Naringin

Naringin is a flavonoid compound that is found in grapefruit. The characteristic bitter flavor of grapefruit is cause by naringin. To obtain the desired degree of bitterness, grapefruit processors select fruits with low naringin content and blend juices from different grapefruit varieties.

Naringin are also used in inhibiting cancer-causing compounds and contains potential chemotherapeutic value. In recent studies conducted naringin interferes with the enzymatic activity in the intestines with the breakdown of certain drugs results in the higher blood levels of the drug. Naringin in grapefruit affects a number of drugs such as calcium channel blockers, estrogen, sedatives, medications for high blood pressure, allegies, AIDS and cholesterol-reducing drugs. Effects of caffeine or caffeine levels are also extended by consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice.

Since the effect of naringin in grapefruit on the metabolism of drug could increase the drug’s effectiveness, it also results in dosages that are inadvertently too high. It is therefore recommended not to take any drug with grapefruit juice unless the resulting drug interaction is known. Effects of drinking grapefruit juice are also cumulative which means for instance, if you drank a glass of grapefruit juice daily together with your medication for three days. The drug interaction is stronger at the end of the week than at the beginning.

Naringin displays many other characteristics in which some makes it suitable to be included in the ingredients list of a number of popular fat burners. Some evidence point out that the effects and levels of caffeine can be extended when consumed with naringin. Since around 99% if the fat burners in the market today contain caffeine (derived from natural sources such as Kola nut, Yerba mate, Green tea and many others) and caffeine does show thermogenic or fat burning properties, naringin will obviously extend the caffeine’s effects.

Naringin also shows some cholesterol-lowering effects which is a desired feature for dieters. Naringin is also an aldose reductase inhibitor which aids in combating retinal disease in diabetics.

When consumed, naringin exhibits the following effects:

- Protects against toxins in chemotherapy drugs and environment
- Increases lipid metabolism
- Increases ethanol metabolism
- Decreases negative effects of ethanol intake
- Acts as free radical scavenger
- Decreases cytotoxicity
- Acts as antioxidant
- Acts as anti-apoptotic
- Protects from carcinogenic matter
- Reduce risks of atherosclerosis
- Inhibits LDL oxidation
- Treats gastric lesions
- Inhibits Sindbis neurovirulent virus
- Reduces total cholesterol levels
- Protects plasma vitamin E levels
- Prevents hypercholesterolemia
- Anti-atherogenic properties

HOW TO TAKE NARINGIN

Natural Grapefruit juice contains 500 – 800 mg/litre of naringin.
For those on a diet or fat loss program, take 200-300 ml of grapefruit juice (100-150 mg. naringin) together with 200-350 mg caffeince. Drink two or more glasses of grapefruit juice over the day every four hours. Total calories and carbohydrates of grapefruit juice drinks must be taken into account when undergoing a fat loss program. Using dried grapefruit peel can give high concentrations of Naringin without the accompanying carbohydrates and calories.

NADH

NADH or Nicortinamide adenine dinucleotide is a coenzyme derived from vitamin B3 or niacin. It is found in all living cells. As a coenzyme, it helps enzymes do their functions. Enzymes are proteins that work as a catalyst in the body to prompt chemical changes in other substances. Coenzymes are mostly synthesized from vitamins and needed by the body for optimum energy production. NADH stimulates production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) which is a compound that regulates the release of energy stored in cells. More NADH in a cell means more chemical energy it produces. Increased concentrations of NADH in the brain boost the production of neurotransmitters brain chemicals necessary for sound mental function. NADH used to be administered intravenously because the stomach acid rapidly destroys the delicate molecule. Recently, the supplement comes in new enteric-coated, oral tablet form.

These are the specific benefits of taking NADH supplements:

- NADH supplements combat from simple fatigue to chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia. Studies are currently conducted to determine the value of NADH supplements in improving mental function in Alzheimer’s disease and reducing physical disability and relieving depression in people with Parkinson’s disease.

- NADH supplements are taken in by healthy individuals to improve concentration and memory capacity as well for athletic endurance. Although as of now there are no published studies that indicate the effectiveness of NADH for these purposes.

- NADH is found to relieve chronic fatigue syndrome in a recent study by FDA. NADH also relieves general fatigue including fibromyalgia-related exhaustion because it increases energy in cells thereby boosting energy in people with fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is a disorder which caused muscle pain and fatigue.

- NADH relieves depression by stimulating production of a number of key chemicals called neurotransmitters which could alleviate depression.

- NADH is also known to assist in Parkinson’s therapy because it increases the levels of dopamine which slows down physical symptoms of Parkinson’s disease and the accompanying depression.

- NADH also improves Alzheimer’s symptoms by improving cognitive dysfunction.

NADH is distributed in tablet form. It is best to take it with water on an empty stomach. There is no known drug or nutrient interactions related with NADH. High doses or about 10 mg or more a day can cause jitteriness, anxiety and insomnia. Safety of long-term treatment of oral NADH could not be ascertained. But use for no longer than four months before starting again a month after is recommended. Or you can take it two or three time per week instead of daily. To prevent side effects such as jitteriness and mild overstimulation, begin with small oral dose of about 2.5 mg per day for several weeks then increase the dosage over a period of two to three weeks. For chronic fatigue syndrome and simple fatigue, take 2.5 mg twice daily for 10 days then 5 mg twice daily. For fibromyalgia, take 2.5 mg twice daily for 14 days then 5 mg twice daily. For Parkinson’s disease, take 5 mg a day, increasing it to over two weeks to 10 mg twice a day. For Alzheimer’s disease, take 5 mg a day.