Hoodia Gordonii Blog

Reflexology is the practice of using reflex zones on the hands and feet that correspond to different parts of the body in an effort to treat ailments and improve mood. The science of reflexology is based on the belief that the human body has an invisible life force and that the state of its being can be manipulated through the feet and hands. The practice of reflexology has been recorded as early as ancient Egyptian and Chinese times.

Proponents of reflexology believe that a combination of traditional medical care supplemented with reflexology is the best way to maintain optimal health. As the benefits of reflexology are not completely proven, reflexology alone should not be used to diagnosis or treat any medical concern. The most beneficial aspect of reflexology is the stress and tension release it provides, however it is used to cover the whole gamut of medical conditions. For example, some use reflexology to lose weight or to suppress the appetite. While other proven methods of appetite suppression such as Hoodia pills, are available, some people chose this route.

How it Works

It has been agreed among health care providers that 75% of our health problems can be linked to nervous stress and tension. With this in mind, reflexology is an avenue to release stress and tension through specific techniques involving finger and thumb movements and pressure application to the hands and feet the represent other organs and systems in the body. Unlike a massage, this process is done without the use of oils or lotions.  Since the hands and feet are the most tactile body parts, and most important in a fight or flight situation, it is believed that they are the most receptive to the other parts of the body.  

Areas of the hands and feet correspond to the body as a whole. Specifically, the left foot and hand mirror the left side of the body while the right foot and hand match up to the right side.  Working from the head down, the foot represents the body. Starting with the toes, the head and neck regions are reflected. All internal organs above the waist are signified in the regions above the ball of the foot, just as everything below the waist is represented in the heel area of the foot.

Even though the science of reflexology has not yet been thoroughly researched, the use of reflexology has been said to help some lose weight without the aid of a diet pill, and manage anxiety disorders.

Apple cider vinegar may seem like the perfect panacea, it supposedly is the perfect solution for everything from a cleaning product to an overall health cure-all. Because of its numerous applications and loyal users, apple cider vinegar can be found in the health food as well as condiment aisles in grocery stores. So what is the truth behind apple cider vinegar?

Apple cider vinegar is the resulting product of fermented alcohol. Vinegar can be yielded from the fermentation process of a vast array of ingredients such as grains, fruits, and vegetables. Resulting from the fermentation process is acetic acid, vitamins, minerals and amino acids, which are present in the vinegar.

Just like herbal remedies, apple cider vinegar has been used as an alternative to cure a vast array of ailments. While there is no solid documentation that apple cider remedies work, it is a favorite home staple to get rid the symptoms of lice, warts and jelly fish stings.

In addition to home remedies for common annoyances, apple cider vinegar has also been used for medical conditions covering diabetes to weight loss and everything in between. Studies that have been done on rats have shown that blood pressure and high cholesterol have been reduced when diets were supplemented with apple cider vinegar. Other studies have shown that cancer cells have been destroyed with the consumption of vinegar and the risk of esophageal cancer was also reduced with its consumption.  

More commonly apple cider vinegar has been studied in the control of type II diabetes. Research done in a very small study indicated that levels of glucose in the blood were reduced by 4%-6% when two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar were taken before bed. Besides treating type II diabetes, the other popular use of apple cider vinegar is for managing weight loss. Those who seek assistance from apple cider vinegar in the weight loss department say that taking an apple cider diet pill helps them feel fuller.  Apple cider vinegar claims to work in the same way as Hoodia pills, or other appetite suppressants.

Anyone who plans on making healthy living a lifestyle should have an arsenal of tools in their home to help them get the body they want. Even if most of your exercising is done outdoors or in the gym, having equipment will help pull you through those days when it’s too cold outside or can’t make it to the gym to get in a workout. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to spend a small fortune to equip your home to be a workout haven. Many things can be bought secondhand if you’re not sure you’ll get your money’s worth.

Have a television with a DVD player and/or a radio. You can find quality workout tapes at the library, on eBay, at yard sales, or borrow them from a friend. Sometimes all you’ll need is some inspiring music on the radio or CD to get you ready for your workout. There are a number of ways to get quality routines, including downloading mp3s online. It’s up to you how you want to structure your days indoors.

