Confidential Assignment 2: International (2022) Review

"Confidential Assignment 2: International" Theatrical Poster

“Confidential Assignment 2: International” Theatrical Poster

Director: Lee Suk-Hoon
Cast: Hyun-Bin, Yu Hae-Jin, Lim Yoon-A , Daniel Henney, Jin Sun-Kyu, Jang Young-Nam, Park Hoon, Im Sung-Jae, Yoon Sang-Hwa, Park Min-Ha
Running Time: 129 min.

By Paul Bramhall

In 2016 Yoo Hae-jin and Hyun Bin played a South Korean detective and North Korean agent who team up to track down a rogue North Korean general in Confidential Assignment. Somewhat of a precursor to the trend of movies that portrayed amicable relations between the South and North once president Moon Jae-in would take office just a year later, the production itself was a breezy but slight affair. A pleasant mix of comedy, action, and light drama wrapped up as a commercially leaning crowd pleaser, 6 years later it’s the kind of movie that has most likely slipped the mind of most who watched it (unless I’m only speaking for myself). Needless to say, it’s debatable if anyone was clamouring for a sequel, but in 2022 that’s what we got in the form of Confidential Assignment 2: International (possibly the first and only sequel to take inspiration from the ill-fated 4th entry in the Men in Black franchise?).

Replacing director Kim Seong-hoon is Lee Seok-hoon, for whom the sequel marks a kind of comeback vehicle. The last time Seok-hoon was in the director’s chair was before the original Confidential Assignment was released, with the 2015 mountain climbing drama The Himalayas. Before that he’d helmed 2014’s Pirates and a handful of romantic comedies, proving himself Continue reading

Posted in All, Korean, News, Reviews | Tagged |

What Does the Future Hold for Marijuana Legislation?

For decades, the debate on marijuana legislation has been a hot-button issue in many countries across the world. 

Marijuana is currently illegal or heavily restricted in most places, but that could soon change as more and more countries move towards legalizing it for both medical and recreational use. 

In this article, we’ll explore what the future holds for marijuana legislation around the world and why the path forward matters. 

Overview of Current Marijuana Legislation 

Currently, there are three main approaches to marijuana legislation around the world. 

In the United States, marijuana is still considered a Schedule 1 Controlled Substance under the Controlled Substances Act of 1970 and is illegal on a federal level. 

However, several states have passed their own regulations to legalize medical and/or recreational marijuana use. 

Elsewhere in the world, marijuana is either fully illegal or heavily restricted in many countries. In some places, like Canada, it has been completely legalized for both medicinal and recreational use. 

The Pros of Legalizing Marijuana 

The increasing push to legalize marijuana throughout the United States is motivated by a variety of compelling benefits that this move could bring. 

These pros include: 

1. Financial Benefits

The legalization and taxation of marijuana would provide much-needed revenue to state and local governments. 

Financial benefits of cannabis sales can help fund public health, education, infrastructure, and other essential services. 

2. Medical Benefits

Cannabis has been found to have many medicinal properties, from relieving chronic pain to helping treat certain mental health conditions. 

Making it more widely available could improve access to these treatments for those in need. 

3. Social Justice Benefits

Marijuana legislation often disproportionately affects communities of color, leading to higher arrest and incarceration rates for these populations. 

Legalizing marijuana could reduce this racial disparity and promote social justice in affected communities. 

The Cons of Legalizing Marijuana 

While there are certainly benefits to legalizing marijuana, it’s important to also understand the potential drawbacks that could accompany such a decision. 

This section will explore some of the cons of legalizing marijuana, from economic and public health to legal and social issues. 

1. Potential Health Risks

There is a lack of definitive evidence regarding the long-term effects of marijuana use, but studies have suggested that smoking marijuana may increase the risk for respiratory issues, mental health problems, and addiction. 

2. Social Issues

Legalizing marijuana would likely lead to more people using it, which could have an impact on public safety and result in higher rates of substance abuse. 

3. Legal Complexities

Legally regulating marijuana would be a challenge due to its current status as a Schedule 1 Drug. 

