Archive for the ‘Questions About Products and Ingredients’ Category

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! 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

By resupplying your body with “friendly” bacteria, Probiotics can be incredibly useful supplements to both keep you healthy and help you pull through a wide range of health problems. Probiotic supplements have been around for a long time, but recent high-profile ad campaigns for probiotics in yogurt as well as food poisoning outbreaks have really taken them prime time and renewed interest in these bacterial supplements. But although probiotics come in capsules and tablets just like vitamins, there are big differences between the two, you’ve got to regard them differently than inert vitamins. So we’ve put together a guide for buying, storing and using your probiotic supplements for the best possible results.

Dear AllStarHealth,

Maybe it’s been our typical Minnesota weather, or the Holidays, or something else, but we’ve really gotten into a rut with our training. My wife and I got the gym every other day faithfully but we don’t seem to be making the kind of progress we were just a few months ago. I think she’s losing her enthusiasm for it, and we’re kind of at a plateau. Are there any supplements that can help us get back on track?

We get a lot of variations on this theme. Most people who’ve made exercise a part of their life will get into a rut or hit a plateau sooner or later. Are there products that can help? Definitely!

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?

You may have been hearing a lot about Acai (ah-sa-EE) berry supplements or acai juice lately. Quite a few AllStarHealth customers have asked us to comment on the new popularity and legitimacy of Acai supplements.

Dear AllStarHealth,

I need advice, please. I am trying to lose about 25 lbs. I do cardio 3 days a week and weights 3 days week. My friend was saying Casein protein was better than Whey protein powder for losing weight. When I went and read up on it, everyone seems to say whey is better because it absorbs faster. Is that true and does it make a difference which one I use?

Thanks,

Lisa Connors,

Springfield, MO

Dear Lisa,

It’s true that whey absorbs faster than casein protein, that’s the gist of it, but it’s not necessarily better for that reason. In fact, while people used to just use one type of protein powder, it’s very common now to see people using 2 or even 3 types to take advantage of the dfferences. They’re just more popular now than ever.

In general, whey is used anytime you want a fast-absorbing protein, not necessarily one that’s going to fill you up for a long time or sustain growth while you sleep. So for most people, whey is best for good for a breakfast shake, a preworkout shake, or post-workout shake.

Dear AllStarHealth,

One thing I’m still confused about with protein shakes is whether they are going to make you slimmer or bulkier?

Dear AllStarHealth,

We’re trying to avoid hydrogenated oils, which I understand are bad for your heart. I’ve noticed that the bars we buy have something called ‘fractionated’ oils. That doesn’t sound good! What are they and are they as bad for you as hydrogenated oils?

Thanks,

Del Garza

Dear Del,

Both fractionation and hydrogenation are ways of processing an oil to change the consistency and melting point. But fractionated oils are totally different than hydrogenated oils and don’t pose the same health risks.

Q: I see you have a whole section of testosterone boosters. But I don’t really know how to pick one, and they all make some pretty tall claims. Heard good and bad things about them. I figure since you guys see what sells and what doesn’t, you’d have an idea about which is the best test booster?

Thanks,

Thousands of customers, everywhere.

Based on the kinds of questions customers email us, it’s pretty clear: one thing everyone seems to need more of is 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.