How is the CLA/GLA going?

[got2luv]

Okay.... I have a question.

Usually in the mornings I am at my lowest weight... I gain a little throughout the day, sometimes as much as 2 pounds. This morning I was 158. I just weighed again and I was 156, which is what I was before I cheated. What the heck is happening? Am I getting a whoosh or am I going to be 158 again in the morning? I hate this sometimes, I get frustrated.

[shulamite]

i was 158 this morning too...

at lunch ... 156...

i think we are going down sister...

you and me ...and me and you.... gonna break 150 sooner than we think...

[shulamite]

i was too scared to say anything... didnt wanna inx it... ha ha...

but itll either be or not be...

i usually go up during the day ... so im thinking positive..

im also thinking about doing one of those salt flushes...

for fun..

im sick huh

[got2luv]

heehee.... I'm gonna be lookin for that post !!! Come on 150 !!!!!! I upped my CLA to 4 times a day, maybe that was what the change was.

[got2luv]

I was thinking about one of those salt flushes too.... it can't kill me right? Ok, you go first!

[Sweetalex]

That is why I decided looooong ago to only weigh at the same time of the day and only once a week. It was killing me!

[Chrystine]

Paige, love your new avatar!
I can tell you I won't be doing the salt flush, the thought of it makes me gag. You two, have fun with that.

[shulamite]

Originally Posted by Chrystine

Paige, love your new avatar!
I can tell you I won't be doing the salt flush, the thought of it makes me gag. You two, have fun with that.

thanks chrystine!!!

im not scared ha ha.... i make my husband split a box of exlax with me... he gets so mad at me when i do it... i only do that maybe ever six months ... when i remember...

low carb candie works...

but im doing that right now... nor do i wanna tear myself up with duretics...

i may try a salt flush on a weekend though...
or shoot maybe tonight ... ha ha

ill get that scale to move one way or another

[tom_912]

Wow can't believe there are 3 new pages of posts today. I weighed in this morning at 212 up about 3 lbs but I think I walked it off today, at least I am hoping so. I'm hoping the whoosh fairy comes and visits us all!!!!! Great to see your face shulamite I got home from work and am cooking for the week...roast, 2 low carb meatloafs, boiled eggs...gotta have the basics and I'm not here in the evenings for Trish I know this is going to work out great for everyone because of all the support we have

[Chrystine]

Tom, I hope the M/E gets you and Trisha jump started again.

[got2luv]

Tom, you deserve the "Husband Of The Year" award!!!! You two will get things moving again. I'm praying for the whoosh fairy for us all too.

[tom_912]

Thanks Michelle, I'm just in Love .. Just pulled out the roast and meatloaves...couldn't resist trying them out....I think Trish will be happy Now to get back to 208 by this weekend and down to 199 by Thanksgiving

[tom_912]

now I went and did it...all the talk about crunches.. I got on Trish's ab roller, never tried one before. Well I did 30 front and 20 side crunches and now I have a tummy cramp that won't go away But I guess the tummy cramps are working the ab's too I feel ripped.... Going to have to take it slow with this thing...its dangerous

[LosingIt]

How do you make your LC meatloaves Tom?

DH and I are wanting to go to the mountains in late spring... but now that I've thought about it... this time next year would be nice! I will be checking in with you two for pointers!

[tom_912]

We've been to the mountains in each season, they all have their perks, This time of year its the leaves changing color, next week they start all the Christmas activities, Gatlinburg is really pretty then. In the spring hike to the waterfalls, they are fantastic. And the summer just enjoy life, go see a bear or deer in Cades Cove.

My meatloaf is easy, 2 lbs ground meat, 1/2 bag crunched up hot pork rinds, 2 eggs, and seasonings of your choice.. Very few carbs if any per serving and its great.

[LosingIt]

YUMMY! I love hot pork rinds... I'm going to give that a try!

Maybe we'll just have to try every season out in the mountains to see which we like best!

[Winged1]

Hello All,
I just "forced" (nagged) my DH to take CLA/GLA for the second time this week and I measured him too. He doesn't believe me that people are losing inches on this, I can't wait to prove him wrong-he has some remaining belly fat and that's about it. He is almost to his goal of 165 and needs to lose that final ten pounds. Our whole family is doing LC together.
I seem to be gaining weight again and haven't lost in almost 3 weeks. Can't wait to see inches move!

[got2luv]

This is just an article I found that I think may be helpful in explaining CLA benefits:

Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) Supplements May Speed Weight Loss
From Mary Shomon,Your Guide to Thyroid Disease.