So those charged with creating and enforcing regulations would need to navigate complex legal issues. 

Adding in the differences in laws in places like California and Georgia can become very confusing. 

Challenges Facing the Future of Marijuana Law Reforms 

Despite the potential benefits of legalizing marijuana, there are still several challenges that could make this difficult. These include: 

1. International Issues

Any changes in marijuana legislation would need to take into account international treaties and agreements which currently classify cannabis as an illegal substance. 

These issues could make it difficult for countries to move forward with reform without running afoul of international law. 

2. Political Challenges

The legalization of marijuana is often seen as a political issue, and those in opposition to it could create obstacles that make reform difficult or impossible. 

3. Legal Issues

Creating regulations for the legal use of marijuana would involve navigating state and federal laws, which could prove challenging for legislators. 

In cases like the U.S. where cannabis is illegal federally, it can be murky to have states come up with their own subsequent laws. 

4. Social Issues

The social and cultural acceptance of marijuana use is still a contentious issue, with many arguing that legalizing it would lead to increased substance abuse or other negative consequences. 

While this has been proven to be false time and time again, the stigma still remains. 

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Conclusion

The debate over the legalization of marijuana is complex and often emotional. It’s important to consider both sides of the issue, as well as potential challenges, before making any decisions about future legislation. 

Ultimately, it will be up to lawmakers and voters to weigh the pros and cons in order to make an informed decision on how best to move forward with marijuana law reform. 

Once these issues are addressed, marijuana law reform could be a powerful tool for promoting justice, public health, and economic growth. 

Posted in News |

Tips to Becoming a Full-time Pro Gambler

It’s a dream of many to become a professional gambler. To live their life in the fast-paced world of gaming, betting on their favourite sports or trying their luck at cards – it can be an exhilarating experience. But becoming a full-time pro gambler is not something you can just jump right into without any knowledge or preparation. You’ll need to have skills, strategy, dedication and discipline if you want to achieve success in this field. 

That’s why we’ve compiled these top tips to help guide anyone who takes the plunge into becoming a full-time pro gambler. So, whether you’re looking for advice on bankroll management, sharpening up your decision-making with the help of kiwi reviews or learning how to handle gambling-related issues  – we’ve got the info you need!

Understand the Rules and Regulations of Gambling

Gambling is a popular pastime, but it’s important to understand the rules and regulations to enjoy it safely and responsibly. Whether you’re playing at a casino or online, it’s crucial to know the ins and outs of the game, as well as the laws that govern it. 

From understanding the odds and payouts to staying within your budget and knowing when to walk away, there are plenty of things to keep in mind when gambling. It’s also important to check the regulations in your area, as they can vary widely from one place to another. 

Develop a Strategy for Success

Success can mean different things to different people. Whatever your definition of success is, it’s essential to have a strategy in place to achieve it. A well-defined plan will keep you focused, motivated, and on track to reach your goals. When developing a strategy for success:

  • Start by identifying what’s important to you and what you want to achieve. 
  • Then, break down your goals into smaller, achievable milestones. 
  • It’s also essential to track your progress regularly, make adjustments along the way, and celebrate your wins. 

Developing a strategy for success takes time, effort, and commitment, but with the right mindset and approach, you can accomplish anything.

Utilize Online Gambling Tools

With so many games and strategies to choose from, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. This is where online gambling tools come in handy. These tools offer various features such as tracking your playing habits, calculating odds, and providing resources for responsible gambling. 

By utilizing these tools, you can gain a better understanding of the games you’re playing and make informed decisions based on data. Not only can these tools enhance your gambling experience, but they can also increase your chances of winning. 

Stay Disciplined & Informed

It is crucial for us to maintain a sense of order in our daily lives in order to achieve our goals. Discipline requires us to be deliberate in our actions and thoughts, and to stay focused on what we want to achieve. This means setting aside distractions and sticking to a routine, no matter how tempting it may be to deviate from the plan. 

Being informed is equally important, as this allows us to make informed decisions and stay up-to-date with the latest news and trends in gambling. With discipline and information, we can navigate through the route to becoming a pro player with greater ease and achieve the success we desire.

