KETOSIS (kee • toh • sis) is a metabolic state in the human body made possible by the process of KETOGENESIS, characterized by elevated levels of ketone bodies in the blood. In layman’s terms, being in a state of ketosis just means that our bodies are using fat for energy, instead of glucose.  Ketosis is experienced by people on low carb (or “ketogenic”) diets, such as the Atkin’s Diet or BodyOpus diet.

HEY SAM: My doctor recently told me that I’m at risk for high blood pressure and placed me on blood pressure medication. What’s the best way to augment my workout routine in this situation?

A: People who participated in a regular yoga program experienced a natural drop in blood pressure, according to new research from the Washington University School of Medicine. The study, published in HIV Medicine, followed 60 HIV-positive adults over the course of a supervised, 20 week yoga program. Resting systolic and diastolic blood pressures were reduced more in the yoga group than in the control group, despite no greater reduction in body weight, fat, or overall quality of life.The best part? T4 levels were not adversely affected.

Practicing yoga is an intelligent idea for other reasons, too.

Peripheral neuropathy causes pain (sometimes described as tingling or burning) and numbness in the hands and feet. While HIV is one cause of the condition, it’s certainly not the only one. Diabetes and cancer treatments (such as radiation or chemotherapy) are also common causes. Exercise may not actually reverse the condition, but it can most certainly help.

Supraphysiological levels of testosterone and growth hormone will reduce fat and increase lean body mass, but the long-term effects are largely unknown.

Used intelligently in concert with an exercise regimen and clean diet, these four supplements may prove useful as you work to shed a few extra pounds.