prostate among other organs. The skin is another organ that is high in lipids and it has been found to reap great benefits from lycopene. Some believe that the supplement can actually improve the skin’s texture if applied to the area. In addition, the supplement is effective in blocking UV light that can cause significant damage to the skin.Before slathering on the lycopene, make sure that you pair it with another sun blocker. The supplement’s ability to block UV light is relatively minimal. It has an SPF of about three. This is definitely not sufficient to protect the skin from direct sun. However, it can be used to block the effects of indirect rays that may be passed through a window. Some people may prefer using licopene as an additional sun locker, but not in exclusion of other products. Ketchup lovers know that the best way to get licopene in foods is to eat tomatoes or products that contain tomatoes. There is an interesting catch. Traditionally, you benefit from eating raw foods, but not in this case. You actually get more of the supplement through cooked tomatoes than through raw tomatoes because the element is closely adhered to the fiberous part of the vegetable and can pass right through your system without being absorbed. For those who want to reap the skin benefits, look in you local drugstore or health food store for lotions that contain licopene. Not everyone loves ketchup. There are supplements that contain the antioxidant that can be found in those stores as well.

How Long Does It Take Viagra To Work?

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE VIAGRA TO WORK?

I take 50mg 15 minutes before love making, and now I can spend hours with foreplay and not worry if I'm gonna go soft or lose interest.

It takes effect in 15 minutes on the average and out love-making session goes for over an hour every time. - Age 65, Florida

I could feel my penis get erect within 15 minutes, getting harder than usual and lasting longer too - YT, Age 45, Nigeria

The effects last 3 or 4 hours, and it takes 30 to 45 minutes to kick in. - Art, Age 62, Texas
It worked faster than a 1/2 hour and I had the first complete sexual experience in over 6 YEARS! William, Age 42, Texas

It begins to work in about 15 minutes to a half an hour and lasts for 3 hours or so
I find that 25 mg two hours prior to sex is best for me, and allows sensitivity, to remain at its peak. - Phil, Age 60, California

The first time I took it, my wife and I had already made love that afternoon. Viagra worked well in producing another HARD erection for us that night. The next time I tried it was an hour before bedtime. This produced even greater results. - JimmyB, Age 45

I've found I need to take it at least 30 minutes before sex. Not only is my erection harder, but the quantity of my orgasm and the force of it is greatly increased by Viagra

I take it about an hour before making love (which for us is usually mid afternoon.)
The doctor told me when he prescribed it that the first time I tried some it would take a little while to work, like almost an hour, and to be patient. So I took it, and set back to wait. I was surprised to find out that I didn't have to wait near that long. I was ready to go in fifteen minutes, and went a little longer than she wanted me to go.

But 30 mins after taking a 50mg dose of Viagra (with no side effects other than a very mild headache), then - boing!! - my penis is as stiff as it used to be when I was 15! - Richard, Age 53, UK
I started with 50 mg (good to rev my engine, I think) but ultimately found that 25 mg about 90 minutes before sex is ideal for me.

I had a rock hard erection about a half hour after taking the pill. - Age 37. Utah