Learn from Mistakes & Adapt

Mistakes are a part of life, and learning from them is crucial for personal growth and success. It’s important to acknowledge your mistakes, but it’s even more vital to take the time to understand why they happened and what you can do differently next time you play. 

The ability to adapt is also essential, as the world around us constantly changes. Being flexible and able to pivot when necessary can lead to new opportunities and successes you may not have anticipated. So, embrace your mistakes, learn from them, and always stay open to adapting to new situations that might happen when you are playing casino games.

Posted in News |

Deal on Fire! Savage Dog | Blu-ray | Only $13.99 – Expires soon!

Savage Dog | Blu-ray & DVD (Xlrator)

Savage Dog | Blu-ray & DVD (Xlrator)

Today’s Deal on Fire is the Blu-ray  for Savage Dog (read our review), a martial arts actioner directed by Jesse V. Johnson (Triple Threat).

Savage Dog stars Scott Adkins (Close Range, Zero Tolerance), Marko Zaror (Redeemer), JuJu Chan (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: Sword of Destiny) and former MMA fighter, Cung Le (Dragon Eyes). Other cast members include Vladimir Kulich (The 13th Warrior), Keith David (The Thing), Sheena Chou (Shanghai Hotel) and Aki Aleong (Pound of Flesh).

Martin Tillman (Adkins), a former-champion boxer is incarcerated in the most dangerous prison in Indochina. When Tillman Continue reading

Posted in Deals on Fire!, News |

‘The Fist of the Condor’ starring Chilean martial arts sensation Marko Zaror hits Digital, Blu-ray & DVD on May 23

The Fist of the Condor | Blu-ray (Well Go USA)

The Fist of the Condor | Blu-ray (Well Go USA)

Director Ernesto Díaz Espinoza (Bring Me the Head of the Machine Gun Woman) and Chilean martial arts sensation Marko Zaror (Invincible) – the creative duo who previously worked together on 2006’s Kiltro, 2007’s Mirageman, 2009’s Mandrill and 2014’s Redeemer – are reuniting for The Fist of the Condor (aka El Puño del Cóndor), which is currently streaming on Hi-YAH! on April 7th, followed by a Digital, Blu-ray & DVD May 23

After centuries of careful safeguarding, a sacred manual of deadly fighting techniques risks falling into the wrong hands, leaving its rightful guardian to battle the world’s greatest assassins to protect the ancient secrets.

The Fist of the Condor (read our review) co-stars include Eyal Meyer (To Late To Die Young), Fernanda Continue reading

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Hell Dogs (2022) Review

"Hell Dogs" Theatrical Poster

“Hell Dogs” Theatrical Poster

Director: Masato Harada
Cast: Junichi Okada, Kentaro Sakaguchi, Mayu Matsuoka, Miyavi, Kazuki Kitamura, Shinobu Otake, Satoshi Kanada, Mai Kiryu, Arisa Nakajima, Kyoko
Running Time: 138 min.

By Henry McKeand

What happened to the good old-fashioned Yakuza flick?  Japanese underworld tales were a dime a dozen pre-Y2K, but they’ve started to fade into the background along with gangster films the world over. Maybe meat-and-potatoes crime stories just don’t stand a chance in cineplexes packed with superhero epics and would-be franchise starters that cost more than $200 million to make. 

Yakuza characters themselves certainly haven’t faded in popularity. They’ve popped up in some of the biggest AAA releases of the past five years (Deadpool 2, Bullet Train, and John Wick 4) as well as countless mid-budget actioners, but genuine, no-frills movies solely about the Yakuza are hard to come by. Kitano and Miike have continued to explore their criminal sides, and Kazuya Shiraishi’s Wolves films were refreshing throwbacks, but these are exceptions to the rule. Even 2021’s Yakuza-centric A Family functioned more as a social issue melodrama Continue reading

Posted in All, Japanese, News, Reviews |

Martial arts actor/stuntman Chris Mark gets gritty in Jimmy Mak’s upcoming action thriller ‘Escalation’

"Escalation" Theatrical Poster

“Escalation” Theatrical Poster

Chris Mark – a Canadian martial artist, stuntman and choreographer, who is mostly known for 2017’s Kill Order and 2019’s Enhanced – is back with Escalation, an upcoming action thriller that marks the directorial debut of filmmaker, Jimmy Mak.

