Are these 'power bracelets' proven to work?

Question 1
Are these 'power bracelets' proven to work?...  it sounds like a scam to me, I wouldnt buy one either way but id like to know if they are any good
rojak wtf man? unnecessary much

Answers
1)   They will work but do you really want your arms to go quickly, quicker than you walk? That's powerful stuff. - jupiteress

2)   u r smart... - rojak_7

3)   i actually worn power balance for 2 months and notice it is a scam. there is no improvements in any part of my body and mind. ITS A SCAM and a rip off.

power balance and the rest like EFX, quantum pendants, Trion z, ibalance are all scams.

You can try PHITEN a titanium product. - 〤

4)   I don't really believe it, but my PE teachers said so.
It works, because (when you're buying the original one,) the hologram on it helps stabilize your body and sending some electricity in your body. Something like that, im not sure too - agnesbyrne

5)   Total scam. How exactly do you think a plastic bracelet can "give you better balance" and make you stronger? - Rhianna does Medicine Year 1

6)   If you go to a typical power bracelet website and click on 'how they work' you get pseudoscientific bunk like:

"HOW DOES THE HOLOGRAM WORK?
Power Balance is based on the idea of optimizing the body’s natural energy flow, similar to concepts behind many Eastern philosophies. The hologram in Power Balance is designed to resonate with and respond to the natural energy field of the body."

You'll notice they don't actually say how they work. How exactly do they resonate with and respond to the natural energy field of the body? And how does that give you extra energy and power? What do they mean by the 'body's energy field'? They are not giving you any science, only marketing drivel.

"The bodies natural energy flow, similar to concepts behind many Eastern philosophies" is an appeal to false authority. Such concepts were developed by ancient cultures which had no model of how living organisms work. They are completely without empirical evidence.

The power balance people need to produce independent, robust, peer reviewed and repeatable clinical trials that shows their product works better than a placebo. Otherwise they are a major scam that just shows the lack of critical thinking in those who believe in them. - Gary Y

7)   If you believe they are powerful, they will be. They have the power to reflect your inner most beliefs. Same as religion or any other placebo. - MrNeutral

8)   No, they're just a scam. - Flizbap 2.0


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Question 2
What are the negative effects of Aspartame?...  I've heard that it can cause liver and lung cancer. Doesn't sound very good at all and it seems to be in a lot of fizzy drinks such as coca cola, diet coke etc. and even in some medicines such as gaviscon.

Answers
1)   Aspartame can have several negative side effects and has been a subject of controversy for quite some time.

Some side effects it is believed to cause are (but not limited to) as follows:

Vision issues, ranging from tear reduction to potential blindness
Increased sensitivity to high pitched sounds
Neurological issues, ranging from dizziness to epileptic seizures

There are many more as well. However that being said, the FDA has done extensive studies on Aspartame due to the large amount of controversy surrounding it and has found no reason to change its prior findings stating that Aspartame is safe for use as a general purpose food sweetener. In moderation it is fine. It is fairly likely that the claims of negative side effects are fairly overblown. - Alucard Hellsing

2)   There's no evidence that aspartame (in the concentrations found in food) have any negative effects at all.

Saying that, I can't see any good reason why people would consume this yukky tasting artificial sweetener when sugar tastes far better. It's easy to avoid most aspartame in foods by, er, eating other things (!) - dave

3)   Providing you don't have PKU, Aspartame is completely harmless in the amount used in foods. There is no evidence it causes liver or lung ca.

Edit: Ignore the ignorant alties.

thenoseknows said: "Independent studies show that Aspartame is converted to Formaldehyde in your body and causes neurological toxicity. This in turn can cause cancer, lupus and MS."

Formaldehyde is converted in the body very rapidly, and the amounts of formaldehyde from the metabolism of aspartame is insignificant compared to the amounts produced by other fruits you eat.

Additionally, aspartic acid isn't a significant excitotoxin in humans. There isn't enough uptake by the brain for it to cause any problems.

The quacks are getting confused with the effects observed in rats. However, there is a difference in metabolism with rats.

If you look at the studies in humans, in the amounts consumed in food, it's quite safe. - Rhianna does Medicine Year 1

4)   http://www.shirleys-wellness-cafe.com/nutraswt.htm

Also more excellent info. at Mercola.com and Natural News.

Don't kid yourself that the FDA has anything to do with consumer protection. They protect/serve industry. And they've never approved a product that was later found to be toxic, hmmm?!
The various "charitable" orgs like the Cancer Society and MS Society are mostly self-serving too, with financial ties to Big Pharma. It's in their best interests to keep chronic diseases going, otherwise the money would dry up and they'd find themselves obsolete.

