Search Weight Loss Topics: |
HCG Diet Drops For Weight Loss : Everything You Should …


Imagine taking a natural hormone produced by the pregnant women and losing a lot of weight as a result, without any major side effects? Eat right, exercise and drink a lot of water a day and you will have a great body. A healthy body will just come from your hard work. Still even after exercising excessively and counting the calories you eat, all that seems to happen is you putting on a pound too many every week. That flat tummy seems like a dream, a vision or a kind of Photoshop people can pull off after all. However, it can really get frustrating and get to you if you always end up having to fight a battle you are losing miserably. There are easier ways to do the weight loss thing and ways that are less tiring and that help you prevent the frustrations and discouragement. Diet pills such as hcg diet drps are also time saving as now you do not have to waste time every day at the gym trying to work out this or that part of your body going to the gym, is not bad, it is just that with pills you wont have to go daily, twice a week will be sufficient.
Fortunately, this has been made possible, thanks to the HCG drops (named after the pregnancy hormone, HCG- Human Chorionic Gonadotropin).
Our main goal is to help you reach your weight loss goals. We have, therefore, compiled a detailed review below to help you discover important information before taking the HCG diet for weight loss.
In the simplest terms possible, HCG diet requires you to maintain a low-calorie diet, consuming calories that do not exceed 500 every day while take the HCG oral drops, injection, spray or pellets (in this case, we will focus on the drops diet).
As we hinted earlier on, HCG is a natural hormone produced by pregnant women to aid in successfully breaking down the body fats, thus aiding in the nutritional support of the unborn as well as maintaining the health of the mother. In other terms, the hormone regulates the body metabolism- the secret behind this diet as discovered in 1954 by Dr. Simeons (he published it in his renown manuscript, Pounds and Inches).
The health benefits of taking HCG go beyond shedding weight. Additional benefits reported by dieters after successfully losing weight with this diet include:
Does Hcg Drops Really Work?
Yes, HCG drops for weight loss actually works. The hundreds of thousands of HCG dieters expressing their satisfaction and successful weight loss after taking this diet is just enough evidence.
Once in the body, the hormone works tirelessly to reduce your appetite, maintain you normal energy levels, and ease the negative effects related to the low-calorie diet (e.g. mood swings and headaches). The hormone achieves all this by making your body process all the fat stores in your body effectively.
To enjoy the best results with HCG diet, you must follow the most effective weight loss protocol for HCG- the multiphase protocol. The protocol starts with the colon cleanse (optional), loading phase 1 (mandatory), phase 2 (longest and the most important), and phases 3 and 4 (involves tapering off the HCG hormone and re-acclimatizing the body to a less restrictive high-calorie diet). Well discuss the protocol shortly.
Following this protocol successfully not only helps you lose weight and burn fats, but it also alters your metabolism such that you maintain the weight loss for longer.
But in general, the effectiveness of the HCG drops diet you take heavily depends on the quality of the HCG drops you buy, and your determination to stick to the strict diet provided.
Decades after the publishing of Dr. Simeons Pounds and Inches, his HCG diet is still helping people lose a significant amount of weight in a short time.
The weight loss guru recommends the HCG drops in low doses per day. These are to be taken alongside a customized, extremely low-calorie diet. This diet comprises of consuming low amounts of carbohydrates and fats, high proteins, and 500 calories per day- with the goal of eliminating the adipose tissue without loss of any muscle tissue.The diet is implemented in stages/phases
4 HCG Diet Phases for HCG Drops Dieters:
Though Dr. Simeon's does not recommend the use of phases in his protocol for effective weight and fats loss with HCG drops, many people have found it easier to understand and beneficial. The phases were developed by Kevin Trudeau, who re-introduced the HCG drops diet to the planet with his book-The Weight Loss Cure They Dont Want You to Know About.
HCG Phase 1:
This is the preparatory stage for the HCG weight loss diet, though many people tend to ignore it (probably because it was not part of the original diet protocol by Simeons). What should you do to prepare for the weight loss journey ahead? Here, we recommend you to read the Pounds and Inches and take the necessary measurements as you wait for your shipment to arrive. Additionally, Kevin Trudeau recommends cleansing your body, colon cleanses in particular, in order to maximize the effectiveness of the results you will get from the hormone.
HCG Phase 2:
HCG phase two is where your weight journey kicks off. Originally, the phase was designed to last for around 26 to 43 days, but some recent HCG diet drops allow you to reduce it to 15-45 days.
This part has been the most confusing of all because it contains three parts. Even Simeons found it awkward when trying to explain it in his book. Trudeau later lumped them into one part. It is much better to look at the three parts separately:
How to take the HCG drops? Simply hold them under the tongue for over 2 minutes to help absorb the HCG sublingually.