In the film, a former police officer puts aside his differences with the force in order to track down his brother’s murderer. He teams with a younger detective to bring the case home.

Escalation also stars Nina Kiri (The Handmaid’s Tale), Cindy Sampson (Supernatural), George Tchortov (Kick-Ass), Milton Barnes (Pacific Rim) and Paul Amos (Lost Girl).

We expect a Trailer for the film to pop up soon, so stay tuned! For now, we leave Continue reading

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Zhao Wenhao’s martial arts thriller ‘Young Ip Man’ is now on Blu-ray from Well Go USA

Young Ip Man | Blu-ray (Well Go USA)

Young Ip Man | Blu-ray (Well Go USA)

Today marks the release of Well Go USA’s Blu-ray for Young Ip Man (aka Young Ip Man: Crisis Time), following it’s Hi-YAH! premiere on April 28 from your friends at Well Go USA.

This 2020 film is directed by Liming Li (Ip Man: Kung Fu Master) with Wenhao Zhao (White Vengeance) in the role made famous by Donnie Yen.

Official details:

After an escaped convict infiltrates his school and holds all the students for ransom, a young Ip Man confronts the kidnappers head on. However, he soon finds himself in the middle of a dangerous conspiracy involving local authorities as well as some Continue reading

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How to Vape Safely: Tips for a Smooth Vaping Experience

There are now around 55 million e-cigarette users worldwide. Many of these people switch to vaping so they can quit smoking cigarettes.

But many people make the change without having a good understanding of how to vape safely. This can be hazardous to your own and other people’s health.

This article is the perfect starting point for vaping for beginners. We include how to maintain your vape device, all about e-liquids, and more. Let’s jump into it!

Know Your Vape Device

One thing that new vapers often skip over is getting to know their specific vape device. Not all vape pens or e-cigarettes are the same, so take the time to read over the brand user manual.

Also, make sure that you are storing and maintaining your vape pen in the correct way. Don’t store it in any place it could get too hot, as this can be a fire hazard.

Make an effort to take apart your e-cig and clean it often, to prevent any bacteria from building up inside. This will keep your vape pen functioning well and reduces the chance of malfunctions.

Purchasing a top-quality brand of vape will help make your vaping more enjoyable. Discover Rapture Vapor here, one of the best shops for all your vaping needs.

Research E-Liquids

E-liquids are what vape pens use to create the vapor, the ‘smoke’ associated with vaping. They can also get called vape juice or e-juice.

When buying an e-liquid, make sure to check the nicotine content. You can buy some that are nicotine-free, but others can have varying strengths.

E-liquids also often have flavorings so you can try new and interesting tastes on the go. Make sure you change up your flavors once in a while, so you keep experiencing the taste at its best.

Learn Inhalation Techniques

There are two techniques used in vaping, mouth-to-lung (MTL) and direct-to-lung (DTL). Which style you choose is a personal preference, so try both ways and see which works best for you.

MTL tends to be easier for beginners, as you first hold the vapor in your mouth before it goes to the lungs. This is ideal for those with flavored e-liquids as you can taste it better.

But, for those who are smoking nicotine e-liquids, DTL is better. It will give you more of a ‘hit’, and it is more likely to satisfy your cravings.

Check-in With Your Body

When you start vaping, you may notice some side effects in your body. Most of these have no cause for concern, but it is important to take note.

Take breaks from vaping when you can, so that your body doesn’t get overwhelmed. If you ever feel light-headed or dizzy then stop using your vape right away.

If you suffer from breathing issues then always consult a doctor before vaping. Also, when trying to quit smoking then change over to e-cigarettes over a period of time. This will make it easier for your body to adjust.

Make sure that you are always staying hydrated when vaping. A common side effect of vaping is a dry mouth, so drinking plenty of water can keep that at bay.