Buy as many challenging workout tools as you can afford. We’re not talking about the three thousand dollar treadmill you saw at the sporting goods store. A stability ball can be purchased for under twenty dollars (even cheaper secondhand), and many jump ropes are less than ten. If you have a specific area or activity you want to target, there are tons of different tools on television you can buy inexpensively. The ab wheel is a favorite, as well as the pull-up bar, slant bench, wobble board, aerobic step, and more. There’s no limit to what you can try. Just be sure you don’t spend too much if you’re still discovering what works for you.

No matter what you decide to get for your home gym, remember that you will need to eat right in order to see results. It is nearly impossible to burn enough calories through exercise alone. A sensible diet is the key to steady weight loss. You may want to try adding supplements to your program as well. Hoodia diet pills are an excellent choice, as they do not have the same harsh stimulants or severe side effects as others on the market today. No matter what you choose, remember to give yourself time to see results, and adjust accordingly.

For those who want to learn discipline and push themselves to the limit in their weight loss programs, a fitness boot camp may do the trick.  These programs are tough, grueling workouts usually beginning early in the morning that push you harder than the toughest personal trainer.  While there are residential versions, many choose to do a six to nine week program that starts before dawn and finishes before you go to work in the morning.

The workouts are far from exotic, involving such gym class favorites as running, jumping jacks, pushups, sit ups, and other old-fashioned calisthenics.  Many of the instructors are former military, giving you a taste of life as a soldier.  These no-frills, no mercy workouts are just the push that some need to jump start their weight loss.  They are not meant for the overly sensitive or people who need special treatment due to health conditions or injuries.

These workouts not only train your body, but teach you a discipline that you didn’t know existed.  Despite all the yelling and insults flung by the trainers, people report becoming much more confident after completing a boot camp.  Their self-esteem increases with each workout completed, knowing that they can do it.  This confidence carries over into all areas of your life, and helps to reduce overall stress levels.  The belief in oneself can be the most powerful weapon of all, and a fitness boot camp may be just what you need to break the negative mindset.

Unless you are in a residential setting, the fitness boot camp places its emphasis on exercise, leaving a hole in your weight loss program that you can fill with sound research and careful planning.  Learn about different eating plans and try one that you think will suit your lifestyle and personality.  One cannot burn all the calories necessary to achieve weight loss through exercise alone, so it’s important to make sure you’re eating properly.  Be careful after your exercise sessions, as many feel hungriest at this time and tend to overeat.  Don’t ruin your calorie blasting workout with a fat laden breakfast.  If hunger is a problem, you may want to try a natural appetite suppressant.

The holiday season is one of the scariest times for dieters.  With fat-laden desserts and extra-large portions around every corner, keeping up with your weight loss program can be a daunting task.  But there are ways to control yourself from overfeasting and avoid the heartbreaking weight gain associated with it.  A little discipline goes a long way when sidestepping temptation.

Have a plan.  Pretending the issue doesn’t exist doesn’t work, as eventually your willpower caves in and you find yourself going back to the holiday buffet for seconds.  Know how you are going to handle problem situations ahead of time and rehearse them in your mind.  Food pushers like relatives or colleagues will require all the strength you can muster.  Saying no several times usually does the trick.  If not, accept the food and discreetly dump it in another room.  Tell yourself everyday that you will succeed.

Enlist support.  Ask anyone who will be going to events with you to provide encouragement, like a spouse or co-worker.  Sometimes just seeing them there with you will be enough.  If they are unavailable to attend an event with you, keep them on your speed dial and slip outside to call them whenever temptation strikes.  Make yourself accountable to your friend or spouse by reporting to them what you eat and when you slip.  A good partner will not chide you, but encourage you to keep on going even when you make a mistake.

Use your tools.  Calorie counters are good for letting you know what that eggnog will do to your daily fat intake.  Keep taking your diet pills.  Make sure you exercise as planned, and make up for whatever you missed while partying if possible.  A workout partner is always a good motivator.  If it’s not too cold, maybe you can slip away from the festivities for a quick walk around the block with a friend.  Watch your alcohol intake, as this may make you more likely to let your guard down.  If you feel you won’t be able to resist the urge, try taking a natural appetite suppressant like hoodia approximately one hour before you arrive.  This will help you feel full and make you less likely to overindulge.