Iran's Progressive Approach Toward AIDS

In a region where other Muslim governments ignore the AIDS epidemic, quarantine HIV-infected people or preach abstinence as the only solution, Iran's approach is fairly progressive. Iran's AIDS program melds up-to-date programs and research with deep-rooted religious values.
The country still doles out floggings to Iranians caught with alcohol, but it also gives clean syringes and methadone treatment to heroin addicts. Health workers pass out condoms to prostitutes. Government clinics in every region offer free HIV testing, counseling and treatment.
In 2005 the postal service unveiled a stamp emblazoned with a red ribbon for AIDS awareness. In 2006 there was an AIDS awareness concert in Tehran. This year, school children in Mashad created a 150 foot long painting to promote AIDS prevention and awareness. And in 2008, the government is due to earmark an estimated $30 million to AIDS programs.
Reuters
A man stands next to a piece of artwork at a conceptual art exhibition about HIV/AIDS in Tehran on World AIDS Day, Dec. 2.
"Iran now has one of the best prison programs for HIV in not just the region, but in the world," said Dr. Hamid Setayesh, the coordinator for the U.N. AIDS office in Tehran. "They're passing out condoms and syringes in prisons. This is unbelievable. In the whole world, there aren't more than six or seven countries doing that."
Shame, drug addictionIran's HIV infections rates may be low for a country of about 69 million people, but AIDS experts note that the country is confronting some major obstacles in controlling the disease's spread from growing intravenous drug use and prostitution.
According to World Health Organization estimates, the number of people living with HIV in Iran is approximately 22,000 to 30,000. The government reports 12,000 people with HIV, although health workers say the real figure is closer to 70,000. Across the Middle East and North Africa, the number of HIV cases has risen to 460,000, with 68,000 new cases in 2006 alone.
Many HIV-positive Iranians face shame and isolation. They're reluctant to tell relatives and co-workers about their diagnosis, fearful they'll be cast out of their homes, fired from their jobs, or ostracized by society. Those infected may remain hidden and not go to medical centers for treatment, raising another challenge to stopping the spread of HIV.
"My husband gave me HIV. He is a drug addict and he uses needles. He got the disease and did not know himself," said a 28 year-old cleaning lady who asked not to identified. "One day I was at work and the lady of the house noticed I was not looking well for some time. She sent me to her husband's clinic. [The doctors] did some tests and then told me I have HIV. Without [my employers] I don’t know what we would have done, because we can’t tell anyone in the family. They would never look at us again," the young woman said.
VIDEO: Doctor takes on HIV/AIDS in Iran
Because Iran is located on a major narcotics transit route (neighboring Afghanistan is the biggest narcotics producer in the world), the country's addiction rate has been growing, particularly intravenous drug use. Iran has the highest levels of opiate-based drug addiction in the world, according to the U.N. World Drug Report for 2005. The drug addiction problem used to be confined to people smoking opium but now the use of heroin is widespread.
In addition, to the north of Iran there are the newly independent countries such as Kazakhstan and Moldova formed after the dissolution of the Soviet Union, which are suffering from one of the fastest-growing HIV/AIDS epidemics in the world. The rapid spread of HIV in neighboring countries from narcotics smuggling has caused the increase of AIDS infection among Iran's injecting drug users.
Risky sexual behaviorThe increase of prostitution is also causing concern among Iran's medical community.
"The trend of transmission has changed from intravenous drug users to high-risk sexual behavior," said Dr. Minoo Mohraz, Iran’s leading AIDS specialist. "People cannot afford to get married so young, and are getting married older. The gap is being filled by more prostitution...In our culture we have a problem with high-risk behavior and extra-marital sexual activity," she said.
Only three years ago Mohraz was the first person to have mentioned the word "condom" on national television — and that only came after she overcame stiff opposition from some officials.
"I told them that if they won't let me talk about condoms and sexual behavior, I won't go on TV. So, finally they relented."

