What am I drinking : Sugar Free NOS energy drink

There are a huge number of drinks out there that claim to help increase your energy level.  A good number of these drinks come in sugar free versions, offering the best of two worlds, increased performance/energy and zero calories.  What could be better? 

GeekHealth.org takes a look at Sugar Free NOS, which is labeled as a “High Performance Energy Drink”.  It comes in a bright orange 16oz can, and besides the standard nutritional information there is a special “Energy Blend” section.  Just looking over it you get the feeling that what’s inside should boost your energy levels through the roof, but just what are they putting in there, and just what are you putting in your body?

Carbonated Water

Water that has carbon dioxide gas(CO2) dissolved in it.  Carbonated water is acidic from the formation of carbonic acid, and can contribute to the thinning of tooth enamel as well as contributing to a more acidic blood pH.   Both conditions are unlikely to be caused by the normal consumption of simple carbonated water, but soft drinks are usually much higher in acid content from the addition of other acids such as phosphoric acid and citric acid.

Citric Acid

Natural organic acid found in a variety of fruits and vegetables.  It is a natural preservative and has an acidic or sour taste.

Taurine

An organic acid, found naturally in seafood and meat.  Taurine is listed on NOS as part of their “Energy Blend” and was listed as 1,000mg.  One study by the College of Pharmacy-West Palm Beach, found that “The amounts of guarana, taurine, and ginseng found in popular energy drinks are far below the amounts expected to deliver either therapeutic benefits or adverse events.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18595815

Sodium Citrate

This is most likely Trisodium citrate.  Trisodium citrate is used in foods as a flavoring agent and preservative.  Trisodium citrate is also used to regulate acidity.  Trisodium citrate can be used medically as an anticoagulant during blood transfusions.

Passion fruit

Flavoring

L-Carnitine

NOS lists this in the “Energy Blend” and includes 200mg in its sugar free drink.  Some studies do conclude that Carnitine taken orally may help reduce fat mass, http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/carnitine-l-000291.htm.

Caffeine

See http://www.geekhealth.org/post/2009/11/13/Caffeine-The-worlds-most-used-legal-drug.aspx

Sodium Hexametaphosphate (preservative)

Used as a sequestrant

Inositol

NOS lists this in the “Energy Blend” and includes 100mg in its sugar free drink.   There is no doubt that Inositol is helpful to normal bodily functions such as : metabolism, preventing fatty deposits in the liver, and promoting healthy hair growth.  The amount used here (100mg) is generally considered too low to have any real health impact but some people attest that greater daily intake of Inositol is beneficial. http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-inositol.htm

Monopotassium Phosphate

If you check out Wikipedia you might question why this substance is in your drink (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monopotassium_phosphate) although it is commonly used in the foods as a buffer and emulsifier. 

Gum Arabic

Natural gum that can be found in the sap of acacia trees and most likely included in NOS for its surface tension reducing properties.  i.e. It makes the drink bubble easier.

Sodium Benzoate (preservative)

Used for its antibacterial and antifungal properties, sodium benzoate is a powerful preservative found in many foods.  When combined with ascorbic acid sodium benzoate can form benzene which is a known carcinogen.  There is a good deal of debate on the use of sodium benzoate as a food additive because of its ability to form benzene. http://www.sciencepunk.com/2007/05/e211-dna-and-science-by-press-release/

Potassium Sorbate (preservative)

Used to control the growth of yeasts and molds.  This is a very common ingredient in many food items.

Acesulfame Potassium

FDA approved for use as an artificial sweetener.

Sucralose

Best known as Splenda, it is another artificial sweetener.  Sucralose is still a very controversial artificial sweetener.  Its not too difficult to find people warning about the use of Sucralose in food products.

Sites warning people of the potential toxic effects of Sucralose:

http://www.holisticmed.com/splenda/bowen.html

http://www.holisticmed.com/splenda/chemists.html

http://www.rense.com/general65/splend.htm

http://tuberose.com/Sucralose.html

Ester Gum

Used as an emulsifier and stabilizer in food products.  This is a very common ingredient in soft drinks.