HCG Phase 3:
Commonly known as stabilization stage, this is the most important stage in your weight loss journey. It basically involves stabilizing your new weight for a period of 21 days. You stop taking the HCG drops completely and you are free to eat everything EXCEPT sugar and starch.
You dont want to gain or lose weight during this 3-week period following the last dosage weight. This explains why this phase is useful.
In his book Pounds and Inches Dr. Simeons explains that youre resetting your hypothalamus to the new body weight so that your body remembers it and prevents any possible weight gain in the future.After fully stabilizing the new weight, move on the fourth and the final stage:
HCG Phase 4:
Congratulations! You have successfully gone through all the above stages and your dreams of losing weight have become a reality. This means that you qualify for the final stage- the Maintenance stage.
Remember that you dont have any dietary restrictions at this stage. You also do not need to take the HCG drops anymore. What you simply need to do here is maintain what you have already acquired. This will last for up to three weeks.
NOTE: If you have a lot of weight to lose, you can go through the above HCG drops diet phases multiple times. Each time you complete the phases successfully, you have undergone a course or a round.
HCG Diet Food List
Drinks: Coffee, green tea.
Fruits: Apples, lemons, strawberries, orange, grapefruits.
Vegetables: Lettuce, asparagus, cucumbers, cabbage, fresh garlic, tomatoes, green onions, spinach, broccoli. Meat: fish (white), lean ground beef, chicken breast.
Snacks: Breadsticks, Melba toast.
Spices: Sea salt, basil, cumin, parsley, rosemary, onion powder, chili powder, cayenne, garlic powder, coriander.
Remember the following rules as well (in relation to the above food list):
For the drinks, they should only contain artificial sugar. Never add sugar, even to your coffee or tea. A bit of milk is safe to add in these drinks (but keep the limit to a spoonful, every 24 hours). ALWAYS keep this list on hand. It contains the only foods approved for the HCG drops main diet phase (Phase 2 or Core Phase). Stick to this list if you dont want to frustrate the HCG diet drops efforts to help you lose weight.
We have seen how best HCG drops helps you lose that extra weight. But a handful of side effects have been reported by HCG dieters which include:
Headaches: This is the most common side effect. During the first week of HCG drops diet, you are likely to experience headaches. Consider taking over the counter pain killer to relieve the pain. Taking a lot of water is also recommended. If the pain persists for over 10 days, visit your health care provider.
Dizziness: This one is fairly common (but temporary) and is associated with low carb, low-calorie HCG drops diet plan. It usually fades after the first week.
Constipation: This is expected given that youll be changing your eating habits- reducing the amount of food you eat. Thus, there will be less to excrete. Luckily, drinking a lot of water or taking mild sugar-free laxative can solve your troubles.
Rash: Though rare, skin rash is another possible side effect of HCG drops diet. Remember that your body is burning and consuming fats at an incredibly high rate when on HCG diet. The more fat cells your body consumes, the more normal toxins will build up in your body, causing the skin rash. Drink a lot of water to help flush out these toxins.
Other possible side effects include hair thinning, restlessness, fatigue, irritability, depression, etc.Its a good idea to note that the above negative effects of HCG drops diet carry from one individual to another. Most of these problems can be easily treated with common medications. Always consult your physician before settling on the HCG diet.
hCG Drops FAQs (Questions and Answers)
Frequently Asked Questions About HCG Drops
Q: Is HCG safe?
A: HCG droplets are completely safe for humans. HCG is hormone naturally produced by pregnant women and has no adverse effects on them. Thus, the introduction of HCG diet in your body only helps you shed a significant amount of weight, for a short period, and without any serious side effects.
Q: Who can use HCG drops diet?
A: Almost everyone can use this diet to lose weight- from males, females, young and old. However, some people who should avoid taking this diet include people whose BMI is less than 20, pregnant/nursing women, children below 18 years of age, and anyone with a serious health issue. Always consult with your doctor before taking the diet to see if you can use it.
Q: Will HCG hormone make men feminized?
A: No. The amount of HCG used for weight loss is extremely small to have such effects on men. Surprisingly, this hormone is used to improve sexual development in boys with underdeveloped gonads.
Q: What about the hunger while on the 500-calorie diet?
A: many people experience hunger while taking the HCG drops. The experience normally lasts for the first one or two weeks. Afterward, even taking pretty small portions makes you feel full due to the huge amounts of calories your body is enjoying from its fat reserves. The hunger that occurs during the first week of this diet can be eliminated by following the 2 loading days correctly.
Q: Will taking the low-calorie diet without the HCG diet help me lose weight?