News Promises New Tool in Weight Loss Battle for People with Hypothyroidism
by Mary J. Shomon

January 2001 -- Major news for people with thyroid problems who are facing weight loss challenges is the news that the natural dietary supplement conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) reduces body fat in people who are overweight.

A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study, published in the December 2000 issue of the Journal of Nutrition found that CLA reduces fat and preserves muscle tissue. According to the research project manager, an average reduction of six pounds of body fat was found in the group that took CLA, compared to a placebo group. The study found that approximately 3.4 grams of CLA per day is the level needed to obtain the beneficial effects of CLA on body fat.

Dr. Michael Pariza, who conducted research on CLA with the University of Wisconsin-Madison, reported in August 2000 to the American Chemical Society that "It doesn't make a big fat cell get little. What it rather does is keep a little fat cell from getting big." Pariza's research did not find weight loss in his group of 71 overweight people, but what he did find was that when the dieters stopped dieting, and gained back weight, those taking CLA "were more likely to gain muscle and not fat.'' In a separate study conducted at Purdue University in Indiana, CLA was found to improve insulin levels in about two-thirds of diabetic patients, and moderately reduced the blood glucose level and triglyceride levels.

CLA has been the subject of a variety of research in the past several years, and findings also suggest that some of the other benefits of CLA include the following:
Increases metabolic rate -- This would obviously be a positive benefit for thyroid patients, as hypothyroidism -- even when treated -- can reduce the metabolic rate in some people.
Decreases abdominal fat -- Adrenal imbalances and hormonal shifts that are common in thyroid patients frequently cause rapid accumulation of abdominal fat, so this benefit could be quite helpful.
Enhances muscle growth -- Muscle burns fat, which also contributes to increased metabolism, which is useful in weight loss and management.
Lowers cholesterol and triglycerides -- Since many thyroid patients have elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels, even with treatment, this benefit can have an impact on a thyroid patient's health.
Lowers insulin resistance -- Insulin resistance is a risk for some hypothyroid patients, and lowering it can also help prevent adult-onset diabetes and make it easier to control weight.
Reduces food-induced allergic reactions -- Since food allergies can be at play when weight loss becomes difficult, this can be of help to thyroid patients.
Enhances immune system -- Since most cases of thyroid disease are autoimmune in nature, enhancing the immune system's ability to function properly is a positive benefit.
If you're interested in taking CLA to help with weight loss, keep in mind that it's not a magic pill, and you will need to start a program of diet and exercise in order to successfully lose weight and keep it off.

If You Are Interested in Taking CLA

CLA is a supplement, and does not require a prescription. Experts recommend that you use a patented name brand, as some brands have inconsistent or insufficient amounts of CLA contained in them. The brand used in testing was "Tonalin" brand CLA, which comes in 1000 mg capsules. To obtain the level determined to be effective in the testing -- 3.4 g, or 3400 mg, per day -- you would need to take 4 of these capsules a day, with meals.



Hang on, there is a FAQ page Im going to post also.......

[got2luv]

Frequently Asked Questions
by Mary J. Shomon

With all the excitement over Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) and it's proven success in helping reduce body fat and balance blood sugar, I've received hundreds of questions from readers interested in finding out more about CLA.



Is Any Brand of CLA Good to Use?

The simple answer is, no. Different brands have differing amounts of active CLA. The research studies that established the effectiveness of CLA were using a patented form of CLA known as [link url=http://www.tonalin.com]"Tonalin."[/link] Tonalin's patented formula for CLA can be found in a number of brands of CLA, including brands such as Natrol, Jarrow Formulas, and Nature's Way, among others.

Is CLA Safe to Take With My Thyroid Medications?

There's no evidence that CLA, a food supplement, interacts with thyroid medications, or poses any special dangers to thyroid patients. But you should always discuss any supplements you intend to take with your own physician or practitioner before starting.

Is CLA Only for People with Thyroid Problems?

Absolutely not. The studies have shown that it's effective in general for reducing/converting fat. YOu don't have to have a thyroid problem -- you just have to be overweight -- to benefit from CLA.

How Much Should I Take?

The study found that 3.4 grams of CLA was needed in order to get the benefits. That's 3,400 mg. Since the various formulas contain a percentage of other oils as ingredients, it's wise to probably calculate how much each pill is delivering to make sure you're getting the full 3.4 grams a day. For example, if your capsule contains 75% CLA, and it's 1000 mg, then you're getting 750 mg of CLA, and would need 5 per day to get to the 3.4 grams level.