Panax Ginseng Root Extract

This is an Asian ginseng root, and listed in the NOS “ Energy Blend” which contains 50mg of ginseng extract.  Ginseng is usually taken as a supplement for its inflammatory properties.  Some suggest that Ginseng can also reduce stress, improve overall energy levels, and even fight Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Calcium Disodium salt of EDTA (Protects Freshness)

Used in soft drinks containing ascorbic acid and sodium benzoate to mitigate the formation of benzene.

http://www.inchem.org/documents/jecfa/jecmono/40abcj09.htm

Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6)

See http://www.geekhealth.org/post/2010/01/27/B-Vitamins-and-Weight-Loss.aspx

Yellow #5

This is known by the chemical name Tartrazine and is a highly debated food additive.  Some medical studies have shown the ingestion of this chemical and contribute to irritability and restlessness as well as hyperactivity.

Yellow #6

Like Yellow #5 and most other food coloring additives in general, there is a good deal of debate on the health impact of ingesting Yellow #6.  A good article to check out on the potential problems with Yellow #6 and other additives can be found here.

Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12)

See http://www.geekhealth.org/post/2010/01/27/B-Vitamins-and-Weight-Loss.aspx

B Vitamins and Weight Loss

Ever hear someone tell you to take B vitamins to gain energy and lose weight?  Why do energy drinks seem to add B vitamins to their mix?  What exactly is a B vitamin, and what is its role in health and weight loss?

What are B Vitamins

There are eight essential vitamins in the B-complex group : B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B6 (pyridoxine), B9 (folic acid), B12 (cyanocobalamin), B5(pantothenic acid) and biotin.  These are all water-soluble vitamins and have a proven impact in cellular metabolism.  The B-complex group once was simply called Vitamin B, but research has shown that each vitamin is chemically distinct thus the number following the B vitamins.

B-Complex Group in detail

B1 (Thiamine) : Required for proper metabolism of starches and sugars.  Helps the body provide energy to the body.  It also has a positive impact on the nervous system, heart and muscle function.

B2 (Riboflavin) : Promotes normal thyroid function and metabolism.  Assists in the metabolism of carbohydrates, amino and fatty acids.  Some state that B2 and B6 work better if taken together.

B3 (Niacin) : Helps maintain skin and nerves and assists in food metabolism.  Essential for normal thyroid hormone production.  Some believe that Niacin is a powerful detoxifying agent and take large doses to accomplish this.  Niacin can cause you to turn red and increase your heartbeat, this is generally referred to as a ?Niacin Flush? or ?Niacin Rush?.

B5 (pantothenic acid) : Critical in the metabolism and synthesis of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. 

B6 (Pyridoxine) : also known as pyridoxamine and pyridoxal phosphate, helps the body produce healthy red blood cell and is a vital ingredient in the metabolism of amino acids, which build protein.

B9 (Folic Acid) : Also known as Folate. Essential to numerous bodily functions such as the synthesis of DNA, DNA repair and the formation of red blood cells.  There is a link between folic acid and neural tube defects, one of the most common birth defects.  Women who are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant need to monitor their diet to make sure they are consuming enough B9.

B12 (cyanocobalamin) : Necessary for normal functioning of the brain and nervous system and the formation of blood.  it is involved in the metabolism of every cell of the human body, and used in DNA synthesis/regulation and fatty acid synthesis and energy production.

Biotin : Biotin is necessary for cell growth, the production of fatty acids, and the metabolism of fats and amino acids. Biotin not only assists in various metabolic reactions, but also helps to transfer carbon dioxide. Biotin is also helpful in maintaining a steady blood sugar level.

Weight Loss

After seeing what the body uses B vitamins for, its easy to see that to assist weight loss you should ensure that you are getting adequate amounts of B vitamins daily.

The Master Cleanse

The Master Cleanse is the name of a cleansing fast created by Stanley Burroughs in 1941. Since then, thousands have tried it and many have found it to be a helpful way of losing weight and getting your body to a healthier place.

What is it?

At its most basic, The Master Cleanse is simply a liquid diet with a minimal daily calorie intake. Stanley Burroughs actually described it as a detoxifying diet, one that removes toxins and built up wastes from the body. Your daily food consists of only one thing, and that is a simple “Lemonade” made from fresh lemons, maple syrup and purified water. Aside from the lemonade, the only other things you ingest are copious amounts of fresh water, and a daily “flush” that is little more than a salt water laxative.