A: The reason you are advised to take the 500-calorie diet plus HCG drops is that latter helps decrease hunger experience in addition to preventing the common symptoms associated with extremely low-calorie diets. If you wish, you can also take the low-calorie diet alone. But bearing in mind that it will be starving yourself, and you will feel miserable as a result, it is not worth the effort.
Q: Will eating all types of food while on HCG diet affect the weight loss results?
A: The creator of this diet, Dr. Simeons came up with a list of foods that you should follow if you want to lose weight. For more information on these foods, including how you should prepare them, refer to the List of Foods to Eat While on HCG Diet section on this post.
Q: What should I look for when buying the HCG drops diet?
A: Many brands have popped up, claiming to offer quality best hcg products that help you shed a lot of weight in not time. However, only a few of these products are genuine. Others might subject you to serious health complications, so always ensure you buy from a reputable brand. Consulting your friends, doctor, or looking for online reviews will help you land on top-quality HCG products.
The Bottom Line:
HCG drops diet continues to help overweight people shed significant pounds of weight in a short period. We recommend you to invest in this wonderful and all-natural diet and experience the benefits it comes with, firsthand.
Our full review above clearly explains each and every bit of information you need to know before you start taking the HCG drops for weight loss. You will get to know how the diet works, the benefits it comes with, how to implement it successfully, side effects (and how to treat/prevent them), and the list of foods you should take while under this diet.
We cant fail to recognize the efforts of Dr. Simeons, the creator of the HCG diets that has helped a lot of people combat the obesity beast. Pregnant or nursing women, kids below 18 years of age, and people with serious health problems are advised against taking this diet. Always consult your physician before taking this diet.
Additional Resources:
HCG diet: Is it safe and effective? Mayo Clinic
Review of HCG for Weight Loss: Injections and Drops WebMD
HCG Diet Dangers: Is Fast Weight Loss Worth the Risk
Read more:
HCG Diet Drops For Weight Loss : Everything You Should ...
‘Swolemates’: Fit couples share tips on working out together – Lincoln Journal Star


+2
This undated photo provide by Jamie Hess shows Jamie and George Hess working out together in New York City. It's tempting to blow off a workout, but getting sweaty with your significant other makes a workout more fun and ups the intensity ante.(Jamie Hess via AP)
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) It's hot and sticky outside, all your friends are at the beach or at brunch. It's tempting to blow off a workout, but getting sweaty with your significant other definitely ups the fun factor and makes it easier to stick to. We asked some of our favorite swolemates (that's internet speak for soul mates who like to get swole, as in muscular or swollen, together) about the creative ways they sneak in a workout and how it has improved their relationships.
GEORGE AND JAMIE HESS FIND NEW FRIENDS THROUGH FITNESS
Fitness has always been the foundation of the Hess' relationship. He even proposed on the treadmill at Barry's Bootcamp class. The couple, who are public relation execs, chronicles their fitness journey to 25,000 Instagram followers through @NYCfitfam as a side gig. They say working out has helped them both lose weight and discover new things. They ran their first 5K three years ago and fell in love. Last year, they ran the NYC Marathon together.
George: "Our date nights are now date days. While most people hire a baby sitter in the evenings, we hire ours on weekend mornings so we can head outdoors and share some fitness time and then grab a quick healthy bite on the way home. It's so much more gratifying for us than having a "date night" dinner where we eat indulgent food and then regret it when our pants don't fit the next morning."
Jamie: "I would recommend finding something you love to do together, like a boot camp or spin class, and then sign up for that a few days a week. Not only does the routine help with consistency, but another cool by-product is making friends as a couple. Now that we have to juggle childcare (meaning they have to trade off mornings at the gym), we set aside time on Sunday nights to go over our schedule for the week to make sure we both get in all the workouts we need. The most important thing is scheduling the workouts and then making them non-negotiable."
GIUILIANA AND BILL RANCIC-MAKE IT FUN
A post shared by Bill and Giuliana Rancic (@billandgiuliana) on Dec 13, 2014 at 4:50pm PST
The Rancics started working out together 11 years ago when they started dating and have been sweating together ever since. Their Instagram feed is full of cute photos of them water skiing, boating, golfing and carb loading at their restaurants RPM Italian in Chicago and Washington, D.C.
Giuliana: "Bill and I recently started playing Pickleball regularly and (we) love it. It's like tennis meets pingpong and is a great workout and can get very competitive as well. We play it on outdoor courts, which is perfect for us since we both love being out in the sun. We also love to hike together or go to the gym together when the weather isn't great outside. He's the best workout partner I could ask for."