Learn How to Vape Safely

Vaping can be the ideal way to quit smoking, as well as giving lots of fun flavor options to try. Now you know how to vape safely, you can enjoy the benefits of vaping for years to come.

If you found this article helpful, then check out our health section. There you can find lots of useful blogs about how to live your best, healthiest life!

Posted in News |

Assassin Club (2023) Review

"Assassin Club" Theatrical Poster

“Assassin Club” Theatrical Poster

Director: Camille Delamarre
Cast: Henry Golding, Noomi Rapace, Sheena Hao, Sam Neill, Daniela Melchior, Jimmy Jean-Louis, Anastasia Doaga, Gianluca Bottoni, Giulio Pampiglione
Running Time: 110 min.

By Paul Bramhall

Like every genre, the action movie is one that goes through cycles. For almost 10 years we’ve been in the age of the assassin flick, kickstarted by 2014’s John Wick and its (at least back then) refreshing approach to no frills, efficient kills. Since then we’ve had dying assassins (Kate), single mother assassins (Kill Boksoon), averse to killing assassins (The Fable: A Hitman Who Doesn’t Kill), retired assassins (The Killer: A Girl Who Deserves to Die), make it look like an accident assassins (Accident Man) and many many more. In 2023 the latest one has arrived in the form of Assassin Club, in which Henry Golding plays a former military man turned assassin, the kind who believes in only taking out the bad guys.

I can’t help but feel bad for Golding, his starring role in the G.I. Joe spin-off Snake Eyes was up against Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings as the Hollywood friendly Asian themed action fix of 2021, and as expected, that meant it never really stood a chance. While it’d be easy to justify its failure by saying a spin-off from a couple of late 00’s/early 10’s action blockbusters was never going to come out on top against the all-powerful Disney Marvel machine, the truth Continue reading

Posted in All, Asian Related, News, Reviews | Tagged , , , |

Latest Poster for Chow Yun-fat’s pathological gambler drama ‘Salavation’ (formerly ‘Be Water, My Friend’)

"Salavation" Theatrical Poster

“Salavation” Theatrical Poster

Anthony Pun (Extraordinary Mission) is prepping his new movie with Hong Kong film legend Chow Yun-fat (Project Gutenberg), titled Salavation (formerly Be Water, My Friend), which is based off a screenplay by Pun’s frequent collaborator, Felix Chong (The Lost Bladesman). The film is also known as its Chinese title, Don’t Call Me God of Gamblers.

Chow will star as a troubled, pathological gambler who seeks a way to connect with his autistic son (via THR). The film’s original title (“Be Water, My Friend”) is in reference to Bruce Lee’s famous philosophical quote (written by Stirling Silliphant) that originated in the 70s TV series, Longstreet.

Salavation co-stars Anita Yuen (Integrity), Liu Kai Chi (The Beast Stalker), Michael Ning (Port of Call) and Continue reading

Posted in News |

Watch James Hoang Tien Nguyen take on Jazlyn Gabriel in ‘Drunken Chicken’ – a homage to classic Kung Fu films!

"Drunken Chicken" Promotional Poster

“Drunken Chicken” Promotional Poster

Don’t miss Drunken Chicken, a new short/advertisement that involves two employees in a 70s dive cinema who fight it out over the “New Flavour” Drunken Chicken.

Drunken Chicken pays homage to the golden age of Kung Fu cinema and the grindhouse exploitation films of the 1970s. Tipping the hat at Shaw Brothers films and the classic Drunken Master (1979).

The extended ad is a faux commercial advertising a muscle meal, the brainchild of producer Richard Patterson who founded The Welcome Stranger, marketing production studio specialising in out of the box advertising and creative content. The idea behind the ad was to bring focus to the company showcasing the one stop shop the company provides, from building sets to CGI, bringing a new flavour Continue reading

Posted in News |

Daniel Wu returns as villain in Nicholas Tse’s directorial debut ‘New Police Story 2’ starring martial arts legend Jackie Chan

"New Police Story" Japanese Theatrical Poster

“New Police Story” Japanese Theatrical Poster

Nicholas Tse (Raging Fire), Jackie Chan (Vanguard), Charlene Choi (Detective vs. Sleuths) and Daniel Wu (Caught in Time) are re-teaming for New Police Story 2, which is currently in-development from Emperor Motion Pictures.