The Master Cleanse usually lasts anywhere from three to ten days, with most proponents suggesting that optimal health is only reached by going for at least the ten day mark.

How does it work?

1) You stop ingesting solid foods, many state this allows your digestive system to “relax” and allows your body to focus on eliminating toxins.

2) You cleanse your body, especially the intestines of long built up wastes. Since you are no longer pushing sold foods through your insides, the daily flushes should in theory help break up and flush out any waste material you have in your gut. This is also assisted by the mucus membrane stimulating effect of capsaicin found in the lemonade.

3) Many of the people that stick to a diet plan such as the Master Cleanse, report that it helps them gain some level of mental clarity and at once the fasting period is over, and that it is easier to focus on a healthier diet and lifestyle.

How do I do it?

Many suggest that you start off your cleanse with a day or two “ease-in” period and finish up with a day or two “ease-out” period.

Ease-in

Easing into the Master Cleanse usually consists of slowing moving from solid foods to more liquid based foods, and ending with a day of juice (usually Orange) so that you become more adjusted to daily regimen.

Ease-out

The Ease out step is generally the reverse of the ease-in period. You slowly reintroduce solid foods into your diet, starting with a day where you only take in juices and other clear liquids. Most people seem to suggest a two to three day ease out period.

The Lemonade Diet (3 – 10+ days)

The Master Cleanse is very simple, mainly because you are limited to a single food source, which is simple lemonade. This is the source of all of your daily calories, vitamins and nutrients:

The Lemonade Diet (Daily Mixture)

60 ounces of filtered water
12 Tablespoons of organic grade B maple syrup
12 Tablespoons of organic lemon juice
1/2 Teaspoon cayenne pepper powder

In addition to the lemonade, once per day you also mix up a laxative which is simply an indigestible salt water drink. You drink the flush all at one time, and usually within one to three hours, experience one or more “eliminations”. (NOTE: Once you drink the flush, do your best to remain near a bathroom until you know the flush is mostly out of your system, the urge to eliminate can come on very quickly)

The Salt Water Flush (SWF)

1 quart of lukewarm or room temperature water
2 level teaspoons of sea salt

Additional Information:

You can visit our forum here, where I have documented my week long adventure with The Master Cleanse. There are also many online resources for information on the Master Cleanse, one such site is The Master Cleanser, which has a good online forum that offers support and guidance.

Geekhealth.org Review : Bhut Jolokia (Ghost Pepper)

When it comes to peppers and heat one stands above the rest, the Bhut Jolokia or “Ghost Pepper”. 

Ghost peppers come in at an amazing 1,000,000 Scoville Units on the Scoville scale.

Geekhealth.org contacted American Spice to test out their hottest offering : The World’s Hottest Chile Pepper!!! Bhut Jolokia (Ghost Chile)

We must say that the peppers are definitely hot, but what surprised us the most was the amount of flavor these peppers contained. Also its surprising just how long the heat stays with you.  Most testers could feel some level of “burn” up to an hour after they ate the pepper.

We tried to get as many people as possible to eat these peppers, and ended up getting five testers. All agreed that the pepper’s heat is top notch, but nothing to be afraid of (at least if your used to eating hot foods.)

Some of the more interesting comments we heard were :

• “Oh God, when will the burning stop”
• “Great heat, the most I’ve ever felt from a pepper!  The taste is wonderful, like a dark chili powder.”
• “My mouth!  I think its going numb.”

Everyone that tried these peppers found them to be full of flavor and definitely full of heat.  We even tried cooking some chili with these and found that just one Bhut Jolokia was enough to spice up a four quarts of chili. 

We also found American Spice was really easy to deal with, and our chili’s arrived quickly and nicely packaged.  If your looking to try the worlds hottest pepper then this is our pick for quality service and quality spices.

Peppers

Peppers, those lovely bright colored fruits(that’s right fruit), have many wonderful properties, one that most will be familiar with is the burning sensations certain peppers impart.

Peppers grow all over the world and are part of the genus Capsicum. There are five major species of peppers so the variety you can find is stunning.