No LONG TERM studies have been done PROVING the safety of Aspartame or any other chemical or drug. Independent studies show that Aspartame is converted to Formaldehyde in your body and causes neurological toxicity. This in turn can cause cancer, lupus and MS.

Use Aspartame at your peril. Even if someone is vapid enough to claim that it causes no harm, it's foolish to go right ahead and use it when so many other financially unmotivated sources tell you it's crap. How much is too much? How much rat poison can you tolerate before you a) get a little ill b) get really ill c) are pushing up daisies? Individual tolerance varies. - thenoseknows

5)   Check out these articles:

http://www.sweetpoison.com/aspartame-information.html

http://aspartame.mercola.com/

I stopped buying products with aspartame a long time ago as I was beginning to feel quite sick. I had headaches, nausea, insomnia, and very bad mood swings. I don't like the taste of it. As soon as I stopped taking it, everything got better. Perhaps it is a coincidence - perhaps not. Maybe it agrees with some people and not others. Everyone is different after all.

I don't include it in my diet personally.

Best, K. - Katie


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Question 3
Does D Mannose really work against urinary tract infections? It seems it has worked for almost everyone?...  But I read something that concerns me. I'm not a microbiologist, but I read someone who claims to be provide the following answer [regarding D Mannose]:

"It's not going to work. The idea is bacteria attach to cells by binding to mannose chains on cell surfaces. So adding mannose would block this, right?

In vitro yes, but in humans... Eating it is imply going to make it end up being degraded. You'd have to get it into your urinary system at high concentrations. If sugars are in your urine, you have more serious problems.

This is an example of cranks taking basic science and applying to a problem that will never work. Note no one provides any evidence.

Mannose does block UPEC's fimbria from binding to epithelial cells. The only problem is there is no mannose in your urinary tract no matter how much you ingest. Simple, basic biology. Sugars are not in urine unless you have a problem. It seems ignorance is a requirement for being a holistic practitioner."

I've also heard some people say it makes it worse. Yet, at the same time, I've seen and read countless "personal" account and reviews from people who say it works. Can anyone help me out? Thanks.
Here's the person who claims it won't work:

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AnaKqnp0Iok6HZplBi7xG6IjzKIX;_ylv=3?qid=20100614063002AA469lM
Here are some of the positive reviews:

http://www.amazon.com/Now-Foods-2810-D-Mannose-Powder/product-reviews/B000HCMK90/ref=sr_1_1_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1&qid=1287500553&sr=1-1

http://www.amazon.com/D-Mannose-with-CranActin-60-Capsules/product-reviews/B0011FT8OM/ref=dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1
<<<<<<<<EDIT>>>>>>>>

Does it actually survive in the bladder? And is it flushed away easily? How does it work? Will I have to use it for a long time?

Answers
1)   Try real organic cranberry juice and lotsa water. This seems to work for people as well, and it's natural and safe. - Rico Goldstar

2)   Yes, it does, but there are still skeptics who don't look at the research done. On PubMed.org, there are 826 studies that came up on a search for "D-Mannose urinary tract", many of which are pointing out that studies show it does work.

The best results from D-Mannose, Cranberry, or any other nutrients for the Urinary Tract come from regular use of them to prevent UTIs. If you've already got a UTI, these may not be enough to overcome the infection and antibiotics may be needed if it's far enough along (before it becomes a bladder/kidney infection).

The FDA also requires specific proof for any supplement company to make the claims that they make (including this one). I've had lengthy discussions with our Compliance officers and the FDA does make surprise inspections in all supplement companies (manufacturers, sellers, marketers, etc) and if they don't have clean enough operations, improper dosages in their products, proof of their claims, or a number of other concerns, the companies can be fined and/or shut down... it can and has happened before.
If any supplement company made a claim about D-Mannose or Cranberry helping with Urinary Tract health (which all of them do) and didn't have the proof for it, the FDA would fine them and/or remove the product from their sales until they changed the invalid claim. However, no supplement company has this problem (as all of them claim it and have the proof to back it up). And to appease the nay-sayers, the FDA still has oversight over supplement companies to the point where they will shut them down for causing problems, but they generally leave them alone if they aren't causing problems (ergo the "FDA disclaimer" on supplement bottles). I hope I helped! - oldtimekid2

3)   Be careful of testimonials and personal accounts. While they are evidence, they may still have the taint of bias and erroneous conclusions.