In this July 21, 2017 photo provided by Giuliana Rancic, Bill and Giuliana Rancic pose for a photo in Harrison, Idaho after winning a Mixed Doubles Pickleball Tournament. (Giuliana Rancic via AP)
Bill: "Working out as a couple is another way to be together while doing something that is good for you. Even if your workweek is too busy, plan to set aside an hour each weekend to either go to the gym, play a sport or take a hike. At the very least, a walk around the neighborhood is a great way to get some exercise and reconnect."
CELEB TRAINER ANNA KAISER AND HUSBAND CALL A BABY SITTER, SCHEDULE A WORKOUT DATE
She's a fitness trainer to stars like Ryan Seacrest, Kelly Ripa and Shakira. Kaiser and her husband, Dr. Carlos Wesley, who are new parents, love to stay active, especially when they travel. They've been spelunking in Riviera Maya, hiking through the Amazon rainforest; have paired up for a relay mini-triathlon in Montauk, New York, and created their own running tour of Paris and London.
Carlos: "Last Sunday, my mom came over to watch the baby and we headed into Central Park together for 45 minutes. We created an interval workout that alternated between short runs and a series of four exercises. (Run for seven minutes, then pushups, burpees, side planks, teasers, each exercise performed for one minute, then run for six minutes and perform each exercise for 45 seconds and so on.) I monitored the time and Anna led the workout sections. We had the best time and came back to the apartment better parents than when we left."
Anna: "We are new parents and we don't have much time outside of work and baby duties. So it can get frustrating not to get time to focus on ourselves, or one another. Working out not only gets us out of the house, but it helps us get physical together, push ourselves harder than we would if we were solo, and achieve a short-term goal that we have to work toward together. Plus, I think it's sexy to see him work out and push himself."
MIKE AIDALA AND CHELSEY KORUS SAY WORKING OUT TOGETHER IMPROVES TRUST AND IMTIMACY
Don't be intimidated by their crazy impressive moves like one-armed handstands. These stunt masters met on the set of a photo shoot in New York's Central Park and say they are each other's toughest trainers and biggest cheerleaders.
Chelsey: "Mike and I love to keep it playful and completely immerse ourselves in the environments we are in. If we happen to be strolling through the woods, we turn it into a free-running obstacle course. A quick dip in the reservoir turns into a long distance swim to the other side. An afternoon in the city turns into a game of 'can you handstand here?' Living this way together keeps the moment alive with possibilities, not to mention a great workout."
This undated photo provided by Peter Cooper shows Mike Aidala and Chelsey Khorus working on a skill called a Figa in New York's Washington Square Park. (Peter Cooper via AP)
Mike: "When we work out together, especially doing high-risk acrobatic trust moves, it requires us to lean on each other's strength, awareness and flexibility which naturally fosters a closer relationship. She's my teammate. ... Thebiggest benefits of training with your partner are the mental and emotional gains not the physical ones."
Original post:
'Swolemates': Fit couples share tips on working out together - Lincoln Journal Star
There will no longer be a print version of Men’s Fitness | New York … – New York Post


The glossy print version of Mens Fitness will be no more, its owner American Media Inc. said Friday, in the latest sign that mens magazines are losing their mojo.
An AMI spokesman said the publishing giant whose other titles include Us Weekly, Star and the National Enquirer will continue with a digital version of Mens Fitness, but sources said the magazines remaining editorial staff has been laid off.
In a cost-cutting move four months ago, many of the Mens Fitness staff of 24 had already been combined with another AMI title, Muscle & Fitness. The number of layoffs following Fridays move was estimated to be fewer than a dozen.
The plan will be to fold the unfilled Mens Fitness subscriptions into Mens Journal, which AMI acquired only in June from Wenner Media. Mens Journal also will return to publishing 12 times a year, after getting cut back to 10 in its last year under Jann Wenner, and its circulation will be pumped up by 66 percent to 1.25 million.
The category leader remains Mens Health, which is part of Rodale, a privately held, family-run publishing empire that is now on the block. Mens Health has a monthly circulation of 1.8 million, according to the Alliance for Audited Media.
AMI CEO David Pecker had said earlier he would be interested in acquiring Mens Health, but Fridays move would seem to indicate he has instead decided to bolster his existing properties to do battle with Mens Health.
Before the moves, Mens Fitness had a total circulation of 716,797. Mens Journal had a circulation of 735,674.
Pecker acquired the money-bleeding Mens Journal from Wenner Media only a few months after he had paid $100 million to buy celebrity rag Us Weekly from Wenner.
Unlike with the Us Weekly deal, Pecker said he was keeping the entire Mens Journal staff and planned no layoffs. But last month, Mens Journals editor-in -chief, Mark Healy, was quietly let go by AMI, and Greg Emmanuel was installed as the magazines chief content officer.