The upcoming actioner is a direct sequel to to Benny Chan’s 2004 film, New Police Story. In addition to starring, New Police Story 2 will also mark the directorial debut of Nicholas Tse, who is getting a helping hand from writer, Ronald Chan Kin-Hung (Enter the Fat Dragon), to pen the script.

Here’s what we can expect from New Police Story 2: Following the murder of the Commissioner of Police, Inspector Cheng Siu-Fung (Nicholas Tse) and Chief Superintendent Chan Kwok-Wing (Jackie Chan) face Joe Kwan (Daniel Wu) again, the main antagonist from the first movie who was arrested twenty years ago. Joe Kwan subsequently Continue reading

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The Complete Guide to Selecting Health Supplements for New Users

Are you ready to live a healthier lifestyle? If so, you’re probably wondering about the different ways to adjust your diet to improve your health. For many, the first step is to start taking health supplements. This is why most American adults and even a third of children take dietary supplements.

Before heading to the store and selecting the first multivitamin you can find, new users should be smart when selecting health supplements. This ensures you only take the vitamins you need and that will fit your health goals. Here’s your guide to finding the best health supplements.

Understanding Health Supplements

Nutritional supplements are products that offer different vitamins, minerals, and nutrients to supplement the body. Users with vitamin deficiencies often take supplements, though they have become popular among fitness and health enthusiasts. You can find nearly every vitamin, mineral, and even herb as a supplement. Users can either take supplements alone or mix them with food or a beverage.

Remember that supplements don’t replace a healthy diet. Everyone should eat a diet rich in vegetables, fruit, healthy oils, and lean meat or fish (consume plant-based alternatives for vegans and vegetarians).

If you suspect you need supplements, you may wonder why finding a vitamin isn’t as easy as selecting one from the grocery store. Not all vitamins are created equal, and it takes some research to know which supplement is right for you. There are also different supplements out there, and it can be difficult to know which one you should take.

Signs You May Need Supplements

Before taking health supplements, you may wonder if you even need to take them. After all, getting vitamins from food is better than getting them from supplements. But there are times when you should take vitamins.

Pregnancy

There are many reasons why pregnant women don’t get the vitamins they need. 70% of pregnant women get morning sickness during the first trimester, which means they’re consuming fewer nutrients.

Most pregnant women are also instructed to take prenatal vitamins. Prenatal supplements contain extra vitamins and minerals that women lose during pregnancy. As soon as conception begins, the embryo will start absorbing the mother’s nutrient stores to grow. This means the mother will lose vital nutrients for her own body, and prenatal vitamins will keep her healthy throughout the pregnancy.

If you’re planning on getting pregnant, your doctor may recommend taking prenatal vitamins before your pregnancy. This ensures your body can support itself before pregnancy.

Age

Age-related vitamins are one of the most common types of supplements that users may see and for good reason. Whether you’re a child or a senior, some individuals need specific nutrients at certain ages.

Many parents give their kids specialty supplements that contain certain vitamins, such as iron and vitamin D. Iron supports neurological development and makes hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in red blood cells. Vitamin D supports bone health and is essential for young children.

Individuals over the age of 50 should also start taking certain vitamins. As you age, your body absorbs less vitamins. If you’re over 50 years old, your doctor may recommend taking B12 and vitamin D. B12 is especially important for seniors, since it keeps your nervous system healthy. Vitamin B12 also plays a role in cell growth, cognitive health, enhances bone health, and supports the immune system.

Strict Diet

While low-calorie diets may help you lose weight, you could risk vitamin deficiencies. The vitamins you could lose depend on the diet you’re on.

For example, those on the keto diet tend to lack biotin, folate, choline, selenium, chromium, vitamins A, E, and D, magnesium, iodine, and molybdenum. For these users, a multivitamin is the best option.