First lets discuss their spicy secret: Capsaicin. Capsaicin is the chemical responsible for the ?heat? of a pepper.  The more Capsaicin the pepper has in it, the hotter it will feel when you eat it.  When you chew peppers you release the Capsaicin, and it quickly binds to a receptor in the mouth called the vanilloid receptor subtype 1 (VR1).  Capsaicin binding to this receptor causes the same sensation as high heat, thus we feel a burning sensation proportional to the amount of Capsaicin.

The “heat” of a pepper is measured on the Scoville scale.

Health Benefits

While the health impact of Capsaicin is debatable, peppers also contain a good variety of vitamins and minerals that are definitely beneficial to your health.

Some of the healthy contents in peppers :

• Vitamin C
• Vitamin A
• Beta Carotene
• Zinc
• Magnesium
• Phosphorus
• Sulfur (Sulphur)
• a variety of B Vitamins
• Selenium

Are hotter peppers better for health?

Not necessarily, although some studies show that Capsaicin does have some cancer fighting potential.  Keep in mind that to get the amount of Capsaicin used in the study you would need to eat between three and eight Habanera peppers a week.

Hot Pepper Ingredient Kills Prostate Cancer Cells

Water

Water

Names for water

• H2O
• oxidane
• dihydrogen monoxide
• hydrogen hydroxide

What is Water?

Water is a chemical formed when two hydrogen atoms combine with a single oxygen atom. (H2O)

Where do we get water from?

It is estimated that there are nearly 326 million trillion gallons of water on the earth. Ninety-eight percent of the water of earth is in the oceans, and thus undrinkable because of its salt content. Nearly two percent of the earths water is fresh, although 1.6 percent is frozen on the polar caps and glaciers. 0.36 percent is deep underground in aquifers and wells. About 0.036 percent of fresh water is readily accessible from lakes/rivers. The rest of the earths water is found in the air being contained in clouds or vapor, as well as the water content found within plants and animals.

Health benefits of water

The human body is made up of nearly half to two-thirds water. Women average slightly lower than men. Simply put the body can not function without proper water intake, it assists in digestion, and nutrient transportation. It helps eliminate wastes and even helps in the lubrication of joints. Water is used by the body to help regulate temperature as well as helping to regulate metabolism. Water is also used to moisten the body, especially in the ear, nose and throat tissues.

Water also plays a large role in weight management:

• Those who do not drink enough water will actually find their bodies retain more water.
• Water assists excretion of waste from bowel and kidneys. If you don’t drink enough water you get constipated and put your kidneys under stress.
• Water can help suppress appetite.
• Water ensures nutrients are delivered throughout the body.

How much water do I need a day?

There are many suggested values for daily water intake, for men they range from 1.5 liters a day to 3 liters a day, women need slightly less ranging from 1.5 to 2.2 liters. Some suggested methods are :

• Fluid Replacement. The average urine output for adults is 1.5 liters a day. You lose close to an additional liter of water a day through breathing, sweating and bowel movements. Food usually accounts for 20 percent of your total fluid intake, so if you consume 2 liters of water or other beverages a day (a little more than 8 cups) along with your normal diet, you will typically replace the lost fluids.
• Dietary recommendations. The Institute of Medicine advises that men consume roughly 3.0 liters (about 13 cups) of total beverages a day and women consume 2.2 liters (about 9 cups) of total beverages a day.
• 8 x 8 rule (eight 8-ounce glasses). Drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day.

Activities that augment water needs

The following activates require you to increase your daily water intake:

• Exercise
• Exposure to hot or humid environments
• Illness
• Pregnancy
• Breast-feeding

Can I drink too much water?

Drinking too much water can lead to a condition known as Hyponatremia.

Hyponatremia is an abnormally low concentration of sodium in the blood. When your blood sodium is extremely low, the bodies cells start malfunctioning causing swelling. Drinking too much water at one time can cause acute hyponatremia. Acute hyponatremia is serious condition that can cause rapid brain swelling which can cause adverse conditions such as coma or even death. Acute hyponatremia can be avoided in many situations by replacing water with drinks that have an electrolyte content. These drinks might be better suited for consumption during strenuous events such as marathons or extended exercise routines.

WARNING: PHENYLKETONURICS: CONTAINS PHENYLALANINE

PHENYLALANINE

What is it?

Phenylalanine is an amino acid.

It can be found in many foods including eggs, milk, bananas, and meat products.

Why does it need a warning?