Check PubMed if you want to know evidence for D-mannose in UTI. It's a free database on many many research articles on the biomedical sciences. - angrydoc

4)   You should always be weary of testimonials/anecdotes when it comes to products related to health care. You can find supplements on amazon with no evidence or plausibility for treating any health condition, yet people 5 star it, saying it cured them of (fill in the blank).

I found one study claiming it was effective at treating UTI's http://www.healingtherapies.info/D-Mannose.htm

The big problems with this study are obvious. Very small size, no control group, no randomization and no blinding for anyone. Which makes it essentially worthless.

If you are absolutely opposed to taking antibiotics, cranberry would be a better option. It has least a little evidence it might treat a UTI. - Nate

5)   Here is the testimonial of someone who worked in a health food store for years and years and sold hundreds and hundreds of bottles.....very few people will say that it 'worked' for a bladder infections - they almost always end up with an antibiotic. - Tink


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Question 4
What works better, a colon cleanse kit or a cabbage soup detox?...  I have SEVERE bloating. I need to cleanse so that this bloating stops. I have not lost weight in 3 months, even after eating healthy and exercising every day.

What works best?

I'm doing the cabbage soup detox now, but would a kit from GNC work better since my case is so severe? (I look 7 months pregnant, randomly throughout the day)
I actually saw my doctor who determined I have no medical problem. No celiac, no allergies, no thyroid problems, no weird levels, etc. 5 different doctors, and nothing. I exercise every day and can't lose the bloat. A cleanse is pretty much the only thing left.

Answers
1)   colon cleanse.
I have same problem.
You will have issues with gas. Cut wheat and dairy. Cabbage will just ferment in your gut making you 10 times worse. - Ginny Jin

2)   try it. i hope you like to poop. having done cleanses for pre op surgery work ups, i can,t see how anyone would voluntarily do this. ugh! - David

3)   I have had the same problems. Cabbage may make it worse. It is good for you, but it causes gas/bloating in some people. What you may have going on is a wheat and/or dairy intolerance that causes this. I know when I did a cleanse (I did a dietary cleanse in addition to taking a cleanse supplement) once I was off all refined flour/sugar and dairy my belly was the flattest I had ever seen, I felt great, had immense energy and clarity of thought, improved mood - taking out of your diet what your body does not want or cannot process is the big key over just a cleanse and then reintroducing those foods again.. Now I eat whole grains (no wheat gluten) and dairy in EXTREME moderation... and I've never felt better and haven't had the bloating and gut pain I once did. (I would look pregnant too by the end of the day) - Nathan arrived 8/4 :)

4)   Option number 3: Neither.

Neither a colon cleanser or a "cabbage detox soup" have any plausible mechanism to be of any medicinal value.

See your Doctor. - Rhianna does Medicine Year 1


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Question 5
Do these supplements cause weight gain?...  Just wondering if anyone knows FOR A FACT if Amphetamine Salts ER 30mg, Slo Niacin 500mg, Fish Oil 1360mg, B-12 2500mcg, Melatonin 5mg cause weight gain? Im trying to figure out why I am gaining weight... here is my typical day:

For breakfast I eat either 3 eggs microwaved (with green peppers, mushrooms, mozzarella cheese) OR Quaker oats (mixed with greek yogurt, blueberries, walnuts, raisins)

Then I take Amphetamine Salts ER ( generic for Adderall XR) at 9AM.

I spend 30-45 min sweeping, vacuuming, washing dishes.

About noontime I take Nature's Bounty brand sublingual B-12 2500mcg

I eat Dannon Light&Fit Blueberry OR strawberry yogurt and a homemade snack mix (almonds, walnuts, raisins, cinamon, and dried mango) for snacks during the day.

Pretty much all I also eat are bannanas, apples (with natural peanut butter), and apricots

In the afternoon I take Sundown Naturals brand Triple Strength Fish Oil 1360mg.

When my adderall wears off about 6PM every night I get really hungry.

For nightly snacks I have Ghirardelli Intense Dark chocolates OR Edy's Yogurt Blends.

I take Spring Valley brand Melatonin 3mg (I take 1 1/2 tablets) every night to sleep.

I also have Slo Niacin 500mg that I plan to start taking for mood.

I run a 5 mile trail 2-3 days every week.

Does anyone have any expertice to share with me about weight loss AND knowledge about supplements, which one help with mood, metabolism, weight loss, energy?

Thank you for taking the time to read my question!

Answers
1)   I would skip the eggs for breakfast. When you do eat eggs, you'll want some vitamin D to break down the cholesterol from the eggs so it doesn't clog your arteries. Or at least I would cut it to 1 or 2 and take a vitamin D pill. In the long run, this will lower your cholesterol.