Its clear, as evidenced by numerous third-party research studies, that todays affluent men are looking for, and eager to invest in, curated experiences and adventures, Mens Journal chief revenue officer Jay Gallagher said. AMI believes Mens Journal is well-positioned to meet these consumer demands.
The new Mens Journal will hit the newsstands with the November issue, featuring heavier paper stock and more fitness coverage added to its adventure travel format, the company said.
Read more from the original source:
There will no longer be a print version of Men's Fitness | New York ... - New York Post
Planet Fitness stock near record high, real estate ‘gains’ without ‘retail pains’ – CNBC


Shares of Planet Fitness were up more than 7 percent midday Thursday after the company beat top- and bottom-line second-quarter expectations.
In a call with investors, executives of the low-cost gym chain pointed to its appeal to casual exercisers and ability to snap up vacant swaths of retail real estate. Planet Fitness' stock traded as high as $25.01, on pace to surpass its all-time closing high of $24.54 set Nov. 11, 2016, according to FactSet.
"There are not a lot of retailers out there taking down 20,000-square-foot boxes [of real estate] a year," the company's chief financial officer, Dorvin Lively, said. "One of the benefits we get is we're one of the first ones to get called now, when something becomes available."
Cowen Group analyst Oliver Chen emphasized that Planet Fitness is utilizing real estate deals, writing that the company's "gains not impacted by retail's pains." Chen pointed to the Planet Fitness business model as one "not built on the extras," saying it has the most potential so long as the company stays true to its "DNA of a nonjudgmental exercise environment."
"The company's 'judgment-free' culture creates a low risk opportunity for new entrants into the fitness market, and has led to some of the highest market share growth in the fitness category," Chen said.
Planet Fitness CEO Christopher Rondeau emphasized that a combination of the company's simple model, available real estate and casual appeal allowed it to scale quickly.
"We've doubled the number of stores over the past four years to over 1,400 locations," Rondeau said.
He also cited up to 40 percent of recent new members who told the company they never went to a gym before joining Planet Fitness. He says the advantage of Planet Fitness is how it caters "to the 80 percent of the population that doesn't have a gym membership."
Planet Fitness reported second-quarter adjusted earnings per share of 22 cents, above Wall Street expectations for 19 cents, according to analysts polled by Thomson Reuters. Revenue totaled $107.3 million, also surpassing estimates for $102 million in revenue. In the year-earlier quarter, the company posted adjusted net income of 17 cents per share and revenue of $91.5 million.
Programming note: For more on Planet Fitness, watch CEO Chris Rondeau's interview on "Mad Money" Thursday night at 6 p.m. ET.
See the rest here:
Planet Fitness stock near record high, real estate 'gains' without 'retail pains' - CNBC
Gym goers demand answers after fitness center closes its doors – KHQ Right Now


SPOKANE, Wash. -
Gym goers are demanding answers after finding out their fitness center is closed for good.
Those customers are up in arms because they say the center owes them hundreds of dollars.
"You invest and you get rewarded for your hard work with anything and so to find out that 'oh sorry, don't know what to tell you,'" said Madison Vicente, who has been to Physzique in Liberty Lake.
Vicente just won the fitness center's 12-week challenge by losing 24 percent of her body weight but now she's worried she's also lost the $1,000 prize. "Up until last week, I've been reassured by the owners that I was going to be paid on time and that there was going to be no issues even with Physzique closing," she said.
She even reached out to an owner, Amy Fairbanks but the messages she got in reply haven't exactly put her mind at ease. In part, one of the messages from Fairbanks says, "You're on the list to get paid by me personally as soon as I have a source of income."
She's not the only one having problems. After she posted on Facebook, several people reached out to Vicente sharing their own breakdown in communication with Physizque.
KHQ reached out to Fairbanks. She said in a Facebook message, "The company is bankrupt. That's not really a scandalous story. I don't have time for an interview right now cause I'm too busy making sure my former employees are taken care of and trying to find a new job myself."
Customers like Vicente want more than reassurances. "Bankruptcy or no bankruptcy. You can't take people's money and then not give what they were promised," said Vicente.
According to Amy Fairbanks Facebook page, she officially announced that details are falling into place for her to strike out on a solo fitness adventure.
Read the original here:
Gym goers demand answers after fitness center closes its doors - KHQ Right Now
Planet Fitness in Asheboro – Asheboro Courier Tribune


By Micki Bare mbare@courier-tribune.com Twitter: @mickibareCT
ASHEBORO Planet Fitness secured a building permit from the City of Asheboro for renovation work at 1560 E. Dixie Drive at RCC Village Marketplace in preparation for opening by the end of December.
Renovation costs were estimated at $450,000. Goodrich Builders, Inc. out of Charlotte will be completing the renovation work.