On the other hand, those with a simple dairy sensitivity may lack calcium. These users can take a calcium supplement to supply this vitamin.

Have Health Conditions

Certain health conditions make it difficult to absorb vital nutrients. Common examples include:

  • Celiac disease
  • Inflammatory bowel syndrome (IBS)
  • Liver disease
  • Cystic fibrosis
  • Autoimmune disorders
  • Cancer
  • Genetic mutations
  • Alcoholism

Talk to your doctor if you have one of these conditions or another that may potentially interfere with vitamin absorption.

Had a Recent Operation

Certain surgical procedures and operations may also result in less vitamin absorption, especially during the recovery phase. Weight loss surgeries are usually the most common example. Bariatric surgery and similar can result in an iron deficiency. If you had weight-loss surgery in the past or are planning an operation, talk to your doctor for supplement recommendations.

Another surgery that commonly results in vitamin deficiencies is a gastrectomy. Folate, B12, and iron deficiencies are especially common after this operation.

Any Vitamin Deficiencies

If you have any known vitamin deficiencies, your doctor will recommend taking a vitamin. The best way to know if you have vitamin deficiencies is by taking a blood test.

Some symptoms could also point to possible vitamin deficiencies. These include:

  • Joint or bone pain
  • Hair loss
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Fatigue
  • Slow-healing wounds
  • Changes in vision

Those who eat an unhealthy diet (meaning low in fruits and vegetables) usually lack any of these vitamins:

  • Calcium
  • Vitamin D
  • Magnesium
  • Potassium
  • Iron

If you eat an unhealthy diet and are unsure if you have any vitamin deficiencies, start by taking a multivitamin.

Popular Types of Supplements

Another way to know which supplements to take is to identify your health goals. There are vitamins in specific categories that are easier for users to identify.

Vitamins and Minerals

These are the most popular examples of supplements. Users may take a multivitamin containing all daily nutrients, or take a single vitamin if they have a specific deficiency. While taking vitamins and minerals doesn’t treat serious health issues, they’re great to take alongside a healthy diet.

Antioxidants

Antioxidants are different than general vitamins and minerals. These are compounds that protect the body against certain cancers. While eating fruits and vegetables high in antioxidants is the best defense against cancers, users can take antioxidants as supplements to ensure they’re getting the recommended daily dose.

Two core antioxidants that users will want to take include vitamins C and E. Vitamin C protects cells and also aids in wound healing. You may also see this ingredient in skincare products since it supports skin health. Vitamin E supports a healthy reproductive system, vision, brain, blood, and skin.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are an essential nutrient. They’re not as abundant as other nutrients, since healthy fats are most prevalent in nuts, seeds, fish, avocado, and certain oils. If individuals don’t get enough omega-3 fatty acids, they can take supplements such as fish oil.

Omega-3 fatty acid supplements are best for those who need to support their blood flow, such as those with heart conditions. Your doctor may recommend omega-3 fatty acid supplements if you have high triglycerides and inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Age-Related Supplements

If you’re a certain age and know you need to take supplements, you can find age-related supplements. These supplements contain a mix of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that will support your overall health. Age-related supplements are available for kids and seniors, and you can find them at nearly every grocery or vitamin store.

Fitness Supplements

If you have serious fitness goals, you can take exercise supplements to boost your performance. This way, you can do intense physical activity for longer periods, reducing the number of “rest days” you need to take.

Examples of popular fitness supplements are creatine and caffeine. Creatine is a naturally-occurring substance, stored in the muscles and used as energy. Caffeine also helps muscles contract at a greater rate, resulting in more power during your workouts.

SARMs can also help you gain muscle mass. You can buy SARMs from different websites online.

Tips When Choosing Supplements

Before taking any of these supplements, it’s best to know what to look for first. Here are some essential tips when buying supplements.

Talk to Your Doctor

There’s a reason your doctor asks if you take any medication or supplements. Your doctor needs to ensure the supplements you take are safe, effective, or even necessary. Plus, supplements can interact with some prescription drugs.