I'd eat something more sugary for breakfast, you want to replenish your body of its lost energy stores quickly. Calories are calories, but some enter your body quicker in a rush (sugars) and some trickle into your bloodstream (complex carbs) Then as the day goes on, you'll want to eat more complex carbohydrates, ones that break down slower and give you more sustainable energy (like pasta or bread). I'd eat your fruits earlier in the day. Then at night its best to go with complex carbohydrates again, to sustain energy in your sleep.

Keep up that cardio, you're doing extremely well. Cardio is one of the most important things in life. - Derek E

2)   No, those supplements alone are not enough to cause weight gain.
However, if you're gaining weight and that's all you're eating, you may not be eating enough calories for the energy you expend. If you don't intake enough calories for your daily needs, your body can go into starvation mode and not burn as many calories as you normally would so you don't starve as quickly.

If you are gaining weight from this regimen and you aren't sure why, I would recommend talking to a nutritionist or dietitian so they can look at all the factors involved to see why you're gaining weight, work with your meal plan to increase or adjust whatever is needed, etc. Good luck and I hope I helped! - oldtimekid2

3)   so how many total calories are you eating? do you do anything for exercise that is different or that you are not used to? The body needs changeups in routine and in calorie intake to initiate weight loss and/or keep the metabolism going strong. Also, certain food intolerances can cause weight gain in addition to mood swings etc. For me I finally lost the weight when I cut out ALL refined carbohydrates not only that my mood, skin, hair, etc. improved radically.

As for supplements, they have their place but they don't "make you" gain or lose weight - it's all about calories in/calories out. Also, eating the right foods for your body type.

Also, if your calorie intake is too low - the body can go into conservation mode - causing your metabolism to actually slow down and for you to gain weight. - Nathan arrived 8/4 :)

4)   This article will answer your question>>>

Why do we gain weight after amphetamine use?
http://www.somazone.com.au/index.php?option=com_questions&task=view_detail&id=327&cat_id=28

Niacin is needed so there is enough tryptophan (an amino acid found in certain foods) to convert to serotonin. Tryptophan makes niacin when you are deficient and is easily used up. 60mg of tryptophan = 1mg of niacin.

Based on your symptoms of by the sounds of it ADHD problems, low mood and energy and sleep problems, there is some serious problems in the serotonin/melatonin pathway. "Natural Serotonin is involved in the regulation of several processes within the brain, including, depression, mood, emotions, aggression, sleep, appetite, anxiety, memory and perceptions." >>>

Serotonin/melatonin pathway>>>
http://www.understand-andcure-anxietyattacks-panicattacks-depression.com/5-htp-Melatonin.html

Vitamin B12 is essential for energy and is used as a weight loss tool. The first three vitamins that are cruical in the in pathways of DNA synthesis is B6, B12 and folate. A deficiency in any of these three vitamins is going to cause health problems as they are needed to lower toxic homocysteine in the body. These three vitamins are also necessary for methylation and methylation turns on serotonin and melatonin production.

Another vitamin needed is vitamin D which is by far the most common deficiency on the planet. This is essential for calcium absorption as well and calcium in the serotonin pathway.

Problems with digestion is major reason for low serotonin...you cannot absorb any vitamin and mineral without enought enzymes or stomach acid to break the nutrients down. Something i recommend to help is digestive enzyme supplements with meals. It is shown that there is a 72% increase in absorption rate with digestive enzymes. That is powerful digestion!

The following factors can cause low serotonin levels:

* Alcohol
* Artificial sweeteners (aspartame)
* Caffeine
* Cigarette Smoking
* Diabetes
* Dietary deficiencies of nutrient co-factors
* Ecstasy, Diet Pills, and certain medications
* Genetic Predisposition
* Hormone Imbalances (thyroid, adrenal, estrogen)
* Hypoglycemia
* Insulin Resistance
* Inflammation
* Infections
* Poor Diet
* Lack of exercise
* Lack of sunlight
* Problems converting tryptophan to Serotonin
* Problems with Digestion
* Stress and Anger
* High Cortisol Levels

http://www.integrativepsychiatry.net/serotonin.html

500mg of Niacin is high so you may experience a niacin flush and possibly other side effects like burning, tingling, itching sensations reddening of the skin, dizziness, shortness of breath for about 1&1/2 hours.

Easy and Natural Ways to Raise Low Serotonin Levels
http://www.ei-resource.org/articles/mental-and-emotional-problem-articles/easy-and-natural-ways-to-raise-low-serotonin-levels/

If you got to the end of this, thanks for reading my answer! :) - ƦєdAиgєℓ


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