The fitness club will extend into the space next door, which currently houses La Hacienda. Meanwhile, the restaurant has secured a building permit from the City of Asheboro to renovate space at 1434 E. Dixie Drive, at Village Station next to Hobby Lobby, with estimated renovation costs of $469,000. Kirkland, Inc., out of High Point, is listed as the contractor for La Hacienda.
This will be an all-new Planet Fitness with state-of-the-art equipment, friendly staff, free fitness training and a Black Card spa, Planet Fitness Marketing Director Megan Beaver said.
The Black Card membership, an upgraded membership option, will include access to tanning beds, hydro-massage lounges, tissue massage chairs and other perks.
All Planet Fitness locations are independently-owned franchises. Beaver said the company is not ready to announce local owner and management information, but did say the company has begun the process for hiring staff for the Asheboro location. Those interested in job opportunities can visit planetfitness.com for information and applications.
Planet Fitness is not just a gym, Beaver said. We cater to a judgment-free zone offering a comfortable, non-intimidating atmosphere.
The company will be announcing special events and additional details about its Asheboro location closer to the facilitys opening date.
Read the original here:
Planet Fitness in Asheboro - Asheboro Courier Tribune
The case for Exact Sciences – Motley Fool


"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times..."
Charles Dickens wasn't referring to Exact Sciences (NASDAQ:EXAS) and Opko Health (NASDAQ:OPK) when he wrote those words, but they're certainly applicable for the two healthcare stocks. 2017 has been a great year so far for Exact Sciences. Shares of the molecular-diagnostics company have soared nearly 180% year to date. But it's a much different story for Opko Health, with its stock plunging more than 30% so far this year.
But is Exact Sciences still the better pick -- or will the tale of two healthcare stocks end up with Opko on top over the long run? Here's how Exact Sciences and Opko Health compare.
Image source: Getty Images.
If you're looking for a good reason to buy Exact Sciences stock, look no further than Cologuard. The company'sDNA screening test for colorectal cancer has arguably experienced the strongest launch of any genetic test in its first three years on the market. Increasingly more providers are prescribing Cologuard, and more payers are loosening their purse strings for reimbursement of the test as well.
The opportunity for future sales growth is significant. There are around 80 million patients who should be tested for colorectal cancer. Many of them don't, however, because of the inconvenience of preparing for and undergoing a colonoscopy. Cologuard's primary draw is that it's easy to use. It's also highly accurate.
Exact Sciences thinks it will be able to eventually capture 30% of the colorectal cancer screening market thanks to the benefits Cologuard offers. That translates to around $4 billion in potential annual revenue. Exact Sciences is on pace to bring in at least $230 million in 2017, which shows just how much growth could be in store if the company is successful in achieving its goal.
There's more to like about Exact Sciences than just Cologuard, though. The company is also working with the Mayo Clinic to develop liquid biopsy technology to detect multiple types of cancer. Exact Sciences is focusing the heaviest right now on early detection of lung cancer. Its effort to expand beyond colorectal cancer screening presents another great reason to like this stock over the long run.
While things aren't going as well right now for Opko Health, the company also has significant potential. Opko focuses on two primary areas: diagnostics and pharmaceuticals.
Opko's diagnostics business segment generates the most revenue currently. Its BioReference Laboratories ranks as the third-largest clinical laboratory with a core genetic testing business in the U.S. Opko also markets a diagnostic test -- 4Kscore prostate cancer test. The company is also developing an immunoassay platform that allows blood tests to be performed quickly and easily in physicians' offices.
Pharmaceuticals, however, could be Opko's greatest growth opportunity. The company has two FDA-approved products on the market. Rayaldee treatssecondary hyperparathyroidism in adults with stage 3 or 4 chronic kidney disease (CKD) and vitamin D insufficiency. Varubi treatschemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. Rayaldee is more important to Opko's success, however, because the company licensed Varubi to Tesaro in 2010.
The company also has several pipeline candidates that could be winners down the road, two of which are in late-stage clinical studies. Fermagate is being evaluated in a phase 3 study for treating hyperphosphatemia in CKD patients. Long-acting human growth hormone product hGH-CTP is also being evaluated in a phase 3 study for treating pediatric patients.
I think the better pick between these two stocks is Exact Sciences. Opko has potential, but it also faces plenty of significant risks with its pipeline candidates. That's especially true for hGH-CTP. Opko reported disappointing results from a late-stage study of the growth hormone in adults, although the company is still pursuing a path forward for possible regulatory approval.
Exact Sciences also faces some risks. Cologuard might not be as successful as the company hopes. Others could beat Exact Sciences in the race to develop liquid biopsies for early cancer detection. Still, though, I like the odds for Exact Sciences. The best of times for this stock could be in the future.