Sometimes, mostly noticeable on diet soda, there is a warning which reads “WARNING: PHENYLKETONURICS: CONTAINS PHENYLALANINE”. This may seem quite disturbing but really all this is indicating is the food in question contains the non-saccharide sweetener aspartame.

There are some people that have an enzyme deficiency that makes it difficult for them to metabolize Phenylalanine, these people are referred to as “Phenylketonurics”. Thus the warning can be interpreted as such : “For those people who have the condition Phenylketonuria, be warned, this product contains Phenylalanine.”

What happens if I can’t metabolize Phenylalanine?

If the body can not metabolize and eliminate the Phenylalanine then a substance called phenylpyruvic acid builds up in the blood system. High levels of this acid can damage the brain and/or lead to other adverse conditions : mental retardation, the loss of pigmentation in the skin/hair/eyes (people with untreated PKU often have light skin, blond hair and blue eyes), a mousy odor, muscle aches and pains and in extreme cases, even seizures.

I do not have Phenylketonuria, should I be concerned about Phenylalanine?

This is debatable although most would say there is little risk to those who do not have the condition called Phenylketonuria.

If you want to see an opinion stating that Phenylalanine is dangerous to the entire population you can see one here : Sweet Poison

Dietary Fiber

What is Dietary Fiber?

Dietary fiber consists of non-starch based plant parts such as : cellulose, inulin, lignin, pectin, plant based waxes, dextrins, polysaccharides and oligosaccharides.

While we refer to all these as “fiber”, many of these substances are not fibers, but simply parts of plants that the human body is incapable of digesting. All these substances pass though the digestive system relatively untouched by the various digestive acids or enzymes.

Dietary fiber(s) are normally separated into two groups : Insoluble and Soluble.

Insoluble Fiber

Insoluble fiber does not completely dissolve in water, rather it absorbs it and adds bulk that can(with proper water intake) soften stool and helps the body move the waste through the intestines with lessened effort.

Soluble Fiber

Soluble fiber does dissolve in the presence of water, and while they pass relatively unchanged though the small intestine, they do undergo full or partial fermentation in the large intestine. While many immediately think the word “fermentation” would have negative connotations, the opposite is true in this case. The partial or complete fermentation of dietary fiber in the large intestines produce many beneficial compounds that give dietary fiber many of its beneficial properties.

Dietary fiber(s) assist the human body in many ways :

• Help to stabilize blood glucose levels.
• Help suppress cholesterol Lower colonic pH levels, which may have colonic health benefits.
• Increase the absorption of vitamins and minerals by slowing down the digestion process.
• Add bulk to the stomach, reducing hunger while adding few, if any calories to the diet.
• Help the body in elimination processes.

How much Dietary Fiber do I need in my diet?

The American Dietetic Association (ADA) recommends a minimum of 20-35 g/day for a healthy adult depending on calorie intake (e.g., a 2000 cal/8400 kJ diet should include 25 g of fiber per day).

The ADA’s recommendation for children is that intake should equal age in years plus 5 g/day (e.g., a 4 year old should consume 9 g/day). No guidelines have yet been established for the elderly or very ill. Patients with current constipation, vomiting, and abdominal pain should see a physician.

Note : Certain bulking agents are not commonly recommended with the prescription of opioids because the slow transit time mixed with larger stools may lead to severe constipation, pain, or obstruction.

Note : Doctors do not recommend giving young children fiber supplements Children’s fiber should come primarily from diet. Cincinnati Children’s take on fiber.

How should I increase my daily Dietary Fiber intake?

One word : Gradually.

For those who are not currently consuming 20-35 grams a day of dietary fiber, you should start adding foods high in a slow to moderate pace. You should also keep a close watch on your daily fluid intake as increasing your fiber without proper fluids may have negative implications. Remember that dietary fiber will absorb water, and while it assists the movement of wastes through the body, if your not taking in enough liquids (preferable plain water), you may end up causing moderate to severe constipation.

What foods should I look for to add more Dietary Fiber to my diet?

dietary-fiber.com

What about the use of fiber supplements?

Adding high fiber foods would be the preferred way of adding dietary fiber, in addition to the fiber, these foods provide other nutrients If however you wish to maintain your dietary fiber levels without modifying your diet, there are a number of products readily available that help add dietary fiber to your diet.