Obama's Health Care Plan

Obama's Health Care Plan

Fresh off campaign stops in New Hampshire over the weekend, Senator Barack Obama traveled to the University of Iowa to outline his own plan to try to provide health insurance coverage for everyone.
According to advance text of his remarks, his proposal, like others, would try to lower the costs of insurance — he asserts a “typical family’s” premium would be reduced by $2,500 by his plan — through increased insurance competition, eliminating inefficiencies in the health system, having the federal government pick up part of the high costs of catastrophic coverage, driving down the costs of drugs and promoting preventive measures as well as better management of chronic illnesses.
Mr. Obama recommends paying for his proposal — his is modeled after the plan that covers federal employees — in part by using the tax revenue that would be recouped if President Bush’s tax cuts expired. (His campaign released estimates that an additional $50 billion to $65 billion in revenue would be needed, releasing research by the Urban/Brookings Tax Policy Center on how the money could raised through imposing higher taxes on people in the top income brackets. ) Update: See more on the cost implications below.
Two of his Democratic rivals, Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton and former North Carolina Senator John Edwards, also cite the expiration of the tax cuts or their repeal as a means to pay for universal health coverage.
He would retain the private insurance system, but his plan would help those who couldn’t afford coverage through subsidies based on a sliding scale of their income. And all employers, except for very small businesses, would be required to contribute to employees’s coverage. His plan would create a National Health Insurance Exchange to monitor insurance practices.
Citing spiraling health care and insurance costs, Mr. Obama said:
Since President Bush took office, the single fastest growing component of health care spending has been administrative costs and profits for insurance companies. Coming in a close second is the amount we spend on prescription drugs. In 2006, five of the biggest drug and insurance companies were among the fifty most profitable businesses in the nation. One insurance company CEO received a $125 million salary that same year, and has been given stock options worth over $1 billion. As an added perk, he and his wife get free private health care for as long as they live.
Now, making this kind of money costs money, which is why the drug and insurance industries have also spent more than $1 billion on lobbying and campaign contributions over the last ten years to block the kind of reform we need. They’ve been pretty good at it too, preventing the sale of cheaper prescription drugs and defeating attempts to make it harder for insurance companies to deny coverage on the basis of a preexisting condition.
Here is a link to his full speech.
Last week, Senator Clinton offered her proposal, which covered some of the same themes. Mr. Edwards released his plan earlier this year.
Estimates of the cost of such a huge expansion of health care coverage — with an estimated 47 million Americans uninsured — prompts Republicans to say such proposals would be prohibitive. One G.O.P. candidate, former New York Mayor Rudulph Giuliani has called the Democrats’ proposals “socialized medicine.”
Update: A fact sheet and an analysis done by outside experts that were released by the Obama campaign today can be reviewed through the links in this paragraph.Of the cost analysis, here is further elaboration from Dr. David Blumenthal, Professor of Medicine and Professor of Health Policy at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, David Cutler, economics professor at Harvard and Jeffrey Liebman, a Harvard public policy professor. They were asked by the campaign to do this examination:
Even though the medical system as a whole will save money, extending coverage to all Americans will cost the Federal government money. Using our own estimates and those of respected economists such as Ken Thorpe and Jonathan Gruber, we estimate that the Obama health plan will require between $50 billion and $65 billion per year of new Federal funds when fully phased in. We give a range for the net cost because in a complex, $2 trillion health system, there is inevitably some uncertainty about cost and revenue implications of different elements. This $50 billion to $65 billion estimate is based on our most conservative estimate of efficiency savings. If efficiency savings turn out to be greater, then the federal cost would be lower.
According to estimates from the Urban/Brookings Tax Policy Center, $65 billion is roughly the amount of revenue that would be raised by restoring the top two personal income tax brackets and rates on dividends and capital gains to Clinton era levels, and retaining the estate tax with a $7 million exemption rather than repealing it.
In his interview with Tim Russert on “Meet the Press” in February, Mr. Edwards was pretty candid about the fact that taxes would have to be raised to pay for his plan. Here’s the exchange:
Q: You support universal health care: noble goal, but that’s 47 million more people. How much would that cost?A: It’d cost between $90 and $120 billion a year once it’s fully implemented.
Q: Would you be willing to raise taxes in order to help pay for this?
A: Yes, we’ll have to raise taxes. The, the only way you can pay for a health care plan is there has to be a revenue source. The revenue source I’m proposing is, is first we get rid of George Bush’s tax cuts for people who make over $200,000 a year. And then, we need to do a much better job of collecting the taxes that are already owed.
Q: But you’d be willing to increase taxes to provide health care?
A: Yes, absolutely.