Your doctor usually won’t recommend taking any supplements unless they found any deficiencies in your bloodwork. They may also suggest taking a supplement if you’re showing physical symptoms of vitamin deficiency, such as exhaustion and weakness.

Consider the Form

Supplements are available in different forms. These include tablets, capsules, liquids, and powder. Your body absorbs these supplement types differently. Your body may not break down capsules and tablets as well as other supplements, depending on the casing material of some tablets and capsules. If this is a concern for you, choose liquid or powder supplements instead.

You should also consider your preferred method when taking supplements. Some liquids taste bad, and users will have to mix the powder with other food or beverages. Because of this, many users prefer taking capsules or tablets instead.

It can be difficult to know the form of a vitamin when buying supplements online. Be sure to ask the company if you’re unsure.

Check Bioavailability

Bioavailability means the amount of the nutrient that absorbs into the body. Many factors go into bioavailability, such as the type of nutrient and the method you’re consuming the vitamin. Oftentimes, we consume too many vitamins that secrete out of the body. In other words, our body doesn’t need the full amount of the nutrient, so it exits the body when we use the bathroom.

The best course of action is to use vitamins with high bioavailability. Each vitamin has different forms that maximize bioavailability, so be sure to research the vitamin you will take and the best form for bioavailability. The vitamin won’t go to waste, and you can take smaller doses.

Read the Ingredients

Always read the ingredients before taking any vitamin. Many vitamins contain added ingredients, such as binders, fillers, preservatives, excipients, flavoring, and sweeteners.

The nutrient or its derivative should always be the first ingredient. If you’re taking a tablet or capsule, you may also see those compounds listed in the ingredients. For example, many capsules are often made of gelatin, so it’s common to see this ingredient.

Know the Manufacturing Process

The way the company made the vitamin can also affect its quality. To ensure the supplement is pure, research brands in advance and see if they follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). This means the manufacturing company follows all regulations imposed by the FDA.

You should also check the brand’s certifications. To gain these certifications, a third-party lab tested the supplements to ensure it’s safe and high-quality. Examples of certifications and independent labs include NSF, Certified Gluten-Free, USDA Organic, USP, and Non-GMO Project Verified.

 

Safety Best Practices Before Taking Supplements

Once you find the right supplement, there are some safety best practices you should follow. Only take the daily recommended dose unless your doctor says it’s okay. Check the percentages of multivitamins. Some multivitamins contain more than 200% of a vitamin’s daily value, while others may only contain as little as 4%. If you don’t think you’ll need that much of one vitamin or will need more of others, choose a different brand or take individual vitamins.

It can be difficult to remember to take your vitamins. Keep them in a place where they’re visible, such as on the bathroom cabinet. Keep your supplements away from moisture and light. If you have children, make sure your vitamins are out of reach.

Selecting Health Supplements Is Easy

If you’re trying to live a healthier lifestyle, one of the first things you may do is take vitamins. But selecting health supplements can be daunting, especially since there are so many.

First, ask yourself if you even need supplements. Most people should get their vitamins and minerals from food, but you may need to take supplements for different reasons. Examples include known vitamin deficiencies and pregnancy.

If you have specific goals, you should consider the type of vitamin you should take. For example, athletes will need different vitamins compared to those who want to reduce their triglycerides. Follow this advice, and you’ll find the right supplement that you need.

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Jackie Chan – Cameo Story: His Top 10 HK Cinema Cameos

Jackie Chan – Cameo Story: His Top 10 HK Cinema Cameos

Over the last few years many of Jackie Chan’s classics from the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s have found a new audience thanks to the stellar work of labels like 88 Films, Arrow Video, and Eureka! Entertainment. Arguably one of the most physically talented performers of the last 50 years, Chan was for many the ultimate action star – combining martial arts prowess, a willingness to put his body on the line for increasingly daring stunts, and that all important screen presence that kept audiences glued to the screen.

Understandably Chan become a much sought-after commodity, and his presence (or even just involvement) in a production became a way to increase a movies box office appeal. As a result the star has made cameo appearances in a number of productions over the years, ranging from simply lending his presence by appearing in a single scene, to also being Continue reading

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