While some people may base their weight loss on books or videos, there really is no one size fits all approach to lose weight. While there are basic guidelines that do work for everybody, all people are different and will approach their journey to health in a different way. It’s important to be realistic about the expectations you put on yourself and take your personality and lifestyle into consideration. Some will do best in the morning, while others may be more efficient at night or in the afternoon. Put together a program that will work for you.

The first component of your weight loss plan is your diet. You may choose to get a book and follow the diet to the letter. Or you may put together some loose guidelines based on what you’ve learned from your research and follow that. No matter the diet you choose, there are some tips that will work for any plan. Always opt for fresh foods over processed ones, and do not follow a fad diet that has you eating some miracle fat burning food all the time with little else. Make sure to add some variety and flexibility into eating, allowing yourself to indulge a little every once in awhile. Keeping a food diary is extremely popular and many people post what they eat online to hold themselves accountable.

Next you want to consider your exercise plan. Many like going to the gym and find it easy to incorporate this into their routine. Still others who are obese or intimidated by the high energy atmosphere found there may prefer a solitary exercise such as walking or using workout videos. Whatever your plan is, make sure it’s realistic. If you don’t get up until 7AM, don’t expect to miraculously wake up at 5 every day for an early morning workout. Create a schedule that fits your current lifestyle and stick to it.

Vitamins and supplements are another important consideration for any weight loss plan. A multivitamin is a given, but there are many other things on the market that may help. A natural appetite suppressant may be necessary for those with problems overeating. Other helpful supplements include CLA, fish oil, and others. Take the time to research what’s available and find out what works for you.

When it comes to exercise, the most common mantra is “I don’t have time.”  We all have busy lives, but all of us have at least a few minutes of down time daily where we could squeeze in a quick exercise session.  The truth is that many of us just don’t want to, or lack the time management skills necessary to get things done.  Read on for a couple of quick suggestions to incorporate exercise into our daily lives.

Take fido for a walk.  If you have an animal or an infant in your home, sneaking out for a quick walk is a great way to add some movement to your day.  You don’t have to go for an entire hour to reap the benefits.  Two short walks of 15 minutes each have the same health benefits as walking for a half hour.  A quick jog in the morning followed by another after work knocks out half of the recommended daily exercise time for adults.  So get that leash or stroller in gear and get moving.

Delegate the household chores and responsibility.  If you love going to the gym but don’t like having to spend an hour doing housework when you get home, put other family members in charge.  Create a chart for the refrigerator to show whose turn it is to do a specific chore.  This eliminates arguments and posts it for all the family to see.  By freeing up more time in your evening, you will be able to fit in that new aerobics class you’ve wanted to join.

Take the stairs and park further from the office.  Even if you work on the seventh floor, try taking the stairs throughout the day.  Though at first you may be gasping for breath, in time you’ll notice that it becomes easier to do.  Parking farther away from the office gives you more time to mentally prepare for the day, and can become a quick mood booster.  Other popular times to exercise are after lunch and on your morning break.  A quick walk will help you feel more focused.

No matter what activities you choose to do, you cannot burn enough calories by exercising alone.  Be sure to follow a sensible diet and drink plenty of water.  Include fresh fruits and vegetables while avoiding processed foods.  If appetite is a problem, try using a supplement.

Hoodia Gordonii has a long history as an appetite suppressant.  Around 25,000 years ago, the San bushmen would use hoodia to thwart hunger during long hunting trips.  Food was scarce in the Kalahari Desert of South Africa, so this plant was an important tool.  By allowing the hunters to focus on the big game roaming the desert instead of their growling stomachs, they could go days at a time with little food and still bag enough to bring home for their communities.  Hoodia was unknown outside of the San tribal community.

Then in 1937, a Dutch anthropologist was studying the tribe and noticed that they consumed the stem of a certain plant before hunting to stave off hunger.  This was the first outsider who came to realize that hoodia may be an effective tool to control appetite.  Since hoodia is stimulant-free, there were no noticeable side effects and hunters seemed to do well on their expeditions despite the lack of food.

It wasn’t until almost 30 years later, in 1963, that the South African government decided to study hoodia.  The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, South Africa’s national laboratory, began an exhaustive study of the plant.  Private clinical trials showed that lab animals given one type of hoodia ate less and lost a significant amount of weight.  There are approximately 13 types of hoodia, but only hoodia gordonii had any effect.