Keith Speights has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
View post:
The case for Exact Sciences - Motley Fool
Best HCG Diet Drops | HCG Drops For Weight Loss


HCG Drops What is it and How it works
Many excellent diets can be used to reduce weight. Majority of the fat diets that are being advertised nowadays are very not effective and moreover, they have side effects. For you to make sure that you remain healthy as you shade the unnecessary pound, it is very important that you get an arrangement that will help you to reduce weight effectively.
HCG drops phases are the best diet arrangement that you can easily find. This is an arrangement based on a hormone that was introduced by a British doctor, and has been tested and proven to be very effective in losing weight. If you seriously want to lose some weight, HCG drops may be right for you. It demands that you commit yourself to plans throughout the hard times, nevertheless, you will find that you are shading weight at a recommendable speed.
The HCG hormone effectively burns the fat on the food of pregnant woman. This fat is burnt into energy that is required during pregnancy. In order for a pregnant woman to have sufficient energy, the hormone is produced. The body stops production of this hormone shortly after giving birth. Tapping from the efficiency of this hormones, the HCG is concentrated in to HCG drops that are taken to reduce weight loss.
The HCG drops enters to the body to absorb most of the fats in the food taken. It also go farther to help the body access the fat that are already deep in the cell and the tissues of the body. By using HCG drops, your body finds it easier to process food and access stores of fat in your body. Excess fat would be converted in energy, therefore unwanted weight is lost. A lot of energy would result from the conversion of fat and therefore much excise should be done to ensure that this energy is lost.
The HCG Diet program should be covered in four stages so as to effectively burn the excess fat in your body. See this quick video whic explains how hcg drops work:
The four stages of HCG Diet Drops:
Loading phase: this phase covers a period of up to 2 days whereby you consume a lot of food that are rich in carbohydrates. Carbohydrate in this phase is vital for the next phase as it require a lot of energy. It also gives the body a substance to work immediately the HCG hormones is taken.
Low Calorie Diet Phase: In this phase, you need to start taking the HCG drops. The drops are taken with other diets of low energy. This are the drops that help to access the fat stored in the body. You should only take less food containing energy because there are already some energy that results from burning fat.
Recovery Phase: It is a period that may take a week. In this period you increase the amount of energy giving food that you take as you also take HCG drops to continue burning the food effectively.Maintenance Phase: It is the last phase. In this phase, there is need to change your life style and have proper diets and keep on with exercise to be health.
For any mor answers to your questions, please visit our FAQs section.
Tips to Help Succeed in The hCG Diet Drops
If you want to get the most out of your HCG diet plan, you'll be at a vantage point by taking note of the following simple yet crucial tips.
Don't compromise on your loading days
The first phase of hCG diet drops (commonly known as loading days) is meant to provide your body with the right amount of energy to sustain you through the entire program. Make sure to eat lots of healthy fats and carbs during this stage.
Do not consume the same meal in lunch as well as dinner
You are encouraged to take different meals for lunch and dinner and to avoid mixing vegetables in your meals to maximize on hCG results.
Make sure to drink sufficient fresh water
Take at least 2 quarts of water per day. Don't substitute pure water for other beverages.
Follow your recommended hCG dosage to the letter
Your provider will suggest the right hCG dosage for your body needs. Don't consume anything less or above what is suggested as this may impair the protocol's efficiency.
Avoid strenuous workouts
While under hCG dosage, it is recommended that you avoid exercising. Strenuous exercises combined with this hCG fat burning effects can lead to the loss of lean muscle tissues.
Don't give up along the way
hCG drops results are not instant. It is thus essential to remain committed all along and to follow the recommended guidelines to garner the most from this weight loss formula. To boost your motivation:
We remain optimistic that you are going to enjoy positive results in your hCG diet drops program.
Go here to read the rest:
Best HCG Diet Drops | HCG Drops For Weight Loss
Does testosterone optimization cause prostate cancer? – Meridian Star


Testosterone optimization for health in men and women has become popular as well as a hot-button topic over the last 5-10 years. It has become an important factor in hormone optimization but it comes with baggage. There are rumors of benefits as well as risks. I have a heart for optimal health so I've been studying this stuff for years. Also, being a urologist, my specialty has become the leader in hormone optimization, particularly in men. If you want to skip the rest of this article, here's the take away: a normal testosterone is better for your health than a low testosterone - for guys or gals (and they both have different normal levels). And, specific to this article, all studies to date show that testosterone optimization does not increase a mans risk for prostate cancer ... I still want you to keep reading, though!