Does CLA Have Soy in It? Should I Take It If It Says It Contains Soy?

Tonalin CLA in the 1000 mg size does not contain any soy or soybean oil. The confusion is because an older version of Natrol's Tonalin CLA did contain soybean oil, but that product has been discontinued. The Drugstore.com website, however, is still carrying the inaccurate information that Natrol Tonalin CLA contains soybean oil. Tonalin's formula contains CLA from safflower oil, and NO soybean oil or soy. Please be advised that some off-brands of CLA may contain soybean oil, or soy products, as fillers, and you would NOT want to take these products.

Where Can I Get CLA?

GNC stores have some products with CLA, and Whole Foods Markets are also reported to have the products. The Tonalin site lists a variety of stores that sell products containing Tonalin CLA.

How Should I Take It?

The various recommendations differ here. Some recommendations suggest to take it before eating. Others suggest to take it with meals. The Natrol web page for their Tonalin CLA product says to take it preferably with lowfat or nonfat milk for maximum protein absorption. Personally, I'm taking it right before I eat with some 2% milk.

Does CLA Have Any Side Effects?

Some people report feeling slightly green or nauseous after taking their CLA, or isolated cases of gastrointestinal upset or loose stools. These side effects typically are reduced when the product is taken with protein (i.e.,with milk), and usually decrease after about 2 weeks taking the supplement.

Where Can I Read More About CLA's Health Benefits?

For more information about CLA, see:
Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) Supplements May Speed Weight Loss
Life Extension Foundation CLA Information
Are You Taking CLA, and If So, Is It Working For You?

I periodically take the Natrol Tonalin CLA. Usually, in the first three weeks, my abdominal fat "pooch" shrinks. Other "fattier" areas (such as cheeks, upper arms, rear end) seemed to be slowly reducing as well. I also notice that my appetite is somewhat reduced. I had two or three days my first week when I felt a bit green after taking my CLA, but I began to take it with a bit of milk, which eliminated that problem. Other than that, I had no other gastrointestinal problems with it. I go on and off the CLA, based on my use of other fatty acids.

[ToothPick]

I'm not finding all those great animations you guys have found on that site...?

[shulamite]

great info...

good morning all... i am scared to claim it but im down from my curse of 158 to...156...im gonna wait until i see it again tomorrow to claim it...i did another 60 minutes last night on the elliptical and we missed the gym this morning for weights...gonna try maybe for the tonight but i will do a 35-45 minutes elliptical as soon as i check in here ...having my morning coffee...

[got2luv]

Originally Posted by ToothPick

I'm not finding all those great animations you guys have found on that site...?

Hmmmm I had to keep clicking "next page" the best one's were on the last few pages of animations.

Shula - Mine said 156 also, but I am scared to claim it too....

I think I'm just gonna drink a ton of water today and do my workout and if it's still 156 tomorrow I'll claim it.

I'm having my morning coffee also.

[got2luv]

So far for GLA I have found this...

GLA is important for regulation of an array of bodily functions. Some of those functions are:

•Inflammation, swelling and pain.
•Pressure in joints, blood vessels.
•Water retention.
•Allergic response.
•Rheumatoid arthritis.
•Nerve transmission.
•Pre-menstrual syndrome.
•Obesity.
•Vascular disorders.
•Eczema.


Related Research of GLA-240

Borage is a plant with star shaped, periwinkle-blue flowers. The plant produces a dark, rich oil that contains valuable therapeutic lipids. The seed pod usually contains about 25% oil content.

The body is capable of naturally producing GLA. In order to do this, it must have its starting material, linoleic acid (LA). This is an essential fatty acid that the body is unable to make and must be ingested as part of the everyday diet. Fortunately, most people get plenty of LA in their daily diet, since it is commonly found in almost all edible vegetable oils. Once LA is ingested, it is acted upon by an enzyme called delta-6-desaturase (D6D) which biochemically converts LA to GLA. This is how the body gets its daily fix of GLA.

The enzyme D6D is the important enzyme. Without the effective functioning of this enzyme the body is unable to manufacture any GLA no matter how much LA is ingested. GLA is further converted via a sequence of biochemical steps into prostaglandin 1 (PGE1), a key molecule with numerous biological properties including:

•Anti-inflammatory.
•Dermatology (e.g. eczema).
•Anti-allergy.
•Nerve transmission.
•Secretion from the mucus membrane.
•PMS.
•Steroid production and hormone synthesis.