The South African Scientists teamed up with the European pharmaceutical company Phytopharm and eventually isolated the active ingredient in hoodia, which they called p57.  Phytopharm obtained a patent in 1995 and has put over 20 million dollars in research into the plant.  They then licensed rights to Pfizer in 1998, who returned them after being unable to develop a suitable prescription version.  Phytopharm is now working with another company.

Several clinical trials have been completed using hoodia to date.  The most popular showed that people who took hoodia gordonii for one month ate over 1,000 calories less per day naturally.  This reduction in appetite led to significant weight loss.  In addition, none suffered any serious side effects.  A popular news program, 60 Minutes, also featured hoodia.  The correspondent stated she was not hungry the entire day and did not experience any decline in mood.

Today, hoodia is a popular supplement for weight loss.  The problem is that most companies sell ineffective versions of the product that don’t contain enough p57 to make a difference.  What’s even worse is that many more add stimulants to mask the lack of hoodia, causing serious side effects.  Be sure to research any company before you purchase.  A legitimate hoodia seller will get independent testing done and list all their ingredients on the bottle.

Many people who are unsuccessful at weight loss abandon their diets after spending months of feeling hungry all the time.  Afraid of sacrificing what little progress they had made, they would never eat anything except during meals and ignored the cravings until they were so bad they could no longer tolerate them.  This antiquated mindset leads many dieters astray.  It’s important to stay flexible and listen to your body when it’s hungry.  There are some snacks you can indulge in during the day without sabotaging your weight loss.

Before reaching for food, try having a glass of water.  Many times we confuse our body’s signals for thirst with those for hunger.  Water has no calories or sugar, so it’s safe to fill up on as much as you want.  A great weight loss tip is to replace all the drinks you have daily with water except for your morning cup of coffee and whatever you have with dinner.  Always have a cold glass of water handy, and wait 10 minutes after drinking to see if you still feel hungry.  If so, have a snack. 

If you’re looking for a pick me up, try fresh fruit or crunchy veggies.  The sugar in fruit is better for you than the refined types you typically find in office vending machines.  Since the sugar from fruit takes longer to break down in your body you will feel fuller longer, without that crash you may get once your unhealthy snack wears off.  Crunchy vegetables, while not as sweet, can have the same energizing effects as a cold, crisp apple.

Nuts are a great source of heart-healthy unsaturated fats.  A handful of almonds can leave you feeling full and help boost heart health.  Be careful, as these have a lot of fat.  Try not to eat more than a small handful per day.  Popcorn is another healthy snack.  Try to avoid the microwavable versions if possible.  Have it air popped and top with a bit of toffee or caramel.  Though this may seem like too much sugar, it’s likely less than your favorite candy bar.

When it comes to losing weight, what many people don’t realize is that success lies in the numbers.  Calorie reduction, exercise, fats, carbohydrates, proteins and pounds are quantified in one way or another.  Knowing how to juggle the numbers is the key to any successful weight loss program, and you don’t have to be a mathematician to do it.  Follow these simple guidelines to tilt the odds in your favor and get rid of that extra weight.

Know what’s in what you’re eating.  Studies show that most people underestimate the amount of calories they consume each day, and overestimate the amount they burn through exercise.  The best way to know what you’re actually taking in is to start with a food diary.  Do this for at least a week to get an idea of what you eat normally, including weekends.  Then go to a calorie counting website and find out what your average calorie consumption is per day.  Some people continue with a food diary throughout their entire weight loss program. 

Know what you’re burning.  Find out how many calories you are really burning through exercising.  You will need to create a deficit in order to lose weight.  It takes an excess of 3500 calories consumed in order to gain a pound.  This means that you will need to reduce your intake by about 500 calories daily to lose a pound in a week.  Since most people do not burn that much daily through exercise alone, most of it will need to come from your diet. 

Use your food diary to choose what and how you will alter your lifestyle to create success.  Reviewing this important tool will show you where you can cut back on eating.  The important thing is to make small, manageable changes.  Some people can cut an extra 500 calories out daily by switching from soda to water.  Others will need to make further changes to bring about the desired results.  Just remember that any diet less than 1200 calories a day will also destroy muscle.  This can lower metabolism, so be sure to stay above or equal to that number, even if it’s only by a couple of calories.