Testosterone replacement has been around, actually, for quite a while since the 1940s but only recently has it become popular. My first brush with it was when I was a resident (i.e. urologist-in-training) at the University of Virginia. We ran what we called "resident clinic" (don't worry, real doctors backed us up) I pulled a chart out of the door to find a new patient referred by another urologist from two hours south of Charlottesville for "elevated PSA on testosterone replacement." I just blankly stared at the chart. I had no idea what that meant or what I was supposed to do. Getting the background story from the patient, he was on testosterone replacement and had been for several years and now had a PSA (a screening test for prostate cancer) above the normal range. His urologist wasn't sure what to do, so here he was.
I promptly asked my boss (a real urologist not just one in training) what to do. He asked me, "Does testosterone optimization increase his risk for prostate cancer?" Again, blank stare from me. He just smirked but never answered his own question for me. We ended up performing a prostate biopsy and, lo and behold, the guy didn't have prostate cancer. So then the next question was, "Should he stop his testosterone optimization?"
The answers to those questions came months later. We had a visiting professor by the name of Abe Morgantaler. Turns out he was an expert on this testosterone stuff. He showed study after study showing no relationship between any increased risk of prostate cancer and testosterone optimization. Several studies have even shown the opposite that the lower the testosterone level, the higher the chance of having a prostate biopsy showing prostate cancer. On the other end of things, no studies, I repeat none, show an increased risk of getting prostate cancer with an optimization in testosterone levels. So, the short answer on prostate cancer and testosterone optimization is that it doesn't appear to have any relationship in other words, replacing testosterone to a normal level does not appear to increase your risk of developing prostate cancer.
So lets take it to the next level. What if youve had prostate cancer, your PSA level is negligible but you feel miserable because your testosterone level is low. Can you have your level optimized? Lets ask another way. Consider this scenario: Lets say you and your twin brother both get prostate cancer and have it treated. Both of you have negligible PSA levels afterward. Your brothers testosterone level is in the normal range and he feels fine but your level is low and youre tired all the time and moody. You go to your doctor who says you cant have testosterone levels optimized because youve had prostate cancer. But, wait a second, your brothers levels are fine. Does it put him at increased risk for recurrence? All studies point to "no." So, again, I ask, why cant your levels be normal too? Good question. And one you should ask a healthcare provider who specializes in this.
Prostate cancer risk is just one factor in testosterone optimization. Its complicated and, even as health care providers, were still learning. Turns out a normal testosterone has many benefits and very little, if any, risks. That said, guy or girl, you need to see a healthcare provider who specializes in hormones to manage them. They better understand appropriate levels to optimize benefits and minimize risks.
Testosterone optimization can help improve fatigue (i.e. energy), mood, muscle strength, sex drive and (in men) erections. It also does several other things you can't see like improve heart health, better control diabetes, lower cholesterol, improve bone strength and lower risk for dementia. It's no holy grail but it does kill (or severely injure) at least 10 birds with 1 stone.
Dr. Thomas is a board-certified physician who operates Complete Health Integrative Wellness Clinic and Thomas Urology Clinic in Starkville, Mississippi.
This newspaper column is for informational purposes only and is, under no circumstances, intended to constitute medical advice or to create or continue a physician-patient relationship. If you have a medical emergency, you should immediately seek care from your nearest emergency room, and if you have specific health questions, you should consult your own physician.
Continue reading here:
Does testosterone optimization cause prostate cancer? - Meridian Star
‘Intersex’ athletes to learn if they will be forced to take drugs to … – Telegraph.co.uk


Next month the CAS is expected to rule on new evidence presented by the IAAF showing that high testosterone levels could shave around 2.5 seconds of an athletes time. There is typically less than two seconds between runners in 800m heats.
However sports science experts believe the court will refuse to take action for fear of opening themselves up to claims over other naturally occurring advantages, and accusations of sexism.
John Brewer, Professor of Applied Sports Science at Queen Mary University in Twickenham, said: There is a reason that testosterone is a banned substance, it has an anaerobic affect and increases muscle strength and power, so someone with more of it is likely to have more speed. And thats clearly an advantage. Its not a level playing field.
But what can you do about it? Do you ban them? Do you have a cut off point? Do you have a separate category? The problem is there will always be athletes who are at the top of a range of physiological values whether it is oxygen uptake, or capillary density, or the ability tolerate high levels of lactic acid.
Do you ban all Kenyan athletes because they train at high altitude and so can use oxygen more efficiently? Testosterone levels is just one of many variables that impact performance. And it can work both ways. Someone with more testosterone generally gains more muscle mass and weighs more, so it can be like running with two extra bags of sugar.
Read more here:
'Intersex' athletes to learn if they will be forced to take drugs to ... - Telegraph.co.uk