The first vegetable source of GLA was discovered in the oil of evening primrose seeds (where GLA content is 9%). This oil became well known with the public, health professionals, and in health stores. Then GLA was also discovered in borage and black current in higher amounts, 24% and 17% respectively. A 1992 study published in the journal ‘Lipids’ showed that “there was no significant difference in tissue GLA levels within groups given equal amounts of dietary GLA either in borage oil or evening primrose oil”. In order to ingest 240mg of GLA, only 1 000mg of 24% borage oil needs to be taken compared to 2 660mg of EPO. Because reduced consumption of oil is desirable as a rule, the higher GLA potency of borage oil makes it preferable to evening primrose oil.

Clinical Studies

1.) Anti-inflammatory. In rheumatoid arthritis (RA), benefit from non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is mediated through inhibition of the cyclo-oxygenase enzyme, thereby decreasing production of the 2 series prostaglandins (PG2). The Lipoxygenase enzyme is intact, however, allowing leukotriene (LT) production; e.g. LTB4 is an inflammatory mediator. Treatment with GLA-240 leads to the production of the prostaglandin 1 series PGE1, which has less inflammatory effects. In addition, LT production is inhibited.

2.) Post-viral fatigue syndrome. 63 adult patients were treated with GLA for 3 months in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. All patients had been ill for 1-3 years of a viral infection and were suffering from myalgia, severe fatigue and a variety of psychiatric symptoms. The essential fatty acid composition of the red cell membrane phospholipid improved significantly.

3.) Mastalgia. 414 patients with mastalgia were treated with Danazol, bromocriptine, or GLA. Danazol was the most effective, with GLA and bromocrphine having equivalent efficacy. However, many more adverse effects were noted with danazol and bromocriptine.

4.) Diabetic neuropathy. A 1 year study with 111 patients win which mild diabetic neuropathy were treated with 480mg of GLA per day and assessed for 16 parameters including tendon reflexes, muscle strength, hot and cold sensation etc. For all parameters, the changes were more favorable and statistically significant in GLA group. The conclusion was GLA had beneficial effects on the course of diabetic neuropathy.

Reference
i. Puolakka J, Makarainen L, Viinikka L, Ylikorkala O. “Biochemical and clinical effects of treating the premenstrual syndrome with prostaglandin synthesis precursors.” J Reprod Med 1985 Mar; 30(3): 149-53.
ii. Kruger MC, Coetzer H, de Winter R, Gericke G, van Papendorp DH. “Calcium, gamma-linolenic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid supplementation in senile osteoporosis.” Aging (Milano) 1998 Oct; 10(5): 385.
iii. Andreassi M, Forleo P, Di Lorio A, Masci S, Abate G, Amerio P. “Efficacy of gamma-linolenic acid in the treatment of patients with atopic dermatitis.” J Int Med Res 1997 Sep-Oct; 25(5): 266-74.
iv. Zurier RB, Rossetti RG, Jacobson EW, DeMarco DM, Liu NY, Temming JE, White BM, Laposata M. “Gamma-Linolenic acid treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. A randomized, placebo-controlled trial.” Arthritis Rheum 1996 Nov; 39(11): 1808-17.
v. Fearon KC, Falconer JS, Ross JA, Carter DC, Hunter JO, Reynolds PD, Tuffnell Q. “An open-label phase I/II dose escalation study of the treatment of pancreatic cancer using lithium gammalinolenate.” Anticancer Res 1996 Mar-Apr; 16(2): 867-74.
vi. Keen H, Payan J, Allawi J, Walker J, Jamal GA, Weir AI, Henderson LM, Bissessar EA, Watkins PJ, Sampson M, et al. “Treatment of diabetic neuropathy with gamma-linolenic acid. The gamma-Linolenic Acid Multicenter Trial Group.” Diabetes Care 1993 Jan; 16(1): 8-15.

[debbiejo]

Good Morning, Was only down an inch total for the week but TOM is here so we will see next week.
Doing the salt flush this morning. I'm on my second glass so hopefully this works. Let me tell you it's nasty .
I'll let you guys know how everything comes out

[got2luv]

Debbie,
Yes, please tell us about....... ummmm, everything. I really wanna know why the heck I am considering doing this. I must be insane!!!!

Seriously, let us know how you weighed and how you feel after you ummmmm go..... and ummmmm everything.